Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Classic mashed potatoes reveal their chameleon side with the addition of cheeses, spices and even veggies. If you leave the skin on the potatoes, mash them with a potato masher rather than an electric mixer (because the skin will get caught in the beaters). If you want to use a potato ricer, wait to add the butter until after you've passed the potatoes through the ricer.
Ingredients
Directions
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In a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven, cook potatoes, covered, in enough lightly salted boiling water to cover for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender; drain. Return the hot, drained potatoes to the hot Dutch oven. Add the 1/4 cup butter. Let stand, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until hot but not boiling.
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Mash potatoes with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer on low speed just until light and fluffy. Stir in the warm milk, salt and pepper. Gradually stir in additional milk to make potatoes desired creaminess. If desired, serve with additional butter.
Make-Ahead Directions:
Prepare Perfect Mashed Potatoes as directed. Transfer to a bowl; cool slightly. Cover tightly; chill for up to 48 hours. Place potato mixture in a greased 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until heated through. Stir before serving. Or place cooled potato mixture in a greased 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Cover tightly and chill for up to 48 hours. To serve, preheat oven to 350°. Bake, covered with foil, for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake for 10 to 15 minutes more or until heated through.
Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
Use about half as much milk, replacing it with sour cream to taste. Stir in a couple tablespoons of prepared horseradish and a splash of lemon juice. Garnish with cracked black pepper and melted butter.
Broccoli-Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
When the potatoes are nearly cooked (about 5 minutes remaining), add fresh or frozen broccoli florets to the Dutch oven. (Use about 1 cup per pound of potatoes.) After mashing, add shredded cheddar cheese with the milk, salt and pepper.
Asiago Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Mashed Potatoes
After mashing potatoes, stir in shredded Asiago cheese and sun-dried tomato pesto with the milk, salt and pepper. (If you like, substitute basil pesto for the sun-dried tomato pesto.)
Bacon-Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
In a medium skillet, cook a few slices of bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels; set aside. After mashing the potatoes, stir in crumbled blue cheese to taste with the milk, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and sliced green onion.
Spicy Double-Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Boil whole peeled garlic cloves with the potatoes, using one clove per pound. Mash cooked garlic with potatoes, then add shredded smoked Gouda cheese and a teaspoon or two of finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.