Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe are the epitome of comfort food, delivering a rich and velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Made with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, these mashed potatoes are enhanced with thickened cream, unsalted butter, and a hint of ground nutmeg, creating a perfect blend of creamy, savory goodness. Garnished with fresh chives or parsley, they not only taste divine but also present beautifully, adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
Mashed potatoes have a storied history, believed to have originated in the 18th century when they were first introduced as a culinary dish in France. Over time, they have become a beloved staple in many cuisines around the world, cherished for their versatility and ease of preparation. The addition of cream and butter to mashed potatoes is a technique often attributed to French cuisine, known for its emphasis on rich, buttery flavors.
This recipe combines traditional methods with modern tastes, ensuring a dish that is both timeless and universally appealing. Whether served alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or enjoyed on their own, these Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
How to Make Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Warm Cream and Butter: While the potatoes are cooking, in a small saucepan, gently heat the thickened cream and butter together until the butter is melted and the cream is warm. Avoid boiling.
- Drain and Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or ricer.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Gradually add the warm cream and butter mixture to the potatoes, mashing to incorporate. Stir in the ground nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue mashing until creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the mashed potatoes in a bowl, garnished with chopped chives or parsley.
- Dobar tek!
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic or sautéed garlic to the mashed potatoes for a rich, garlicky flavor. Roast a whole garlic bulb in the oven, then squeeze the soft cloves into the potatoes before mashing.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda for a cheesy twist. The cheese melts into the potatoes, adding extra richness and flavor.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Mix in freshly chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a fragrant, herb-infused variation. The herbs add a fresh pop of flavor that complements the creamy texture.
- Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes: Swap some of the cream for sour cream to add a tangy kick. Fold in fresh chives for a light onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the sour cream.
- Bacon Mashed Potatoes: Crumble crispy bacon into the mashed potatoes for a smoky, savory addition. You can also stir in some of the bacon grease for even more flavor.
- Truffle Mashed Potatoes: Drizzle a bit of truffle oil over the mashed potatoes for an earthy, luxurious twist. Truffle mashed potatoes are great for special occasions or fancy dinners.
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes: Replace regular melted butter with brown butter. Cook the butter on the stove until it turns golden brown and nutty, then stir it into the potatoes for a deep, rich flavor.
- Horseradish Mashed Potatoes: Add a tablespoon or two of prepared horseradish for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or steaks.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: For a healthier or sweeter alternative, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Add a touch of cinnamon or maple syrup to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes: Replace some or all of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb version. Steam the cauliflower and mash it just like potatoes, adding cream and butter for smoothness.
Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, delivering a rich and velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Made with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, these mashed potatoes are enhanced with thickened cream, unsalted butter, and a hint of ground nutmeg, creating a perfect blend of creamy, savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg potatoes preferably Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and quartered
- salt to taste
- 3/4 cup thickened cream
- 45 g unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg or to taste
- black pepper to taste
Foe garnish:
- Fresh chives or parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Warm Cream and Butter: While the potatoes are cooking, in a small saucepan, gently heat the thickened cream and butter together until the butter is melted and the cream is warm. Avoid boiling.
- Drain and Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or ricer.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Gradually add the warm cream and butter mixture to the potatoes, mashing to incorporate. Stir in the ground nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue mashing until creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the mashed potatoes in a bowl, garnished with chopped chives or parsley.
- Dobar tek!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cream for your desired consistency.
- The nutmeg adds a hint of warmth, but it's optional or can be replaced with another spice like white pepper
- With Roasted Meats: Serve mashed potatoes alongside roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the savory flavors of the meat.
- With Gravy: Drizzle homemade or store-bought gravy over the mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting side dish.
- As a Shepherd's Pie Topping: Use mashed potatoes as a topping for shepherd's pie, spread evenly over a mixture of ground meat and vegetables, and bake until golden brown.
- With Sausages: Pair mashed potatoes with grilled or pan-fried sausages. Add a side of caramelized onions or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- With Fish: Serve mashed potatoes with grilled or baked fish, such as salmon, cod, or haddock. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh touch.
- As a Base for Stews and Braises: Use mashed potatoes as a base for hearty stews and braised dishes. The potatoes will soak up the rich flavors of the sauce.
- In a Mashed Potato Bowl: Create a mashed potato bowl with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream. This is perfect for a customizable meal.
- With Vegetables: Serve mashed potatoes with steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. This combination makes for a nutritious and balanced meal.
- With Cornbread or Biscuits: Pair mashed potatoes with warm cornbread or buttery biscuits for a comforting Southern-style meal.
- With a Salad: Balance the richness of the mashed potatoes with a fresh green salad. A simple vinaigrette dressing will complement the flavors nicely.
- With Meatloaf: Serve mashed potatoes as a side to classic meatloaf. The creamy potatoes are a perfect match for the hearty, savory meatloaf.
- With Stuffed Peppers: Pair mashed potatoes with stuffed bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious meal.
- As a Breakfast Dish: Use leftover mashed potatoes to make potato cakes or add them to a breakfast skillet with eggs, bacon, and vegetables.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.