A popular side dish that pairs well with everything from roasted meats to vegetarian dinners is mashed potatoes. They are easy to make and just call for a few staple components. In this article, we’ll walk you through making mashed potatoes step-by-step.

Ingredients:

~2 lbs of potatoes

~1/2 cup of milk

~4 tbsp of butter

~Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes❓

Choosing the right potatoes is the first step in making mashed potatoes. Because they are starchy and have a creamy texture when mashed, Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for making them. Mashed potatoes that are waxy, such as red or fingerling potatoes, will result in a gummy texture.

Step 2: Peel and Cut the Potatoes 🪚

Using a vegetable peeler, peel the potatoes and cut them into small, even pieces. They will cook evenly and be simple to mash as a result of this. Depending on their size, you can cut them into quarters or eighths.

Step 3: Boil the Potatoes 🔥

Cover the potatoes with cold water and place them in a large pot. To season the potatoes, sprinkle them generously with salt in the water. Reduce the heat to medium-low after the water reaches a boil over high heat. The potatoes should be simmered for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are soft enough to pierce with a fork.

Step 4: Drain the Potatoes 🌨️

Return the potatoes to the pot after draining them in a colander until they are tender. Put the pot back on the stove over low heat for a minute or two to dry the potatoes. They will be light and fluffy as a result of this, which will assist in the removal of any excess moisture.

Step 5: Add Butter and Milk 🧈🥛

Add butter to the pot and let it melt. Then add milk to the pot, starting with a small amount, and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. Using room temperature or warm milk will help to keep the potatoes from becoming gummy.

Step 6: Mash the Potatoes 🛠️

Mash the potatoes until they are creamy and smooth with a potato masher or handheld mixer. The potatoes will become gummy if they are over-mashed, so be careful not to over-mash them. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed for a smoother texture.

Step 7: Season the Potatoes 🌶️

Add salt and pepper to taste to the mashed potatoes. To enhance the flavor, you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or chopped herbs.

Step 8: Serve the Potatoes 🥔

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped herbs or additional melted butter and vegetables if desired. Serve the them hot with your favorite main course.

Just diggin’!