Description
This Creamy Mashed Potato recipe delivers perfectly soft, fluffy mashed potatoes with a rich buttery flavor and a hint of fresh herbs. Made using simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop, it’s a classic side dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 1.5 kg / 3 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 2.5cm/1” cubes (Preferably Sebago, Russet or Maris Piper)
- 1 tbsp salt (for cooking)
Flavourings
- 60g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk, preferably warmed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Extra melted butter (for serving)
- Chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot with 1 tablespoon of salt. Add enough water to cover potatoes by about 10cm / 4 inches.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until very soft when tested with a fork (potatoes should fall apart easily).
- Drain and Evaporate: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Leave them for 1 minute, shaking the pot occasionally to help evaporate any remaining water.
- Mash Potatoes: Add chopped butter, warmed milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the potatoes. Mash thoroughly until creamy, adding more milk if you prefer a looser texture.
- Avoid Over-mixing: Do not use a beater, stick blender, food processor, or blender. You can pulse with a stand mixer or handheld mixer carefully, stopping as soon as the potatoes become creamy to avoid a gluey texture.
- Serve: Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Create swirls on top and drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley and serve immediately.
- Keep Warm Options: For up to 30 minutes, cover the bowl tightly with cling wrap and keep in a warm place. Gently stir before serving.
- Warm Up to 2 Hours: Place bowl over a pot of simmering water without touching the water, keeping the mash warm.
- Warm Up to 4 Hours: Press baking/parchment paper onto the surface of the mash, cover tightly with foil, and keep warm in a slow cooker set to the WARM setting (around 60°C / 140°F).
- Make Ahead: For longer storage, use a specific make-ahead mashed potato method involving refrigeration and reheating as per recipe notes.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Sebago, Russet, or Maris Piper for the best texture.
- Warming the milk helps keep the potatoes hot and fluffy during mashing.
- Do not overwork the potatoes with electric mixers to avoid a gluey or gummy texture.
- To keep mashed potatoes warm and fresh, use one of the warming methods described depending on the length of time before serving.
- Fresh chives or parsley add a nice color and subtle flavor to the finished dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / British
Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, stovetop mashed potatoes, classic side dish, buttery mashed potatoes
