American · Holiday
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
Creamy holiday mashed potatoes with the right potato, the right liquid, and no gluey texture.
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- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Serves
- 6
- Oven
- Stovetop
Ingredients
- 3 lb (1.4 kg) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 tbsp salt for the water
- 3/4 cup warm milk or cream
- 6 tbsp butter
- Salt and white pepper
How to cook mashed potatoes step by step
- Peel and cut the potatoes into even 2-inch chunks.
- Start them in cold salted water and bring to a simmer so they cook evenly.
- Cook 15–20 minutes, until a knife slides in with no resistance, then drain well.
- Return them to the hot pot for a minute to steam dry.
- Mash or rice them, then fold in warm milk and butter gently.
- Season with salt and white pepper and serve right away.
Chef's tips
- Never use a blender or food processor — it turns potatoes into glue.
- Warm dairy keeps the mash hot and absorbs more smoothly than cold.
Cook it with what you already have
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