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The Best Ultra-Creamy and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

A large, fluffy mound of creamy, yellow mashed potatoes served on a white plate.
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You can make truly creamy, buttery, and fluffy mashed potatoes at home. This recipe uses simple steps to give you smooth potatoes perfect for any dinner or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for boiling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

  1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with cold water by about one inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. While the potatoes cook, gently warm the milk and butter together in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted. Do not boil the mixture.
  4. Drain the cooked potatoes completely in a colander. Let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes to allow excess steam to escape. This step helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
  5. Return the drained potatoes to the warm, empty pot. Mash the potatoes thoroughly using a potato masher until mostly smooth.
  6. Gradually pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the potatoes while continuing to mash or gently stir until you reach your desired consistency. Avoid overmixing, which can make the potatoes gluey.
  7. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and the optional sour cream or heavy cream until just combined.
  8. Taste the potatoes and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For the fluffiest texture, use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a standard masher after the initial rough mash.
  • Using starchy potatoes like Russets gives you a fluffier result, while Yukon Golds yield a naturally buttery and slightly creamier texture.
  • Warming the dairy ingredients prevents the potatoes from cooling down too quickly during mixing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenican.com/best-creamy-fluffy-mashed-potatoes-recipe/