Foolproof Traditional Mashed Potatoes Recipes

CLASSIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Peel the potatoes, cut them into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large pot of boiling salted water. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and then return them to the pot.
• Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan until the butter is melted.
• Using a hand held mixer, break the potatoes up and at low speed slowly add the hot milk/butter mixture to make the potatoes very creamy. Add the sour cream, 2 teaspoons of salt and the pepper and whisk to combine. Serve hot.

TRADITIONAL MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, until easily pierced with a fork, 20-25 minutes. Drain. Add remaining ingredients; mash until light and fluffy.

CHEF JOHN'S PERFECT MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place the potatoes into a large pot, and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, and return the potatoes to the pot. Turn heat to high, and allow the potatoes to dry for about 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.
• Mash the potatoes with a potato masher twice around the pot, then add the butter and milk. Continue to mash until smooth and fluffy. Whisk in the salt and black pepper until evenly distributed, about 15 seconds.

FOOLPROOF MAKE-AHEAD MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Combine enough water to cover the potatoes (about 6 cups) with 2 teaspoons salt and vinegar in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat and add the potato slices. Cook just below a simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, until potatoes are tender when a fork is pressed into a slice. Drain and run cold water over the potato slices to cool them. Let them stand in water in the pot and add some ice. (You want to make sure that the potatoes are cool through before you mash them. This will help prevent gluey potatoes.).
• Drain well. Mash with an old-fashioned potato masher or large fork or run them through a ricer (don't use the food processor). When you have mashed fairly well, slowly stir in the cream. Stir the remaining 2 teaspoons salt and the pepper into the half-and-half, then stir into the potatoes until they are a little moister than you want the final dish to be. Taste; if necessary, add salt and pepper.
• Spoon potatoes into a large casserole (about 2 quarts) and cover with foil. Refrigerate overnight or hold at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Heat potatoes in the covered casserole for 40 minutes, then uncover and serve. Potatoes will stay hot for the entire meal.

FOOLPROOF TRADITIONAL MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil.
• Cook for 20-25 minutes or until very tender. Drain well.
• Add milk, butter, salt and pepper; mash until light and fluffy. (I use an electric mixer for this).