Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food enjoyed across cultures and cuisines. Whether it's a holiday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, these fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish. This article offers a comprehensive guide to making basic mashed potatoes, providing three variations to cater to different preferences and dietary needs: classic mashed potatoes, vegan mashed potatoes, and creamy whipped potatoes.
1. **Classic Mashed Potatoes:** This recipe is the foundation of all mashed potato variations. It uses simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, milk, salt, and pepper to create a rich and flavorful dish. The potatoes are boiled until tender, then mashed until smooth and creamy. Butter and milk are added to enhance the texture and flavor, while salt and pepper provide a savory balance.
2. **Vegan Mashed Potatoes:** This recipe is a plant-based take on the classic mashed potatoes, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or those who prefer a vegan lifestyle. The potatoes are boiled and mashed as usual, but instead of butter and milk, a combination of olive oil and almond milk is used to create a creamy and flavorful dish. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, while garlic and herbs provide savory depth.
3. **Creamy Whipped Potatoes:** This variation takes the classic mashed potatoes to a new level of smoothness and richness. The potatoes are boiled and then whipped with heavy cream and butter until light and fluffy. The result is a luxurious and decadent side dish that is sure to impress at any gathering.
Each recipe includes detailed instructions, ingredient measurements, and cooking times to ensure perfect results every time. Whether you prefer the classic comfort of traditional mashed potatoes, the plant-based goodness of vegan mashed potatoes, or the rich indulgence of creamy whipped potatoes, this article has the perfect recipe for you.
CLASSIC WHIPPED MASHED POTATOES
It's simple: Move quickly and keep them warm, and you'll have creamy, fluffy potatoes ready for your holiday table.
Provided by Michael Anthony
Categories side-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook the potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into big pieces (that can fit in the palm of your hand). Place in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover the potatoes by an inch or so. Bring to a simmer and add 4 pinches of salt, a bay leaf and a smashed clove of garlic. Cook until the potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes.
- Potatoes are done when the tip of a knife yields a firm, not mushy texture. Drain the potatoes, discard the bay leaf, and toss the potatoes back into the pan over low heat to dry them out.
- Assemble the mashed potatoes: Pass the potatoes through a ricer and add them back into the warm saucepan. Add butter and stir to melt and combine with the potatoes. Add the milk in two additions, continuing to stir the entire time. Taste and season with more salt. Serve immediately.
BASIC MASHED POTATOES
Steps:
- Put 2 pounds whole unpeeled russet or Yukon gold potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water; add 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Bring to a simmer (do not boil) and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes, then peel and return to the pan; add 1 cup hot milk and 1/2 to 1 stick room-temperature unsalted butter. Mash with a potato masher or fork. Season with salt and pepper.
AMAZING WHIPPED POTATOES
These potatoes are a perfect complement to ANY meal. I add a bit of room-temperature cream cheese and a tablespoon of sour cream without telling the family. They turn out perfect, fluffy, and very tasty.
Provided by AmyBoul
Categories Side Dish Potato Side Dish Recipes Mashed Potato Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Beat butter and cream cheese into the potatoes with an electric mixer until butter is nearly melted. Add milk and sour cream; beat until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.9 calories, Carbohydrate 40.4 g, Cholesterol 20.2 mg, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 69.2 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
BASIC MASHED (WHIPPED) POTATOES
I didn't really know what to call these....we call them mashed potatoes, but I use an electric mixer, not a potato masher! So I compromised on the name. This is a required side dish for meatloaf, country fried steak, or fried chicken at my house. Anytime someone just needs some comfort food, we seem to have these. They are quick and easy to make, very basic, and totally uncomplicated! I hesitated to post these, because I think everyone makes these. But then I remembered when I first got married, and I didn't even know how to make toast! So I posted it! We normally serve this as posted, but you can add chopped green onions, cheese, garlic, etc if you'd like. You can substitue sour cream for the half and half as well....especially nice if you add some chives.
Provided by breezermom
Categories Low Protein
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place the potatoes in a large cooking pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer until the potatoes are just tender (20 to 30 minutes).
- Drain water. Reserve 1 cup if you want to substitute the potato water for the half and half to save calories. Mix on low speed of an electric mixer.
- Add the butter after cutting it into several pieces so it melts faster (melt it first if you want to so that the potatoes remain steaming hot). Add the warmed half and half or the 1 cup reserved potato water.
- Mix again with the electric mixer, starting on low and increasing the speed to reach the desired consistency. Add the salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 422.6, Fat 20.3, SaturatedFat 12.7, Cholesterol 55.6, Sodium 751.2, Carbohydrate 55, Fiber 6.8, Sugar 2.4, Protein 7.5
BASIC MASHED POTATOES
If you love good, old fashioned mashed potatoes this is the perfect recipe. Simple and delicious.
Provided by Esmee Williams
Categories Side Dish Potato Side Dish Recipes Mashed Potato Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 257.1 calories, Carbohydrate 43.7 g, Cholesterol 20.1 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 76.1 mg, Sugar 4.6 g
BASIC MASHED POTATOES
You can use any kind of potato in this recipe. I personally prefer russet potatoes. This recipe is from The Best of Casual American Cooking. I have also altered it by using evaporated milk instead of half and half. There is a little bit of extra effort involved in this recipe, but well worth it.
Provided by Hadice
Categories Potato
Time 35m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the potato pieces with water to cover and let stand for 5 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain.
- Bring a large sauce-pan 3/4 full of water to a boil.
- Add the 1 1/2 teaspoon salt and the potatoes and return to a boil until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
- Drain well and return to the empty pan.
- Place the pan over high heat and, turning the potatoes to prevent scorching, heat to evaporate the moisture, 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat.
- Using a potato masher, mash until potatoes are almost smooth.
- Add the butter, mash, and the half-and-half, a little at a time, switching to a spoon when the potatoes are smooth.
- The potatoes should be creamy but not soupy.
- Season to taste with salt and white pepper, transfer to a warmed serving dish and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: For the best mashed potatoes, select starchy potatoes like russet, Yukon Gold, or King Edward. These varieties have a high starch content that results in a smooth and creamy texture when mashed.
- Proper Peeling and Cutting: Peel the potatoes thoroughly to remove any blemishes or eyes. Cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Seasoning: Don't be afraid to season your mashed potatoes generously. Salt and pepper are the basics, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Cooking the Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the potato pieces. Cook until they are tender but not mushy. Drain the potatoes well before mashing.
- Mashing Techniques: Use a potato masher or ricer to achieve the desired texture. For a smoother result, use a ricer or food mill. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use a potato masher.
- Adding Butter and Milk: Incorporate butter and milk gradually while mashing the potatoes. This helps create a creamy and flavorful mash. For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Conclusion:
Mashed potatoes are a versatile and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can create creamy, fluffy, and flavorful mashed potatoes that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your perfect combination. Whether you prefer them simple or loaded with herbs, cheese, or bacon, mashed potatoes are a delicious and satisfying dish that will warm your soul.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love