How to Make Mashed Potatoes

Making mashed potatoes is a basic culinary skill.

Every cook needs to master the basics and knowing how to make fluffy mashed potatoes is one. Adding just the right amount of milk is the key to producing a fluffy, tasty mixture. Cooking the potatoes to the right consistency is also important--overcooked potatoes will make your mashed dish runny.

Things You'll Need

• 8 to 10 medium baking potatoes
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk, 2 percent or whole
• Sour cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley flakes
• Olive oil
• Electric mixer (handheld is fine)

Instructions

1. Peel the potatoes under running water and slice each into thirds. Place in heavy saucepan and put enough water over to cover potatoes. Make sure they still have room to move around in the pan. Add about 1 tbsp. olive oil to the water.

2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn the heat down to medium and continue boiling, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork.

3. Remove from the heat and drain excess water. Leave potatoes in the saucepan, and plug in a handheld electric mixer. Add about half the stick of softened butter and about 1/2 cup of milk to start, mixing on medium high. Gradually add the rest of the butter and milk and sour cream if desired. If potatoes seem too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time.

4. Turn potatoes into casserole dish to serve. Top with parsley flakes and a dab of butter in the center. Make gravy, if desired, to accompany.

5. If the rest of dinner won't be ready for an hour or so, cover potatoes in casserole dish and keep warm in the oven on low heat.

Tips & Warnings

• Russet (baking) potatoes are fine for this dish, but Yukon gold potatoes also work. The potatoes will come out a soft yellow color instead of white.

• An electric mixer is easier to use than a hand masher, and if you make mashed potatoes once a week or so, it's worth the investment.

• Overcooking the potatoes will result in a watery final dish. Check for doneness often and stop cooking as soon as they are soft all of the way through.

References

• Mashed-Potatoes-Recipe.com: Mashed Potato Information

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish