How Can I Make My Mashed Potatoes More Flavorful?

Our classic easy mashed potatoes keep the seasoning level on the mild side. For a more highly-seasoned flavor, feel free to add additional salt and pepper, or try any of these add-ins. Onion: Stir in a few tablespoons of chopped fresh green onions or chives for a fresh look and flavor. Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar, Mexican cheese blend or Swiss cheese to melt into the hot potatoes. Peppers: Perk up the flavor with drained, chopped green chiles, chopped canned pickled jalapeños, red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce stirred into the mashed potatoes.

Can I Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?

For the fluffiest texture and best flavor, it’s best to serve mashed potatoes right after making them. Over time, the flavor disappears, and reheating can cause the potatoes to lose some of their fluffiness as they are stirred. If you do want to make and hold your potatoes until serving time, you could place them in a 6-quart slow-cooker that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Turn the dial to warm; cover and hold them for up to 2 hours. Stir before serving.

What Can I Do if My Mashed Potatoes Turn Out Dry?

Mashed potatoes can dry out upon cooling or storage, as some of the moisture evaporates. But don’t worry—it’s a simple fix. After reheating mashed potatoes for years, one of our experts recommends first reheating them before adding anything. Sometimes simply heating up makes them the right texture again. If they still are dry, stir in a little more butter (up to a tablespoon) and/or a splash of milk. Then, reheat about 15 seconds longer to make sure they are piping hot.

Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Name: Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 8 to 10 medium russet potatoes (about 3 lb); 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons salted butter, if desired; Dash pepper; 1/4 cup 2% milk

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Prep Time 25 min
Total 45 min
Ingredients 5
Servings 10

Ingredients

8 to 10 medium russet potatoes (about 3 lb)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons salted butter, if desired
Dash pepper
1/4 cup 2% milk

Instructions

Step
1

Wash potatoes, and with a vegetable peeler, remove the potato skins. Rinse under cool water. Cut the potatoes into quarters or evenly-sized pieces.
Step
2

Place potatoes in large saucepan; add enough water to cover. Add 3/4 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover loosely.
Step
3

Boil gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes break apart easily when pierced with fork.
Step
4

Carefully pour potatoes out into a colander; drain well.
Step
5

Return potatoes to saucepan; shake saucepan gently over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.
Step
6

Mash potatoes with potato masher until no lumps remain.
Step
7

Add butter, pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat milk in a glass measuring cup in the microwave, about 15 seconds on Medium-High (70%), or just until it’s hot. Continue mashing, gradually adding enough milk to make potatoes smooth and creamy.

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Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/10 of Recipe

% Daily Value*:

Exchanges:

Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

Instructions

Tips from the Pillsbury Kitchens Show

Nutrition Show

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/10 of Recipe

% Daily Value*:

Exchanges: