Ultimate Mashed Potatoes: 6 Delicious Variations
Elevate your mashed potato game with this versatile recipe that offers six delightful variations of classic mashed potatoes. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a comforting side dish, these mashed potatoes will surely impress. From creamy and cheesy to flavorful and spicy, this recipe provides a foundation for endless creativity in the kitchen. Share your favorite variation with family and friends, and enjoy the compliments that follow!
N/A
Servings
233
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yukon gold potatoes
4 lbs (peeled and quartered)
Sea salt
1 teaspoon
Warm milk
1 cup
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and quartering the Yukon gold potatoes.
2
Place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water until there's about 3 inches of water over the potatoes.
3
Bring the pot to a boil, then add a teaspoon of sea salt and reduce the heat to a simmer.
4
Cook the potatoes until they are tender, approximately 15 minutes.
5
Once tender, reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid and drain the potatoes in a colander.
6
Return the drained potatoes to the pot and add in the warm milk, unsalted butter, and half a cup of the reserved cooking liquid.
7
Mash the potatoes using a potato masher until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture, adding more cooking liquid as needed.
8
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Now, choose your favorite variation from the options below to take your mashed potatoes to the next level.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
32g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of Yukon gold potatoes, which are ideal for their buttery flavor and creamy texture.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The potatoes should be cooked in boiling water for approximately 15 minutes until they are tender.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the instructions specify to begin by peeling and quartering the Yukon gold potatoes.
How much milk is used in the Ultimate Mashed Potatoes?
The recipe requires 1 cup of warm milk to be added during the mashing process.
Why should I reserve the cooking liquid?
You should reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid to add back into the potatoes to help achieve the desired smooth texture.
Is salt added to the water while boiling?
Yes, add one teaspoon of sea salt to the pot once the water comes to a boil.
What kind of butter is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
How many variations of mashed potatoes does this recipe offer?
This recipe provides a foundation for six different delicious variations.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 233 calories per serving in these mashed potatoes.
Is this mashed potato recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this recipe is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
How much fat is in a serving of these potatoes?
Each serving contains approximately 11g of fat.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 4g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 32g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I start the potatoes in cold or hot water?
The instructions state to place the potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water before bringing them to a boil.
How much water should cover the potatoes?
You should cover the potatoes with enough cold water so that there is about 3 inches of water over them.
What should the texture of the mashed potatoes be?
The potatoes should be mashed until smooth but still retaining some texture.
What tools are needed to mash the potatoes?
The recipe recommends using a standard potato masher.
Can I make these mashed potatoes spicy?
Yes, the description mentions that one of the six variations includes a flavorful and spicy option.
Are these potatoes suitable for a holiday meal?
Absolutely, they are tagged as holiday recipes and are great for entertaining guests.
How do I season the potatoes?
After mashing with butter and milk, season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Should the milk be cold when added to the potatoes?
No, the recipe specifically calls for warm milk to ensure the potatoes stay hot and creamy.
What if my mashed potatoes are too thick?
You can add more of the reserved cooking liquid as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Does this recipe include cheese?
The base recipe is dairy-rich with butter and milk, and the variations include cheesy options.
How many pounds of potatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 lbs of Yukon gold potatoes.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter to better control the final sodium level, especially since salt is added to the water and at the end.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a side dish and classic comfort food.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
While best served fresh, the recipe's use of reserved liquid and milk helps maintain a creamy texture if kept warm.
Is sea salt required or can I use table salt?
The recipe specifically lists sea salt for the boiling water, but you can use table salt to taste at the end.
How do I know when the potatoes are tender enough?
They should be easily pierced with a fork after boiling for about 15 minutes.
What should I do with the potatoes after draining?
After draining, return them to the pot and immediately add the warm milk and butter before mashing.