Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, and you know what makes it even better? The *best mashed potatoes*! Seriously, these creamy, buttery clouds of goodness are a must-have on every Thanksgiving table. I can still remember my grandma’s kitchen filled with the delightful smell of boiling potatoes, and that silky texture when you take a bite just melts in your mouth. It’s comfort food at its finest! Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or friends, having a bowl of perfectly mashed potatoes just makes the meal feel complete. Trust me, you don’t want to skimp on these—everyone will be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Let’s dive into how to whip up this deliciousness!
Ingredients for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe Thanksgiving
For the ultimate, creamy mashed potatoes that will steal the show this Thanksgiving, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 2 pounds of potatoes: I recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for that fluffy texture. Make sure to peel and chop them into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly!
- 1 cup of milk: Whole milk works best for a rich, creamy flavor, but feel free to use your favorite milk (or even cream!) for a little extra indulgence.
- 1/2 cup of butter: I always use unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness, but if you have salted butter, just adjust your seasoning accordingly.
- Salt to taste: Adding salt during the boiling process enhances the flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a lovely touch of warmth to your mashed potatoes.
Once you have these ingredients ready, you’re all set to create a side dish that will have everyone raving at your Thanksgiving feast!
How to Prepare the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe Thanksgiving
Now, let’s get to the fun part—preparing those creamy mashed potatoes! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dreamy side dish ready in no time. Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, peel and chop your potatoes into even-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches. This helps them cook uniformly—no one likes undercooked chunks!
- Next, place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and fill it with cold, salted water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it boil gently for about 15-20 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- Once your potatoes are tender, drain them well in a colander and return them to the pot. This is key! Let them steam for a minute or two to evaporate any excess moisture.
- Add the butter and milk to the potatoes while they’re still warm. Using a potato masher, mash until you reach that ideal smooth and creamy consistency. I like to go a bit rustic with some small lumps, but you do you!
- Finally, season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Give it a good mix and taste—adjust the seasoning if needed. Wow, it’s going to be so good!
Now you’ve got the best mashed potatoes ever, just in time for Thanksgiving! Get ready for everyone to rave about them!
Tips for Success with the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s make sure your mashed potatoes are nothing short of spectacular this Thanksgiving! Here are my top tips:
- Don’t rush the boiling: Make sure your potatoes are tender but not falling apart—this ensures the perfect texture.
- Warm your milk: Heating your milk before adding it to the potatoes helps keep everything nice and warm, making for creamier mashed potatoes.
- Experiment with flavors: Want to jazz it up? Add roasted garlic, cream cheese, or fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare your mashed potatoes a day in advance. Just reheat them gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if they need a little moisture.
- Keep it cozy: Serve your mashed potatoes in a warm bowl, and maybe even top with a pat of butter that will melt right in—yum!
Follow these tips, and I promise your mashed potatoes will be the star of the Thanksgiving feast!
Nutritional Information for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe Thanksgiving
When it comes to comfort food, these mashed potatoes are delicious but can also be quite indulgent. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 4g
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoying these creamy mashed potatoes is all about balance, so savor every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: You can whip up these creamy mashed potatoes in just about 35 minutes—perfect for busy Thanksgiving cooks!
- Incredibly creamy texture: The combination of butter and warm milk creates that dreamy, silky consistency we all crave.
- Simple ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples means you won’t need to run out for any special items.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves mashed potatoes, making them the ultimate side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
- Versatile: You can easily customize them with flavors or toppings, making every batch unique!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this mashed potatoes recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making your mashed potatoes ahead of time is a great way to save some stress on Thanksgiving Day. Just prepare your mashed potatoes as usual, then let them cool before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When it’s time to serve, gently reheat them on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of milk or a little extra butter to bring back that creamy goodness!
What type of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
I love using starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best results. They’re super fluffy and yield that perfect creamy texture we all crave. Waxy potatoes, like red potatoes, can work too, but they tend to be a bit denser. So, if you want those light and airy mashed potatoes, stick with the Russets or Yukon Golds!
Can I add other ingredients for flavor?
Definitely! There are so many delicious ways to jazz up your mashed potatoes. I love adding roasted garlic for a rich, savory note or mixing in cream cheese for extra creaminess. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can brighten up the flavor too! Feel free to get creative and make these mashed potatoes your own—everyone will love your unique twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover mashed potatoes (which is rare, but it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that creamy goodness intact. Just transfer your cooled mashed potatoes into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for those post-Thanksgiving leftovers!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat your mashed potatoes on the stove over low heat. Stir them frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. If they seem a bit thick or dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk or a dollop of butter to bring back that luscious creaminess. You could also use the microwave if you’re short on time—just cover them loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy those fluffy clouds of comfort once more!
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Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe Thanksgiving for Cozy Gatherings
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and creamy mashed potatoes recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even pieces.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter and milk to the potatoes.
- Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic or herbs.
- You can use cream instead of milk for richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: best mashed potatoes recipe thanksgiving
