The Best Mashed Potatoes

If you want to make the best mashed potatoes – potatoes that are rich, creamy and lump-free, this is the recipe for you!  I’ll show you all of my tricks for getting the most perfect mashed potatoes every time. 

The Secret to the Best Mashed Potato Recipes

Making the best mashed potatoes is not hard.  In fact, it’s quite easy.  There are only a few simple ingredients and the process isn’t complicated.

But, some people just seem to have a knack for making perfect mashed potatoes every single time.  They’re not lumpy or gummy or runny.  They’re perfectly light, fluffy and heavenly.

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There are a few secrets to getting the best results and this mashed potatoes recipe will ensure that yours turn out perfect every time.  The trick is to use the right equipment and to add the right ingredients.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The first step is choosing the best potatoes mashed potatoes.  You want to choose a potato that has a high starch level.  I’ve found that Russet potatoes are the best potato for this recipe.

Potatoes with more starch will turn into lighter, fluffier mashed potatoes.  The really soak up the ingredients and turn into the creamiest mashed potatoes.

How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes

The first step in making the best mashed potatoes is to peel and remove any dark spots.  Once your potatoes are peeled, you should rinse them off to remove any dirt that is left behind.

Next, cut the potatoes into small, even pieces.  This will ensure that they all cook at the same rate.  The smaller you cut the potatoes, the faster they will cook.

Once the potatoes are peeled and cut, immediately put them into cold water.  This will prevent from oxidizing and getting a pinkish tint.  I usually put them right into a large pot of salted water.  But, if you want to prep them ahead of time, you can store them in a bowl of cold, salted water in the refrigerator.

To cook the potatoes, bring the potatoes and water to a full boil.  Cook them until a fork inserted into the once of the potatoes comes out easily.  Then it’s just a matter of draining and mashing.

Expert Tips for Making Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Here are a few more tips for getting perfect mashed potatoes:

• Add sour cream and half and half to your mashed potatoes to make them super creamy.

• Keep mashed potatoes warm until you’re ready to eat by placing a heat resistant bowl on top of a pot of simmering water -similar to a double boiler.
• Instead of using a traditional potato masher, use a potato ricer.  This will ensure that your mashed potatoes are completely lump free.  This is the one I use, but it is a bit heavy.  This one is a lighter version that is great also.

What to Make With Leftovers

I always make extra mashed potatoes so I have some leftovers to use in other recipes.  Here are some of my favorite ways to use the leftovers:

• Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
• Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole
• Mashed Potato Pancakes
• American Pierogies
• Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Tools Used to Make This Recipe

Large pot: I’ve had this pot for years, it’s a real work-horse in my kitchen

Potato Peeler: This one is so easy and comfortable to use

Potato Ricer: The secret to the best mashed potatoes

More Recipes You Might Like

• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• The Best Mashed Potato Recipes

Looking for more?  Check out all of the best side dishes on It Is a Keeper.

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5 from 1 vote

The Best Mashed Potatoes

If you want to make the best mashed potatoes - potatoes that are rich, creamy and lump-free, this is the recipe for you!  I'll show you all of my tricks for getting the most perfect mashed potatoes every time. 

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: potatoes, Thanksgiving

Servings: 6

Calories: 1802kcal

Author: Christina Hitchcock

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Russet potatoes - peeled and cut into small pieces
• Water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon House Seasoning Blend

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Put potatoes into a large pot filled with cold water.
• Add enough water to cover the potatoes.
• Add salt.
• Cover and bring to a boil; boil potatoes for about 15 minutes or until cooked through. You can tell if they're done by sticking a fork into one of the pieces. If it comes out easily, the potatoes are done.
• Drain the potatoes and mash the potatoes into a large bowl using a potato ricer.
• Stir in butter, half and half, sour cream and House Seasoning Blend. You can add more half and half to reach your desired consistency.
• Taste for seasoning and add more House Seasoning if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 1802kcal | Carbohydrates: 254g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 77g | Saturated Fat: 47g | Cholesterol: 211mg | Sodium: 5236mg | Potassium: 5965mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 46.9% | Vitamin C: 95.8% | Calcium: 42.3% | Iron: 65%

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Helpful Tips for All Recipes on It Is a Keeper

• Want to scale a recipe up or down? Simply type in a new serving amount and the recipe will automatically adjust! 
• When a recipe call for House Seasoning Blend, you can use this recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.  
• I always use unsalted butter in my recipes.
• I always use a meat thermometor to test for doneness when cooking meat.  This one is my favorite.  
• When a recipe is made in the oven, it should be pre-heated to the temperature in the recipe, unless otherwise noted.
• The nutritional information provided in this recipe is an estimate.  Learn more on how I calculate nutritional information for my recipes.