Description
These Basic Mashed Potatoes are a classic comfort food, offering a creamy and smooth texture with simple ingredients. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, they are quick to prepare and can be easily customized with additional flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds baking potatoes (such as russets), peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 cup milk (whole, low-fat, or half-and-half for a richer texture)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and quartered potatoes (and garlic, if using). Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Heat the Milk and Butter:
- While the potatoes are boiling, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted. Set aside.
- Mash the Potatoes:
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Slowly add the warm milk mixture, mashing with a potato masher or mixing with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm with extra butter or gravy on top if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or cream cheese.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the potatoes from becoming gluey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and mashing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg