This blog post comes to us from Nicole Johnson from the blog, Or Whatever You Do.
Mashed potatoes is one of those things where you would think it would be really hard to screw up. But actually … I’ve had a LOT of bad mashed potatoes in my life. Too gummy. Under salted. Too dry. Pasty. Too garlicky. WAY too garlicky. Way too baby-food like. The list goes on and on. Most of the time people don’t put too much thought into how to do their mashed potatoes, and I’m on a mission this year to remedy that.
This recipe is hands down the BEST mashed potato recipe I have ever had. It is amazingly creamy without being baby-food-like. Follow these simple instructions, and never have a mashed potato fail again!
It all starts with the potatoes. I know people usually buy russets for mashed potatoes because they are cheaper and it is widely thought they make the “best” mashed potatoes, but I disagree. I love a good russet for a baked potato, but for mashed potatoes I really like reds. They are smoother, creamier, and don’t seem to absorb as much water as russets do.
So peel your red potatoes, cut them into large chunks, and get a big pot of water on to boil.
The next key to extra awesome mashed potatoes is to not skip the salt in that cooking water. And lots of it. Add in a few tablespoons to the cooking water, and don’t be shy about it.
Once the potatoes are fork tender, drain well, and add them right back into the pan. Next comes the third step in extremely awesome mashed potatoes. You need to slowly cook that excess water out of them. Do that by putting the potatoes in the pan right back onto your stove over low heat, and getting rid of that water. It only takes a couple of minutes, and be sure to watch that your burner isn’t too hot from the boiling. Give them a few stirs, and you’re set.
Now comes the easy part! Toss in the softened cream cheese, butter, roasted garlic, and half n half, and mash with a potato masher. NEVER use a mixer on your potatoes. That is the very best way to get gummy paste potatoes. A regular old-fashioned potato masher is all you need, and just keep mashing and mixing until they are the consistency that you like. Now taste the potatoes, and gradually add some salt until they are seasoned well. Tastes vary, so be mindful if you are a salt fiend like I am.
Ultra Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- 3 pounds red potatoes, peeled
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/4-1/2 cup half and half
- 3 cloves roasted garlic
- Boil potatoes in well-salted water until fork tender. Drain well, and return to pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Add in cream cheese, butter, half and half, and roasted garlic. Mash with a potato masher until all ingredients are combined and potatoes are your preferred consistency. Salt to taste.
Who makes your favorite mashed potatoes?
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