How To Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Overview
It’s November which means Thanksgiving is a few weeks away and MAYBE you’re looking for some ideas, recipes, or tips…
Mashed potatoes are a staple during Thanksgiving and the holidays- I think we can all agree. But for a dish so simple, there are a bunch of ways to screw them up (been there done that!), so I am sharing my tips on how to perfect the mashed potato. Your guests will thank you by putting a little TLC in this comforting side dish.
Hi, I’m Jackie, Founder of Jackie Cooks and Drinks, and a BIG believer that cooking, creating and entertaining should be FUN.
Mashed Potato Quick Tips
🥔 What type of potato should we use?
Yukon Gold potatoes yield the fluffiest results!
🥔 But how many potatoes do I need?
1 potato should feed 2 adults. So for a dinner party of 10, 5-6 potatoes for the meal; but if you want leftovers, consider that in your count!
🥔 Prior to boiling, soak the potatoes for a few minutes in COLD water. Cold water soak= not gluey potatoes. No one wants gluey potatoes
🥔 Cut your potatoes in large pieces
🥔 Don’t overboil
🥔 But, do consider adding a bunch of huge garlic cloves and maybe some celeriac root when you’re boiling the potatoes- and YES throw those in the ricer, also!
🥔 Yes! A Ricer. Rice your potatoes through a ricer to yield fluffy results
🥔 Mash the potatoes while they are hot (but protect your hands!)
🥔 For a real creamy mashed potato, without adding a ton or cream, I like to use a little HOT starchy water from boiling the potatoes!
🥔Speaking of hot liquid…Hot liquid= creamy results; so if you want to use heavy cream (it’s Thanksgiving after all), make sure to heat it up before adding it to the potatoes. Same goes for milk, coconut milk, or half and half.
🥔 More on that liquid. Why don’t you try adding some smashed garlic or some thyme leaves in the liquid as you warm it up! Those aromatics will seep through to the potatoes
🥔 Gah. Sorry. One more thing on liquid. Add it slowly. Stir, add, taste. repeat until desired texture and result!
🥔 And on that “stir, add, taste” detail, after you add butter, check for seasoning. After you add some milk, check for seasoning. After you add a little more milk or cream, check again. Add salt or pepper as you need it. Potatoes will thank you.
🥔 Load ’em up! Scallions? Bacon? Cheese? yes please. 🙋🏻♀️
Do you have more tips? Comment them below!
