Chef John's Perfect Mashed Potatoes

94 Reviews
  • Prep: 20 min
  • Cook: 20 min
  • Ready In: 40 min

“This recipe will hopefully give you the proper techniques to turn out perfect mashed potatoes every time; always light, fluffy and lump-free.” - by Chef John

Ingredients

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Adjust Servings

Original recipe yields 4 servings

Directions

  1. Place the potatoes into a large pot, and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, and return the potatoes to the pot. Turn heat to high, and allow the potatoes to dry for about 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.
  2. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher twice around the pot, then add the butter and milk. Continue to mash until smooth and fluffy. Whisk in the salt and black pepper until evenly distributed, about 15 seconds.

Nutrition

Amount Per Serving (4 total)

  • Calories
  • 333 cal
  • 17%
  • Fat
  • 12.7 g
  • 20%
  • Carbs
  • 49.7 g
  • 16%
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Based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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Reviews (94)

Rate This Recipe
Baking Nana
84

Baking Nana

"Classic! This is THE method to use for really good mashed potatoes. It is essential to add salt to the cooking water - oh and start with cool water - bring to temp and then reduce the heat so the wa..." See moreter just simmers, not boils. This way the taters cook evenly. Thanks for posting this Chef John."

Colonel Korn
63

Colonel Korn

"Thank you to Chef John for making the video. I couldn't figure out why I kept getting starchy water until he explained the method of cutting the potatoes lengthwise vs. cutting into cubes. I ran out o..." See moref whole milk, so I used buttermilk. Plus, to make them extra creamy, I added 3 tbs. of sour cream. By making those adjustments to the recipe, I'll just say that they were such a hit at thanksgiving dinner, all we had to take home was the container I brought them to dinner in!"

brunosmom21
46

brunosmom21

"Fluffy, flavorful clouds in my mouth. And so easy. Followed exactly except used 1% milk (was on hand). As for the masher, my sister has our Mother's which he recommends, so I used mine which he do..." See moreesn't like. Still, the potatoes were wonderful!!! His video shows the techniques very clearly. Find at foodwishes.com."

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