Oh, Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a big bowl of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes! These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they’re the kind that makes you want to dive right in and savor every single bite. I remember my first Thanksgiving dinner where I tried a recipe similar to this one, and I was hooked! The way the buttery goodness mingles with the smooth texture is just heavenly. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, making them the perfect side dish for your holiday feast. Trust me, once you serve these at your table, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup of whole milk, warmed
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes
Making these Thanksgiving mashed potatoes is a breeze, and you’ll love how straightforward the process is! Start by peeling and chopping your Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks—this helps them cook uniformly. Next, place those chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water, adding a generous pinch of salt to season. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Once they’ve cooked, drain them well to get rid of any excess water.
Now comes the fun part! Return the potatoes to the pot and add in your room-temperature butter and warmed milk. Grab a potato masher or a ricer and mash those potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you go. Finally, serve them warm, and get ready for compliments!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Peel and chop 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into uniform chunks, about 1-2 inches in size.
- Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water, making sure the water is about an inch above the potatoes.
- Add a generous pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander, allowing them to sit for a minute to remove excess moisture.
- Return the drained potatoes to the pot off the heat, then add in 1/2 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup of warmed whole milk.
- Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired smoothness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well until everything is combined and creamy.
- Transfer to a serving dish, and serve warm, perhaps with a pat of butter on top for extra indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra creamy texture that melts in your mouth—seriously, it’s like a warm hug!
- Simple and quick to prepare, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
- Made with just a few basic ingredients, which means you can easily whip them up anytime.
- The buttery flavor is absolutely irresistible and perfect for soaking up gravy!
- They’re a crowd-pleaser; everyone at your Thanksgiving table will be going back for seconds.
- Versatile enough to pair with any main dish, from turkey to vegetarian options.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be transformed into delicious potato cakes or shepherd’s pie.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become watery—just aim for that tender texture. When mashing, don’t be shy about using a ricer for that ultra-smooth finish! And remember, taste as you go; adding salt and pepper gradually helps you find that perfect balance. If you want to amp up the flavor, consider mixing in roasted garlic or fresh herbs like chives or rosemary. Lastly, serve them immediately for the best taste, but if you need to hold them, keep them warm in a covered dish over low heat.
Serving Suggestions
These Thanksgiving mashed potatoes are the perfect sidekick to a festive feast! They pair beautifully with classic roast turkey, allowing you to scoop up gravy with every bite. If you’re serving ham, the creamy texture complements the savory flavors perfectly. Don’t forget to include some green bean casserole for a lovely crunch and vibrant color on your plate. A cranberry sauce adds a delightful tartness that balances the richness of the potatoes wonderfully. And for a touch of elegance, consider serving them alongside herb-roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Your holiday spread will be unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
These Thanksgiving mashed potatoes are not just delicious; they’re also packed with satisfying nutrition! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 36g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they make a comforting addition to your holiday meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of potatoes for mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for their creamy texture, you can also use Russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that Russets can yield a fluffier mash, which some people love!
How can I make my mashed potatoes extra creamy?
To achieve that ultra-creamy texture, don’t skimp on the butter and warm milk! You can also mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese for added richness and flavor.
Can I prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make your mashed potatoes a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What can I do with leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes?
Leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into delicious potato cakes or added to soups for extra thickness. They’re also great in shepherd’s pie—so versatile!
How do I fix lumpy mashed potatoes?
If you find your mashed potatoes are lumpy, simply mash them again or use a hand mixer to smooth them out. Just be careful not to overmix, or they can become gummy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to label the container with the date! When it’s time to reheat, the stovetop is my go-to method. Simply add a splash of milk and warm them over low heat, stirring gently until they’re creamy again. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out. Enjoy every last spoonful!
Print
Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave Them
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 cup of milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain the potatoes well.
- Add butter and milk to the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Add garlic for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: thanksgiving mashed potatoes
