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Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

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Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
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  • Prep 25 min
  • Total 45 min
  • Ingredients 5
  • Servings 10
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There’s a reason that homemade mashed potatoes are a classic holiday tradition. They’re a comforting reminder of the very best times gathered together around a table. But don’t just make them a few times a year—this recipe for easy mashed potatoes can become your year-round favorite. Ready to start making mashed potatoes from scratch? All it takes are five ingredients and some enthusiastic potato mashing! Begin by boiling 8-10 medium russet potatoes, and then get to mashing until you're ready to add butter, pepper, salt, and enough milk to make it smooth and creamy. Enjoy these potatoes as the perfect side to any special (or ordinary) dinner.
By Pillsbury Kitchens
Updated Nov 9, 2020

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 medium russet potatoes (about 3 lb.), peeled, cut into quarters
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, if desired
  • Dash pepper
  • 1/4 cup hot milk

Steps

  • 1
    Place potatoes in large saucepan; add enough water to cover. Add 3/4 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover loosely and boil gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes break apart easily when pierced with fork. Drain well.
  • 2
    Return potatoes to saucepan; shake saucepan gently over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.
  • 3
    Mash potatoes with potato masher until no lumps remain. Add butter, pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt; continue mashing, gradually adding enough milk to make potatoes smooth and creamy.

Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens

  • tip 1
    Use a good potato masher with a strong handle—the type with a flat metal grid-like masher will help you smash them up quickly and evenly.
  • tip 2
    Russet potatoes are the go-to for mashed potatoes because they’re starchy and easily fall apart during cooking—exactly what you want for easy mashing.
  • tip 3
    Fresh thyme leaves, a flaky salt, and lots of freshly ground pepper are the easiest way to finish a big bowl of fluffy spuds.
  • tip 4
    If you already know how to make mashed potatoes, we've got a few recipes to help you change it up. Like this 2-ingredient Easy Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes side dish that will give you more room on the stovetop.
  • tip 5
    Short on time? Instant Pot® Mashed Potatoes fast track your favorite taters and keep them warm until you serve it up.

Nutrition Information

140 Calories, 3g Total Fat, 3g Protein, 25g Total Carbohydrate, 1g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/10 of Recipe
Calories
140
Calories from Fat
25
Total Fat
3g
5%
Saturated Fat
1g
5%
Cholesterol
0mg
0%
Sodium
250mg
10%
Total Carbohydrate
25g
8%
Dietary Fiber
2g
8%
Sugars
1g
Protein
3g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
2%
2%
Vitamin C
20%
20%
Calcium
0%
0%
Iron
2%
2%
Exchanges:
1 1/2 Starch; 1/2 Fat;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

  • Made with only four ingredients (that are probably already in your pantry!), this homemade mashed potatoes recipe is the only one you need. It’s the perfect recipe for weeknight dinners or big parties—it serves 10, but can easily be doubled for an even bigger crowd. You’ll notice that this recipe calls for russet potatoes. That’s because russets are the traditional go-to for mashed potatoes—they are quite starchy, and easily fall apart during the cooking process, which is exactly what you want for easy mashing later. Other potato varieties like red potatoes are sturdier and hold their shape quite well after cooking, which makes them a better options for recipes like oven-roasted potatoes. Want more tips for how to make the perfect batch of mashed potatoes? We have all of the answers to your tater questions here. And once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these tasty twists!
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