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The Best Creamy, Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

A generous mound of fluffy, steaming hot mashed potatoes served on a white plate.
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This recipe provides simple steps for making rich, buttery, and lump-free mashed potatoes with a perfectly creamy and fluffy texture.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them 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. Drain the potatoes completely in a colander. Let them sit in the colander for 5 minutes to allow excess steam to escape. This step helps prevent watery potatoes.
  4. Return the drained potatoes to the dry, warm pot. Place the pot over low heat for 1 minute, gently shaking the pot to dry them further. Remove from heat.
  5. In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter together until the butter is melted. Do not boil.
  6. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until mostly smooth. If you prefer very smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer.
  7. Gradually pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the potatoes while continuing to mash or mix gently with a wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and sour cream, if using. Mix until the potatoes reach your desired consistency.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the fluffiest results, or Yukon Golds for a naturally buttery flavor.
  • Warming the milk and butter prevents the potatoes from cooling down too quickly during mixing.
  • For lump-free potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of an electric mixer.

Nutrition

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