The Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Made with a Mixer
Mashed potatoes are a staple comfort food, deliciously creamy and satisfying, and a favorite side dish year round. With a KitchenAid stand mixer, making homemade mashed potatoes becomes even easier and more convenient.
In this post, you'll learn an easy mashed potato recipe that yields perfectly fluffy and smooth potatoes, every time. You'll discover how the mixer's attachments and settings make the process efficient, allowing you to focus on getting the flavors just right. As you follow the recipe, you'll understand why so many home cooks rely on their mixer for consistently great results in the kitchen.
Jump to:
*This post may contain affiliate links and I’ll earn a commission if you shop through them. You can read my full disclosure here.
Armed with this versatile recipe, you can easily customize your own KitchenAid mashed potatoes to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a buttery, rich flavor or you're looking for a healthier alternative, your stand mixer is the key to mastering this classic dish. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to transform ordinary potatoes into the most delicious mashed potatoes you may ever have!
This is my all-time favorite homemade creamy mashed potatoes recipe. This recipe is a classic old-school home
Mashed Potato Recipe Basics
Choosing the Right Potato Variety
When preparing your mashed potato recipe, it's essential to choose the right type of potato for the best results. Different types of potatoes have unique textures and starch content, affecting the final result of your mash. The most popular types for mashing are Russet, Yukon Gold, and Red potatoes.
Russet potatoes have a high starch content, making them ideal for light and fluffy potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes, on the other hand, have a medium starch content which results in creamy potatoes. Finally, Red potatoes have a lower starch content which creates a denser mash.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of potatoes
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk or whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Preparing the Potatoes
To begin, you'll want to rinse, scrub, and peel the potato skins with a potato peeler, making sure to remove any blemishes or eyes. Then, chop the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even boiling and mashing. This step will also help the potatoes cook faster and mash more smoothly.
*As a side note, some potatoes with thinner skins can be rinsed and/or scrubbed and cubed with no need for peeling.
Boiling the Potatoes
Follow these steps to properly boil your potatoes:
- Place the chopped potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water by about 2 inches.
- Add ½ teaspoon sea salt to the water and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- To check if the potatoes are cooked, test them with a fork - they should be easily pricked without resistance.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, strain them in a colander to remove the water.
Creating the Perfect Texture
Using a Stand Mixer
The easiest way to create the perfect texture for your mashed potatoes is to start by using a stand mixer with the appropriate attachment. Utilize either the flat beater or paddle attachment, as these two options provide the best results for creamy mashed potatoes. Attach your selected mixer piece and place your cooked and drained potatoes into the stand mixer bowl. Add the butter, salt, pepper, and milk.
Begin by mixing at a low speed for about a minute to break the potatoes apart. Then, increase the speed to medium and continue to mix for another 1-2 minutes until the potatoes are mashed and most visible lumps are gone.
Mixer Settings & Tools
- Flat beater or paddle attachment
- Low speed, then medium speed
- 1-2 minutes of mixing time
Alternative Mixing Methods
If you don't have a stand mixer, don't worry! There are several other methods to achieve great texture for your mashed potatoes. Some alternative tools and techniques include:
- Potato masher: The traditional way of making mashed potatoes is using a simple potato masher. It may take a bit more effort, but it's highly effective in creating a smooth texture. Mash your cooked potatoes with butter, cream, and seasonings until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Hand mixer: A common alternative to a stand mixer is a hand mixer. Simply use the standard beaters and mix your potatoes in a large bowl until they reach the desired smoothness. Remember to add your butter, cream, and seasonings as well.
- KitchenAid Flex Edge Beater and wire whip: For those who own a KitchenAid mixer, but don't have the flat beater or paddle attachment, you can use a flex edge beater or wire whip in its place. Just be sure to mix at a low speed to avoid overworking the potatoes and maintain that ideal creamy texture.
- Food Mill: Pass the cooked potatoes through the food mill before adding the other ingredients.
Remember, choosing the right mixing method is essential for creating the perfect texture in your mashed potatoes. Whichever method you choose, always use a consistent mixing speed and add your desired ingredients for an unforgettable taste.
Customizing Flavor and Seasoning
When making mashed potatoes, you can easily customize the flavor and seasoning to suit your taste preferences. There are several ways to add unique flavors, including the use of cream and dairy products, as well as incorporating various herbs and spices.
Adding Cream and Dairy Products
To achieve a creamy, rich texture in your mashed potatoes, consider experimenting with different dairy products. Start by adding butter, salt, and pepper as a base, then mix in your choice of milk, cream, or heavy cream for added richness and flavor. Don't be afraid to try unique combinations like sour cream, cream cheese, buttermilk, or even dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
Some popular cheese options for mashed potatoes are parmesan cheese and gruyere, which will contribute a nutty and creamy flavor to your dish. Adding cheese not only enhances the taste but also gives an extra layer of richness to your mashed potatoes.
Incorporating Herbs and Spices
Seasonings play an essential role in elevating the taste of your mashed potatoes. Start by using sea salt or kosher salt to taste and freshly ground black pepper to add some heat. Then, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to create your signature flavor.
Fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, thyme, and dill can be finely chopped and added to the mix for a burst of flavor. As for spices, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, white pepper, paprika, or a touch of cumin for a unique taste profile.
