The Secret to Perfectly Creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

There is nothing quite like a steaming bowl of buttery mashed potatoes to round out a family dinner. By choosing the right variety of potato and using a few simple techniques, you can transform this humble side dish into the highlight of your meal. Whether you are serving a Sunday roast or a simple weeknight chicken, these potatoes provide the ultimate comfort.

Recipe Details

• Yields: 4–6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 2 cloves garlic, peeled

Instructions

1. Place the potato chunks and the optional garlic cloves into a large pot, covering them completely with cold water.
2. Sprinkle a healthy pinch of salt into the water for seasoning.
3. Bring the pot to a boil using high heat, then turn the temperature down to maintain a steady simmer.
4. Let the potatoes cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Drain the water thoroughly and return the potatoes to the warm pot.
6. In a separate pan or container, warm the milk and butter together until the butter has completely melted and the liquid is heated through.
7. Use a potato masher or a ricer to crush the potatoes until they reach a smooth consistency.
8. Slowly pour in the warm butter and milk mixture while you continue to mash the potatoes.
9. Adjust the final flavor by adding salt and black pepper to your preference.
10. Serve the potatoes while they are still hot and fluffy.

Tips for Success

Using Yukon Gold potatoes is the key to achieving a naturally buttery and velvety result without much effort. If you are looking for even more indulgence, try replacing a portion of the milk with heavy cream or stirring in a dollop of sour cream at the very end. Be careful not to work the potatoes too much; over-mashing can lead to a sticky or gummy texture rather than a light, fluffy one.

Nutrition Information

We hope you enjoy bringing this classic, creamy side dish to your dinner table tonight!