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creamy mashed potatoes in a bowl with butter and a spoon

Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 581kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
This easy mashed potatoes recipe needs a place at your table this holiday season! Deliciously creamy and indulgent, you won't want to make this side dish any other way!
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt divided
  • teaspoon ground black pepper divided
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cut into 6-8 pieces (1 stick)

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra butter
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Freshly grated cheese

Instructions

  • Combine the cream, water, potatoes, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a large saucepan set over medium heat.
    2 cups heavy cream, 3 cups water, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 1½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • Bring just to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Drain the potatoes in a colander set over a medium-sized heatproof bowl (reserve the potato milk/water).
  • Return the potatoes to the pan and set the heat to medium-low. Stir gently until the excess moisture evaporates from the potatoes, about 1 minute.
  • Add the butter, 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy (or fluff adding some of the reserved potato milk-water, when/if necessary. (Note: If not serving the potatoes immediately, save about 1 cup of the milk-water to add before serving. Be sure to add the milk-water in ¼-cup increments to ensure the potatoes stay fluffy. No one likes watery mashed potatoes.)
    ½ cup unsalted butter
  • Transfer potatoes to a serving bowl, dot with 3-4 tabs of butter (or drizzle with melted butteand garnish with parsley or cheese, if desired.
    Chopped fresh parsley, Freshly grated cheese, Extra butter

Video

Notes

  • The potatoes should be boiled until fork tender. Don't under or overcook them.
  • You can cook these potatoes ahead of time and keep them covered with foil.
  • Garnish the easy mashed potatoes with your favorite toppings; fresh herbs, parmesan, or simply black pepper.
  • Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 581kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 2369mg | Potassium: 1042mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1646IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 2mg