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Old Fashioned Mashed Potatoes 1

Old Fashioned Mashed Potatoes

Perfect cloud-like, buttery mashed potatoes that evoke memories of Sunday suppers and holiday gatherings. This timeless dish has graced family tables for centuries, offering comfort that few other side dishes can match.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Mashed Potatoes, Comfort Food, Traditional, Creamy Potatoes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 215kcal

Equipment

  • Potato Masher or Ricer
  • Large Pot
  • Colander

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes Russets for fluffy, Yukons for creamy
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (1 stick)
  • 3/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream warmed
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream for extra tanginess
  • 2 cloves roasted garlic mashed
  • fresh chives chopped, for garnish

For Boiling

  • 1 tablespoon salt for the cooking water

Instructions

  • Peel the potatoes completely and cut into even 1.5-inch chunks. Uniform pieces ensure they cook at the same rate.
  • Place potato pieces in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook until a fork easily pierces through with no resistance, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander, then return them to the hot pot. Allow them to sit for 2 minutes, gently shaking occasionally to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
  • While still hot, mash the potatoes using a traditional potato masher or ricer (for the smoothest results). Avoid food processors or blenders, which can create a gluey consistency.
  • Add the room temperature butter first, mashing until melted and incorporated.
  • Gradually add the warmed milk or cream, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until the desired consistency is reached.
  • Add salt, pepper, and any optional ingredients (sour cream, roasted garlic). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives if desired.

Notes

For the ultimate creamy homemade mashed potatoes, consider using a 50/50 blend of both Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes - this delivers the perfect balance of fluffiness and creaminess.
The most common mistake is over-mixing after adding liquids, which creates a gluey texture. Once you add the liquid, fold gently instead of vigorously stirring.
For reheating, place in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double-boiler method), adding a splash of cream and butter while stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7.5g | Sodium: 395mg | Fiber: 2g
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