Easy Mashed Potatoes
Learn how to make homemade mashed potatoes with this easy recipe! Easy mashed potatoes are perfect when you need a simple side dish to go with your meal.
Servings: 6
Calories: 419kcal
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 6 large), cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon salt to add to cooking water
- 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks) I use salted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Scrub and peel potatoes; then cut into small (about 2-inch) chunks.
- Place potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to just cover potatoes. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
- Heat to boiling and then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are very soft. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
- In a medium saucepan, heat butter and milk over medium-low heat until butter is melted.
- Mash potatoes in the pan with a potato masher. Add butter/milk mixture a little bit at a time, mashing after each addition of liquid. Mash potatoes until desired consistency is reached.
- Add salt and pepper and mash again to incorporate.
Notes
Store mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To reheat in the oven, add a little milk and butter to the potatoes and stir. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F until hot, stirring a few times during the cooking time. You can also use the microwave by heating in 30 second intervals, adding more butter and milk as needed to get the right consistency.
Recipe Tips:
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- Start the potatoes in cold water to promote even cooking.
- Add bacon, cheese, and sour cream for loaded mashed potatoes.
- Add garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for garlic mashed potatoes.
- Feel free to leave some of the skin on the potatoes.
- I usually use salted butter in this recipe. If you prefer not to use salted butter, you may need to increase the amount of added salt.
- If you need dairy free, use dairy free milk and butter of your choice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 2144mg | Potassium: 1152mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 747IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg
