A Spud-tacular Delight

The Ultimate Mashed Potato Recipe…

Ah, mashed potatoes. The unsung hero of the Thanksgiving dinner table. The creamy comfort food, smothered with gravy, has always been my favorite part of the meal (with stuffing a close second).

But not all mashed potatoes are created equal. I’m going to share with you the recipe for the tastiest mashed potatoes ever. Yes, ever. Prepare to have your taste buds dazzled and your mind blown.

Turkey (or ham or whatever protein) may be the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving table, but the side dishes get the most attention. Two out of three Americans prefer Thanksgiving side dishes to the main entrée, according to the “State of the Sides Report 2023” from Campbell’s Soup Company. And of all the traditional side dishes served on this holiday, mashed potatoes rank No. 1, according to the survey.
How popular are mashed potatoes? The National Grocers Association reports that Americans will eat about 215 million pounds of potatoes this Thanksgiving. That’s a spud-tacular number of tubers!
Where Did Potatoes Originate?

The history of mashed potatoes goes back to 8,000 BCE in Peru and northwest Bolivia. The ancient potatoes were more bitter than today’s, so the indigenous populations of South America needed to detoxify the tubers by soaking them in hot water and clay to make them edible.
When Spanish explorers sailed to South America, they returned to Europe with this new, exotic starchy vegetable. North Americans got their first taste of potatoes in 1621, when the governor of Jamaica sent them to Virginia. Thomas Jefferson has been credited for making potatoes popular in America because he was the first president to serve them in the White House. (Jefferson enjoyed mashed potatoes, but he loved French fries.)

In the 1870s, Luther Burbank developed the “Burbank Russet” potato in Massachusetts. Eventually, Burbank Russet found its way to Idaho and flourished in the soil and climate there.
The Secret to Perfect Mashed Potatoes

First things first, let’s talk about the potatoes. You might think any old potato will do, but you’d be wrong. For the fluffiest, creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes, look for Burbank Russets. Yukon Golds are an excellent substitute.

There are recipes out there that include garlic, chives, sour cream, egg yolks, caramelized onions, truffle oil, French dip seasoning from a packet, bacon bits, various types of cheeses, etc. But I keep my recipe basic for a few reasons: Mainly, I like the taste of the actual potato to shine. Secondly, some folks at the table may not like certain ingredients (mostly children with tame taste buds). Since the point of the holiday is to bring family and friends together and give thanks, I try to be inclusive. But feel free to experiment with taste-enhancing ingredients. •

Ultimate Mashed Potato Recipe

Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups heavy cream, warmed
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: For extra flavor, add garlic, chives, cheese, etc.

Directions:

Step 1: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Place the pot back on the stove over low heat for a minute or two to evaporate any excess moisture. This step is important for avoiding watery mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Using a masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. (Note: If you’re using a potato ricer or food mill, pass the potatoes through it into a large bowl.

Step 4: Add the butter to the potatoes and stir until melted and incorporated. Gradually add the warm cream and milk, stirring until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Note: If you’re going fancy, add any optional extras like garlic, chives, cheese etc.

Step 6: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and dig in.