Creamy Mashed Potatoes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between creamy mashed potatoes and regular mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed potatoes can have butter and perhaps a bit of milk. Creamed (or whipped) potatoes are beaten with an electric mixer -- or one of those old-time hand-held manual mixers -- and they have lots of butter and cream to create a smoother texture.

Add a Thickening Agent

This is the most common way to thicken mashed potatoes. You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well.

Heavy cream will make for the creamiest mashed potatoes, but whole milk or half and half will also work. Don't use anything with less fat than whole milk, otherwise, your potatoes won't be as flavorful or creamy.

So, if you're cooking something forgiving like soup or mashed potatoes, heavy cream and half-and-half are virtually interchangeable in equal amounts, yes—both will give you that creamy texture we all love and crave. Just be mindful that heavy cream contains more fat, so it will taste much richer.

Garlic and herbs are added to boost flavor

Instead of boiling a few potatoes and mashing them plain, a lot of restaurant chefs like to apply a little more finesse. Garlic and herbs infused in butter and cream add a flavor boost without overpowering.

Pomme Puree - a fancy way to say mashed potatoes.

The word "tater" is Southern slang for a "potato." It amuses me that some mapmakers have labeled the feature as "Potato Hill." I guarantee that name would elicit a blank stare from any native residents.

Mashed potato or mashed potatoes (American, Canadian and Australian English), colloquially known as mash (British English), is a dish made by mashing boiled or steamed potatoes, usually with added milk, butter, salt and pepper. It is generally served as a side dish to meat or vegetables.

Liquid: Usually, this is where milk and butter comes into play, but for a dairy-free version, you could use broth instead. Just make sure you heat your liquid and add it a little at a time when your potatoes have been boiled and dried. Too much and you'll end up with a runny mess.

How do you make mashed potatoes fluffy and not sticky? ›

Soaking and/or rinsing the potatoes can help you modify the amount of starch that remains on them. Cutting potatoes into smaller pieces before cooking and rinsing them under cold water will wash away much of the excess starch.

Heavy Cream – This adds to the richness of the perfect potatoes. Crème Fraîche – I love adding something tart so it cuts some of the richness. In this case, I love using crème fraîche. Chives – These add a touch of freshness when added to the top that is much needed with an otherwise rich dish.

Adding cold dairy to your mashed potatoes also cools the mash down — and very few people like cold mashed potatoes. Ready to put this tip into action? Bring the milk and butter to at least room temperature or, better yet, gently heat them on the stovetop before adding them to your potatoes.

Why does it happen? You could be using the wrong potatoes. Potatoes are generally considered "waxy" or "starchy." Waxy potatoes (like white potatoes and red potatoes) are more prone to gumminess when mashed, as opposed to starchy potatoes (like Yukon Golds and russets).

Is Heavy Cream the Same as Heavy Whipping Cream? Yes, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the exact same thing. The confusion lies in the fact that they're sold by different brands under two different names.

The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are a starchy varieties like russet, Idaho or Yukon gold. Starchy potatoes are best for mashed potatoes because they have a fluffy, almost airy texture that breaks down easily.

Yukon Gold potatoes are the BA team's top pick for classic mashed potatoes. With gold right there in their name, there is no arguing that they're the (ahem!) gold standard for a mash with a creamy, rich texture.