Q1: What is the best tool to use for classic, fluffy mashed potatoes?

For a classic, fluffy mash with a little bit of pleasant, rustic texture, a simple, handheld potato masher is the perfect tool for the job. For an even smoother, more refined texture, a potato ricer or a food mill is a fantastic choice that guarantees a lump-free result without overworking the potatoes.

Q2: How do I avoid bland mashed potatoes?

Q2: How do I avoid bland mashed potatoes? The number one secret to flavorful mashed potatoes is to generously salt your cooking water . The potatoes will absorb the salted water as they cook, which seasons them from the inside out. If you wait to add all your salt at the very end, you will only be seasoning the sauce, not the potatoes themselves.

Q3: Can I use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to make my mashed potatoes?

It is highly recommended that you do not . While it may seem like an easy shortcut, the high-speed, aggressive action of an electric mixer will very quickly overwork the starches in the potatoes. This will rupture the starch cells and turn your beautiful, fluffy potatoes into a sticky, gummy, wallpaper-paste-like glue.

Q4: What is the perfect potato-to-butter ratio?

A great rule of thumb for rich, classic mashed potatoes is to use about 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of butter per pound of potatoes . This recipe uses 2 pounds of potatoes and 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of butter, which is a perfect ratio for a decadent, holiday-worthy result.

Q5: How do I keep my mashed potatoes hot for a big holiday meal?

A slow cooker is your best friend for a big meal like Thanksgiving! You can prepare your mashed potatoes completely up to two hours ahead of time. Simply transfer them to your slow cooker, set it on the "warm" setting, and place a thin towel under the lid to absorb condensation. They will stay perfectly hot and creamy until you are ready to serve.

The Best Fluffy & Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Classic!)

A classic recipe for the best, rich, and creamy mashed potatoes. The method involves boiling peeled russet potatoes until completely tender. A key step is to return the drained potatoes to the hot pot to steam off any excess moisture, ensuring a fluffy result. The potatoes are then mashed with cubed butter and hot heavy cream until smooth, and simply seasoned with salt and pepper.

Author: Evelyn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling, Mashing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cubed
3/4 cup heavy cream, heated

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Generously salt the water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Lower the heat to medium and gently simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife.
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot, empty pot.
Place the pot over low heat for about 2 minutes to allow any residual water to steam off.
Mash the potatoes well with a potato masher.
Using a spatula, fold in the cubed butter until it has completely melted.
Fold in the hot heavy cream.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

Starting the potatoes in cold water ensures they cook evenly.
The key to fluffy, not watery, mashed potatoes is to briefly dry the boiled potatoes in the hot pot after draining them.
Heating the cream before adding it to the potatoes helps it absorb better and keeps the final dish hot.
Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content, which results in a lighter, fluffier mash.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 350-420
Sugar: 2-3 g
Sodium: 300-450 mg (before salt to taste)
Fat: 25-32 g
Saturated Fat: 16-20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28-34 g
Fiber: 3-4 g
Protein: 4-6 g
Cholesterol: 80-100 mg

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/mashed-potatoes-recipe/