The Butteriest Mashed Potatoes

Introduction

Mashed potatoes seem foolproof until you make a batch that's gluey, watery, or under-seasoned. The good news is a truly great mash comes down to three things: the right potato (starchy, not waxy), warm dairy (never cold), and enough butter that you feel a little embarrassed. Do those three things and you'll never eat sad mashed potatoes again. They're the anchor side for our sheet-pan chicken and go beautifully next to a big bowl of French onion soup.

Cooking your way through our archive? Don't miss our Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs or our Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme, and browse every side recipe for more ideas.

Ingredients

• •1.5 kg Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 4 cm chunks
• •2 tbsp salt, plus more to taste
• •180 g unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• •1 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
• •1/2 tsp white pepper
• •Snipped chives, to serve

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 5 cm. Add 2 tbsp salt.

2. 2

   Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, until a knife slides in with no resistance.

3. 3

   Drain the potatoes and return them to the empty hot pot. Let them steam-dry for 2 minutes off the heat — this is important to prevent watery mash.

4. 4

   While the potatoes drain, gently warm the milk or cream in a small saucepan.

5. 5

   Pass the potatoes through a ricer or food mill back into the pot. (You can also mash by hand — do not use a food processor or the potatoes turn into wallpaper paste.)

6. 6

   Add the cubed butter and stir gently until melted and glossy.

7. 7

   Gradually stir in the warm milk or cream until you reach your ideal consistency. Season generously with salt and white pepper.

8. 8

   Serve immediately with a knob of butter melting on top and a scatter of chives.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Nutrition is an approximation generated from ingredient databases and may vary based on brands and exact measurements.

Calories

410 kcal

Protein

6 g

Carbs

42 g

Fat

25 g