Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Homemade Mashed Potatoes are a classic recipe that pretty much everyone should have in their repertoire. Serve them as a side dish or as the base in potato bowls

Mashed potatoes are such a versatile dish. You can serve them with meatloaf or chicken strips for a weeknight dinner or they can shine on your holiday dinner table.  What is turkey and gravy without mashed potatoes?

There are a million ways to make mashed potatoes and this is how I make mine. This is a smaller batch that can easily be scaled up for more people if needed. You will notice that I have the servings done as cups of mashed potatoes and not per person because I find that cups total makes more sense.

Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Homemade Mashed Potatoes are a classic cozy side dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: approximately 3 cups

Category: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 5 medium Russet potatoes, aprroximately 4 cups cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) salted butter
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk. I used evaporated milk but you can use regular milk, half and half, or cream

Instructions

1. Scrub potatoes, peel if desired, and cube
2. Place the cubed potatoes in a 4 quart sauce pan, cover with water and add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Place the potatoes and salted water over mediun heat, boil, bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork tender which takes about 20-25 minutes.
4. drain potatoes and return to pot
5. Add the butter to the potatoes and mash lightly
6. Add the milk a little at a time until as smooth and creamy as you desired.I used just over a 1/4 cup
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed then serve.

Made this recipe? Tag @letmefigureoutdinner and use #ifiguredoutdinner — I'd love to see it!

Figure it Out

How to know what size of potatoes and how many to use? And how big to cut the pieces?

Unless you have a kitchen scale potatoes do tend to be a weird item to give amounts because everyone has their own definition of small or medium. You can search what the sizes are defined as but who is going to get a ruler and measure the potato? Not me for sure.

That is why I included a picture of one of the actual potatoes I used

I also added an image of the approximate size of my cubed potatoes. Yours may be smaller or larger but know that you will have to adjust the cooking time.

What types of milk to use?

I used evaporated milk, but you can use regular milk, half and half, or heavy cream depending on how rich you want the potatoes.

What type of butter should I use?

I used salted butter but if you prefer unsalted that will work as well. You may need to adjust the salt in the potatoes though.

What to serve with homemade mashed potatoes?

Meat loaf and green beans for a classic American comfort food dinner.

Smothered pork chops and fried cabbage for a more Soul Food leaning dinner.

More side dishes you may like:

Air fryer baked sweet potatoes

Shortcut pumpkin mac and cheese

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