How to Make Mashed Potatoes

If you can't resist rich, creamy mashed potatoes, you're in for a treat! If you're searching for an authentic American mashed potato recipe, this one is sure to exceed your expectations.

This mashed potato recipe is incredibly simple to make, using just a few basic ingredients like potatoes, butter, black pepper, and milk. You'll find the full recipe below.

1.About Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are typically made by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with milk, butter or olive oil, and seasonings like salt. The result is a creamy, smooth dish with a rich, savory flavor. Mashed potatoes are a popular main dish or side, often served alongside meats and vegetables in Western cuisine.

2.The Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

If you're aiming for light, fluffy, and sweet-tasting mashed potatoes, russet or Idaho potatoes are your best bet. These potatoes are high in starch, making them easy to mash into a smooth, creamy consistency that perfectly captures the classic texture of mashed potatoes.

While other potatoes like purple potatoes (which may lose their color when cooked) or yellow potatoes such as Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes can also be used, they might not produce the same fluffy texture as high-starch potatoes.

We recommend avoiding red potatoes, fingerling potatoes, or new potatoes for mashed potatoes. These varieties have a waxy interior that holds its shape better during cooking, making them more suitable for boiling, frying, or roasting instead.

3.Ingredients

This classic recipe requires just 7 simple ingredients:

Potatoes: The key to great mashed potatoes, it's best to choose high-starch varieties for a fluffy texture.

Milk: Milk not only helps create a thick, creamy consistency but also adds a rich, buttery flavor to the mashed potatoes.

Butter: The rich aroma of butter enhances the taste and adds depth to the dish.

Cornstarch: Helps achieve the ideal thickness, ensuring a perfect texture.

Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and oyster sauce add layers of flavor, making each bite full of deliciousness.

4.How Long Should You Cook the Potatoes?

In my recipe, the potatoes should be steamed for about 15-20 minutes. I usually prefer steaming over boiling because boiled potatoes tend to absorb too much water, which can make mashed potatoes watery. Steaming helps retain less moisture, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture.

Instructions: Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks, place them in a steamer, and steam for about 15-20 minutes until tender.

5.How to Store Mashed Potatoes

Once the mashed potatoes have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month.

There are several ways to reheat mashed potatoes:

Microwave: Place the mashed potatoes in the microwave, set the appropriate heating time, and stir every 2 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Oven: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a casserole dish or an oven-safe dish, spread some butter on top, and cover with a lid. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). The heating time will vary depending on the size and shape of the dish, but it typically takes around 25 minutes or longer.

6.More Popular Potato Recipes

Five Spice Roast Potatoes

Homemade Crispy Hash Browns

Chinese-Style Hash Browns

Beef Stew with Potatoes

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