Light and creamy mashed potatoes with a little secret, that will make your guests and family beg for more.
Mashed potatoes have a special place in my heart (and stomach!)… It is my favorite side dish in the world and I cook it quite often. OK, I am going to confess – I cook it every week and it never gets boring! Today, I am going to share the recipe I use because it has a special little “something” that makes these mashed potatoes taste heavenly.
You are now probably wondering: “What in the world does she do to these potatoes?” My secret is simple: browned butter — delicious, sweet, nutty and oh-so-addictive browned butter. So, knowing this secret and having just 4 very common ingredients on hand, you can make this goodness right now. Let’s get the party started!
Here are a few tips:
- use Yukon Gold or regular baking potatoes instead of the Red Skin potatoes;
- warm up the milk before adding it to the potatoes;
- brown the butter;
- use a potato masher instead of an electric beater, food processor or whatever other unknown-to-me device you might be using;
I was really surprised to find out that some people use food processors to “mash” potatoes. My curiosity took over one day and I’ve tried to do the same thing. The results were quite interesting and not delicious. The potatoes resembled silly putty and not a tasty meal. So, I strongly encourage you to stay away from the food processor, and I speak from experience. Get a regular potato masher. You can find one at any big supermarket close to your house, or, you can buy this potato masher from Amazon.
Let me know how you guys liked these mashed potatoes and I hope you all have a S-MASHING day!!!
MASHED POTATOES WITH A SECRET
Ingredients
- 2 lbs peeled and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- salt
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot. Add plenty of clean water and bring to a boil. Add some salt and keep boiling for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through.
- While the potatoes are cooking, it's time to brown the butter. In a small saucepan (preferably white or silver colored so you can watch the butter brown), melt the butter on medium-low heat. Keep cooking the butter until tiny brown pieces start to form on the bottom of the pan. Remove the butter from the heat immediately.
- Warm up the milk on the stove top or in the microwave.
- Drain the potatoes and pour the milk and the butter on top. Using the potato masher, work on the mixture until it looks smooth and no lumps remain.
- Garnish with some browned butter.
Notes
Nutrition
Before you go...
Check out these recipes
POTATO GNOCCHI WITH MUSHROOMS AND FETA
PASTA WITH PEAS AND KIELBASA
THE BEST CHICKEN MEATBALLS EVER
Follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM to get some more deliciousness! ❤❤❤
Shawn T says
I like all of your recipes. I just add or eliminate small parts just to fit our family. There is one thing I disagree with you on and that is about using "a food processor or whatever other unknown-to-me device you might be using" I use a KitchenAid mixer with the paddle attachment and get rave reviews when I make them. Everyone says that they are very light & fluffy. Better than any other time that I have used a hand masher. Maybe a difference in the recipe or type of potato or a little of both. Just my two cents worth.
Tania Sheff says
Hi Shawn! Thank you for sharing your experience! Maybe my readers will try to use a KitchenAid mixer with the paddle attachment (I don't own one). I am definitely open to experimenting and trying new things 🙂 Thanks again for stopping by and have a super day!
Wendy says
I must admit (forgive me folks) Ive never heard of browned butter before. I am definately going to try it. Adding a packet of chicken boullion to the water you boil the potatoes in really boosts the flavour too.
Tania says
Hi Wendy! I cannot wait for you to try the browned butter!
catheleen says
just cooked your potato dish for a friends birthday. the brown butter was the perfect ingredient hit. i too use an old fashioned potato masher. if you use a mixer, they get starchy and gluey-not fit to eat. people dont mind a few lumps. Thanks for your wonderful pics and recipes. Your are an inspiration.
Tania says
Thank you so much for sharing, Cathleen! I actually enjoy an occasional lump in my potatoes. 🙂 Glad you liked the browned butter idea.
Betty Rolt says
There is a utensil that looks like a huge garlic press. It is perfect for pressing peeled, cooked and quartered potatoes throught. Perfect mashed potatoes every time! I will never mash potatoes any other way after discovering this method. Just saying...
Phil says
It's called a potato ricer.
Lucy says
I would never put potatoes through a processor....but I always use my mixer....potato masher leaves lumps, and in our family we hate the lumps. The trick to using a mixer is to use the lowest speed and not over beat! Any higher and you will not like the result and get something that does not look like fluffy mashed potatoes. I will try browned butter next time. Sounds tasty!
Tania says
Thanks for your tips, Lucy! You'll love the browned butter addition.