When using garlic, you can opt for minced fresh garlic or roasted garlic, which will provide a more mellow, sweet undertone to your potatoes. Additionally, try a pinch of nutmeg to give a warm, subtle flavor that complements the creaminess of your dish.
Remember, when customizing the flavor and seasoning of your mashed potatoes, balance is key. Try different combinations until you find the perfect mix that suits your taste buds. The possibilities are endless, and the result will be a delicious, personalized side dish that everyone will enjoy.
Managing Leftovers and Storage
Storing Potato Preparations in an Airtight Container
After enjoying your delicious easy mashed potatoes, you might have some leftovers. To store these creamy mashed potatoes, simply transfer them into an airtight container. This practice keeps your potatoes fresh and maintains their flavor.
Refrigerating and Reheating Mashed Potatoes
To store your leftover mashed potatoes, place the airtight container in the refrigerator. It is advised to consume them within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness and flavor. When you're ready to enjoy your homemade mashed potatoes again, there are a few ways to reheat them, ensuring they maintain their original creamy consistency.
- Microwave: Transfer the desired portion of mashed potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and reheat for 1-2 minutes. Be sure to stir them halfway through to achieve an even temperature.
- Stovetop: Place the mashed potatoes in a pot and add a splash of milk or a small amount of unsalted butter. Warm them over low heat, constantly stirring until they reach your desired temperature.
Adding a touch of black pepper or a bit of roasted garlic before reheating can elevate the flavor and bring a new twist to your mashed potatoes. By following these storage and reheating guidelines, you'll make the most out of your versatile homemade mashed potatoes and enjoy them as the perfect side dish once more.
Serving Suggestions and Complementary Dishes
Pairing Mashed Potatoes with Soup, Salad, and Bread
When you prepare your mashed potato recipe, knowing how to pair it effectively with complementary dishes can elevate your meal.
Pair your fluffy mashed potatoes with pork chops (this air fryer recipe is a great pick) or this crockpot meatloaf recipe.
Incorporating a fresh salad meal adds a healthy and vibrant touch. Choose a crunchy, leafy green salad with various textures and flavors to contrast with the creamy mashed potatoes. Adding elements like nuts, cheeses, or fruits can bring complexity to your salad.
Moving on to bread, a warm, crusty loaf serves as the perfect accompaniment. A quality baguette or a rustic whole-grain loaf can enhance the meal.
Integrating Potatoes into a Meal Plan
Mashed potatoes can easily be integrated into various meal plans. They work well in large gatherings, making them the ideal crowd pleaser for potlucks, parties, or family dinners. The versatility of potato recipes allows them to adapt to different menus, from weeknight dinners to holiday side dishes.
For weeknight dinners, consider pairing the creamy mashed potatoes with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken or pork.
When using your mixer for mashing potatoes, it is recommended to use the flat beater
attachment. This will provide the right consistency without overmixing which can lead to gluey mashed potatoes.
The choice between using a mixer or a manual hand masher for potatoes mainly depends on your personal preference and the desired texture. A mixer, like a KitchenAid, can produce smooth and creamy mashed potatoes while a hand masher typically results in a chunkier consistency with more texture. Consider your preferences and the preferences of those you are serving when making your decision.
I don't recommend using an immersion blender because too much starch can be released in the process and you'll end up with gluey potatoes.
If you are using a hand mixer to mash potatoes, make sure to cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender to ensure they mix easily. Double-check that your hand mixer is fitted with appropriate beater attachments before starting. Begin at a low speed to break up the potatoes and gradually increase the speed as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the potatoes to become gluey.
📖 Recipe
Old-Fashioned Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes Yukon gold or Russet are great picks
- ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup butter sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cut potatoes into cubes. It is important to keep all of the cubes approximately the same size so that the cooking time is uniform. If using a thin skinned potato you can omit the peeling.3 pounds potatoes
- Place potatoes in a pot of cold water adding salt (approximately ½ teaspoon). Bring water to a simmer and continue to simmer until a fork can go easily in and out of the potatoes, approximately 20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes in a colander.
- Add potatoes, sliced butter, milk, and salt and pepper to the mixer bowl.¼ cup whole milk, ½ cup butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Start on low and increase speed to medium beating for approximately 1 minute until the potatoes are creamy.
As with any of my recipes, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly depending on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish.
Nutrition
I love mashed potatoes with gravy!!! One of my top favorites foods of all time! Seeing these has sealed the deal- definitely making meatloaf and mashed potatoes very soon! I didn't get to make my chicken and dumplings yesterday. I was taking everything out to make it and realized I forgot to buy carrots and celery! So frustrating...that's what happens when I'm shopping with the little ones! I have them now so I'll be making it tonight- another favorite of mine.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Snowed in again...
My husband loooooves mashed potatoes. Though I must admit, I usually use the instant kind. These look really good. Thanks for coming by to visit my blog, by the way. 🙂
What if everyone is lactose intolerate? What can be used as a substitute for the whole milk/whipping cream?
Thank you!
Hi Joy! That's a great question and the answer is below:
Substitute the milk with 1/2 cup of vegetable, chicken, or beef broth and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. The salt and pepper amount will remain the same. The consistency will be different than what's shown but the taste will be delicious! If the potatoes are a little 'stiff' add more broth a little at a time. Also, if using broth that contains salt taste it first before adding any extra salt.
I hope that helps!