Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food, and when made right, they can elevate any meal. This 3 ingredient mashed potatoes recipe is all about achieving that perfect balance of fluffiness, creaminess, and buttery richness. With just a few simple ingredients and a few key tips, you can create smooth, velvety mashed potatoes that everyone will love.
1. 3 Ingredient Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (about 1 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ to 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
- Salt & ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and cut the russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Cutting the potatoes into even pieces ensures they cook evenly and faster.
Place the potato cubes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Adding the potatoes to cold water helps them cook more evenly.
Step 2. Cook the Potatoes
Bring the pot of water and potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.
You’ll know the potatoes are ready when a fork or knife slides easily into the center of a potato cube.
Step 3. Drain and Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, drain them in a colander. Let the potatoes sit for a minute to allow any excess water to evaporate.
Return the warm potatoes to the pot or transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth and lump-free. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can mash them less thoroughly.
Step 4. Add Butter and Milk/Cream
While the potatoes are still hot, add 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated, giving the potatoes a rich, buttery flavor.
Gradually add ½ to 1 cup of warmed whole milk or heavy cream, stirring continuously. Start with ½ cup of milk or cream and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, use heavy cream, but whole milk will also give a rich, smooth texture.
Continue mixing until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
Step 5. Season to Taste
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste. Be generous with the salt, as potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning.
Step 6. Serve
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and, if desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve the mashed potatoes warm with your favorite main dishes like roasted meats, chicken, or vegetables.
2. Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes
Choose the Right Potatoes: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. Russets are starchy and break down easily, which results in smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds are slightly waxier but provide a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the potatoes can make them gluey or gummy. Mash them just until smooth and avoid using a food processor or blender, as these can overwork the starches in the potatoes.
Warm the Milk or Cream: Adding cold milk or cream to hot potatoes can cause the mixture to seize up, making it harder to achieve a smooth consistency. Always warm your milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes.
Adjust the Consistency: If you like your mashed potatoes thicker, use less milk or cream. For a lighter, fluffier texture, add more liquid, but do so gradually to avoid making the potatoes too runny.
3. Suggested Variations
Because this is a basic recipe, you can easily customize your mashed potatoes with additional flavors:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic or sautéed garlic for a rich, aromatic flavor.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère cheese for a cheesy twist.
Herbed Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to infuse the potatoes with earthy flavors.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes: For an indulgent option, mix in bacon bits, sour cream, and chives for a “loaded” mashed potato experience.
4. Suggested Pairings
These creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve them with:
Roasted Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing for any holiday meal or Sunday dinner.
Baked Steak or Pork Chops: The rich, buttery flavor of the mashed potatoes complements the savory, smoky flavor of baked meats.
Vegetable Stew: Serve a hearty vegetable stew or pot roast over a bed of mashed potatoes for a filling and comforting meal.
Meatloaf: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for classic meatloaf, creating a hearty and satisfying plate.
This 3 ingredient mashed potatoes recipe is a simple, delicious way to create a side dish that’s sure to please any crowd. With their smooth, buttery texture and rich flavor, these mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
