Creamy Fluffy Mashed Potatoes (Printable format)

Perfectly creamy, fluffy potatoes whipped with butter and warm milk for the ultimate comfort side dish.

# What You Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

→ Dairy

02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warm

→ Seasonings

04 - 1 tsp salt, plus more for boiling water
05 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Additions

06 - 2 tbsp heavy cream or sour cream for extra creaminess
07 - Chopped chives or parsley for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
02 - Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Allow excess steam to escape for 2–3 minutes to ensure fluffy results.
03 - Add butter and warm milk to the potatoes. Mash using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy, ensuring all lumps are incorporated.
04 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, mix in heavy cream or sour cream for extra richness. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • These potatoes transform humble ingredients into something almost luxurious, without any fancy techniques or hard to find items
  • The recipe is forgiving enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for holiday tables
  • Once you master the basics, you can customize them endlessly to match whatever you're craving
02 -
  • Starting potatoes in cold water ensures even cooking throughout every chunk
  • Overmixing can make potatoes gluey, so stop as soon as they reach the right consistency
03 -
  • Roasting a head of garlic and mashing it into the potatoes adds incredible depth without much effort
  • A splash of cream cheese or sour cream creates restaurant style richness that feels decadent
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