Homemade Mashed Potatoes Recipes

THE BEST MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Generously salt the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Then lower the heat to medium and gently simmer until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 30 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Place the pot over low heat and let any residual water steam off, about 2 minutes. Mash the potatoes well with a potato masher. Fold in the butter with a spatula until melted, and then fold in the cream. Season with salt and pepper.

BASIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes; drain.
• In a small saucepan heat butter and milk over low heat until butter is melted. Using a potato masher or electric beater, slowly blend milk mixture into potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

PERFECT MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Peel and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place in a medium saucepan. Cover with cold water; add 1 tablespoon salt. bring to a simmer. If using a potato ricer, fill another saucepan with water; place over low heat. Keep potatoes at a low simmer until a knife slips in and out easily. Drain potatoes in a colander. Place milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
• If using an electric mixer with paddle attachment, proceed to Step 4. If using a potato ricer, place a heat-proof bowl or top of a double boiler over a pan of simmering water. Press hot, drained potatoes through ricer into bowl.
• Stir potatoes with a wooden spoon until smooth, about 1 minute. Using a whisk, incorporate butter. Drizzle in hot milk, whisking continuously. Add pepper, nutmeg, and salt to taste; whisk to combine. Serve immediately.
• For the electric-mixer method, transfer hot, drained potatoes to bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-low speed, until most lumps have disappeared, about 1 minute. Add butter; mix until blended. On low speed, add hot milk in a slow stream, then add pepper, nutmeg, and salt to taste. Mix to combine.

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.