Irresistible Creamy Mashed Potatoes That Will Make Your Mouth Water!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you can picture creamy mashed potatoes topped with delicious turkey gravy. Follow these tips to create the creamiest mashed potatoes you’ve ever had!.

Choosing The Right Potato

The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are a starchy varieties like russet, Idaho or Yukon gold. Starchy potatoes are best for mashed potatoes because they have a fluffy, almost airy texture that breaks down easily.

I reccomend Russets.

Russet potatoes are high in starch and low in moisture, which gives them a light and fluffy texture when cooked and mashed. This is ideal for achieving that creamy consistency often desired in mashed potatoes. They have a mild, slightly earthy flavor that enhances the taste of the mashed potatoes without overpowering other ingredients like butter or cream.

For the best holiday mashed potatoes, you’ll want a creamy, buttery texture with rich flavor. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to elevate your mashed potatoes for the festive season:

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold (your favorite variety) yields six servings of mashed potatoes.
• 1 /2 to 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for serving)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3-4 cloves garlic, smashed(optional for added flavor)
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Prep the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into even chunks (about 1-2 inches). This helps them cook evenly.
• Boil: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. This helps them cook more evenly. Add a generous amount of salt to the water (about 1-2 teaspoons).
• Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork but they should not fall apart.
• Drain: Once tender, drain the potatoes and let them sit in the pot for a minute to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
• Heat the Cream and Butter: While the potatoes are drying, in a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream and butter over low heat until the butter is melted. If you’re using garlic ( peel 3-4 cloves of garlic, smash with the blade of a large knife to release the oils), add it to the cream now to infuse some flavor.
• Mash: Return the drained potatoes to the pot and mash them using a masher, until smooth.
• Combine: Gradually add the warm cream and butter mixture (remove and discard the cloves of garlic)to the mashed potatoes, stirring until everything is well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, add a pat of butter on top, and garnish with fresh chives or parsley.

By following these tips, you can elevate your mashed potatoes to be creamy, flavorful, and perfectly textured for any meal

There are numerous delicious additions you can incorporate into creamy mashed potatoes to enhance their flavor and texture.

• Roasted Garlic: Adds a sweet, rich flavor. Simply roast garlic cloves until soft and mix them into the potatoes.
• Cream Cheese: For extra creaminess and tanginess, blend in softened cream cheese.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add a creamy texture and a slight tang, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Buttermilk: Use buttermilk for a tangy twist and a creamy consistency.
• Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth. You can also use sautéed shallots for a milder taste.
• Butter Variations: Use flavored butter (like garlic herb butter) for an added layer of flavor.

Serve these delightful mashed potatoes at your Thanksgiving dinner, and your guests will be singing their praises!

Enjoy!

BB