Mashed Potatoes: The Secret to Creamy Mash
Best Potatoes for Mashing 🥔
In Australia, the best varieties to use for mashed potatoes are Desiree or Sebago. These potatoes have a high starch content, which is essential for achieving that fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Golden Delight and Dutch Cream also work well if you can’t find the first two. Starchy potatoes break down easier, making them perfect for that smooth, creamy mash.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Always start with cold water – This ensures your potatoes cook evenly. If you start with hot water, the outsides will cook too fast, and the insides may stay firm, leaving you with lumpy mash.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes – Keep an eye on them as they boil. You want them to be just tender enough for a knife to slide through without resistance. Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged, which makes your mash gluey – and nobody wants that!
- Warm your butter and cream – This step is crucial! Cold butter and cream will shock your potatoes, resulting in a lumpy and less creamy mash. Heating them slightly helps everything blend smoothly for that perfect, velvety texture.
- Invest in a potato ricer – If you’re after ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, a potato ricer is your best friend. It breaks down the potatoes finely without overworking them. No ricer? A regular masher works well too, just make sure not to over-mash, or you could end up with a sticky texture.
- Don’t skimp on the butter – Butter makes everything better, and mashed potatoes are no exception! Go for good-quality, unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning yourself. If you really want to take it to the next level, try browning the butter before mixing it in – it adds a lovely, nutty flavour.
How to Serve Your Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with so many dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions that will have everyone drooling at the table:
- Roast Chicken or Beef: The classic combo! Serve your creamy mashed potatoes alongside roast chicken or beef, and don’t forget the gravy. The richness of the mash perfectly complements the meat. 🍗🥩
- Bangers and Mash: An oldie but a goodie. Pair your mashed potatoes with grilled sausages and a rich onion gravy for a comforting meal. It’s a winter winner! 🌭
- Rissoles: One of the most delicious ways to enjoy mashed potatoes is alongside some classic Aussie rissoles.
- Vegetarian Dishes: Whether you’re serving with roasted veggies or a lentil stew, mashed potatoes can take on any flavour and elevate even the simplest veggie dishes. 🥕🍆
Love Potatoes? Try These Other Recipes! 🍽️
If you’re as big a fan of potatoes as I am, you’ve got to check out these other comforting potato dishes:
Final Flourishes to Elevate Your Mash
If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme over your mashed potatoes. 🌿 Or, for a cheesy twist, mix in some grated parmesan or cheddar – trust me, it’s amazing! 🧀 And if you’re after a bit of crunch, try topping your mash with crispy bacon bits or fried shallots for an added layer of flavour and texture. 🥓
And remember, mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion – whether you’re having a family dinner, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to something comforting after a long day.
I’d love to see how your mashed potatoes turn out! Snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. I can’t wait to see your creations! 📸
Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes You’ll Ever Make! 🥔✨
If you’re looking for the ultimate mashed potatoes, you’re in the right place! Let’s make the creamiest, dreamiest mash that will be the star of any meal. Ready? Let’s go! 🎉
Instructions
- First things first, if you don’t have a potato ricer, peel your potatoes. If you do, you can leave the skins on for extra flavour.
- Pop the potatoes into a big pot and cover them with cold water and tbsp of salt. Make sure the water level is about 5cm above the potatoes.
- Place the pot on high heat, cover with a lid, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let them cook until a sharp knife glides easily through the biggest potato. This should take about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, drain them well.
- While your potatoes are draining, heat the butter and cream together in the microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds until hot and melted.
- If you have a potato ricer, now’s the time to use it! Rice the potatoes directly into the warm butter and cream mixture. No ricer? No worries! Mash the potatoes with a masher and then mix in the butter and cream.
- Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and stir well to combine.
- That’s it! Serve immediately for the creamiest, most delicious mashed potatoes ever! And if you’ve made a bit too much, no stress – these beauties freeze wonderfully!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! While cream adds extra richness, milk is a great alternative for a lighter version. Whole milk works best, but if you want to go dairy-free, almond or oat milk are good options. Just remember, the higher the fat content, the creamier your mash will be!
You can definitely make them ahead! Store your mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep them creamy.
Yes, mashed potatoes freeze really well. Simply let them cool, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat slowly on the stove, adding a little extra butter or cream to bring back the smooth texture.