Description
Buttery Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich, creamy texture and a velvety buttery flavor that complements any meal. Made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, unsalted butter, and whole milk or cream, this quick and easy recipe delivers fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes that satisfy all ages and occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Dairy
- 4 to 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup warm whole milk or cream (adjust for desired consistency)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling water)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced or roasted (optional for aromatic flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut the russet potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly and quickly.
- Boil until tender: Place the potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain and dry: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for one minute to allow any excess moisture to evaporate, preventing watery mashed potatoes.
- Mash and add butter: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes while gradually folding in the unsalted butter so it melts evenly and adds creamy richness.
- Stir in milk and seasoning: Slowly add warm whole milk or cream, mixing gently until the desired smoothness is reached. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm: Transfer the buttery mashed potatoes to a serving dish, garnish if desired, and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose starchy russet potatoes for a fluffier mash over waxy varieties.
- Warm your milk and butter before adding to keep the mash smooth and warm.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent gluey texture; mash until creamy but slightly lumpy.
- Salt the boiling water to season potatoes during cooking.
- Using a potato ricer can produce a silky, lump-free texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (~1 cup)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: buttery mashed potatoes, comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes, easy side dish, mashed potatoes recipe
