So rich and creamy, these mashed potatoes are the only ones we ever make.
Serves8 to 10
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Is there nothing more comforting and delicious than mashed potatoes? This warm, creamy, dairy-laden starch might be more of an indulgence than everyday fare these days, but even if you only have them once a year (Thanksgiving!), I say go all out and do it right. Read on for our method for classic mashed potatoes, with recommendations for potato type, dairy additions, and mashing methods.
Key Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
Common Mashed Potato Issues
If you’ve run into mashed potato problems in the past, don’t fret: we’ve got solutions to the most common issues.
1. Your mashed potatoes are gluey.
There are a few ways to prevent gluey mashed potatoes. First, never use a blender or food processor to whip them! Second, add the butter before the half-and-half. The amount of water in the half-and-half combines with the starch molecules, which makes the potatoes gluey. When you add the butter first, it coats the starch and results in silkier potatoes.
2. Your mashed potatoes are runny.
Peeled potatoes absorb more water when boiled, so keep the peels on when boiling. (Plus, the peels contribute to the overall potato flavor, and taking them off after cooking is quicker and easier). Leaving the potatoes whole rather than cutting them also prevents them from absorbing too much water.
3. Your mashed potatoes are lumpy.
Lumpy mashed potatoes are likely a result of undercooking. Starting the potatoes in cold water will help (adding potatoes to hot water can cause the outsides to cook more quickly than the insides) and wait to drain the potatoes until a sharp knife slides through easily. If you do undercook them, add some milk and warm them over low heat until they soften.
Looking to switch things up this year? We’ve got no shortage of ways to do just that.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips
What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes
What to Do with Leftover Mashed Potatoes
From crispy croquettes to fluffy mashed potato pancakes, here are our favorite ways to use up any leftovers.