How to Make Chef John's Ultimate Mashed Potatoes - A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to Chef John's Ultimate Mashed Potatoes recipe! If you're in the mood for a classic comfort food dish that's sure to impress, then you've come to the right place. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of technique, you can create the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes you've ever tasted. Whether you're cooking for a holiday feast, a special occasion, or just craving a hearty side dish, this recipe is a must-try.

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Ingredients

  • 3 ¼ pounds russet potatoes
  • 1 pound unsalted European-style butter
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup hot milk
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Peel potatoes and cut into quarters. Transfer to a bowl of cold water and rinse to remove starch. Drain and transfer to a pot of cold water. Very generously salt the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft and the tip of a knife goes in easily, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, cut butter in chunks and let come to room temperature.
  • Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Set over medium-low heat and mash with a potato masher until potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and add ¼ of the softened butter chunks. Mash until butter just about disappears.
  • Add another 1/4 of the butter and mix with a wire whisk until it just about disappears. Whisk in the remaining butter in 2 additions as before; potatoes will be light and creamy after all the butter has been mixed in.
  • Whisk in hot milk until incorporated. Add cayenne and more salt if needed. Serve immediately.
  • Nutrition

    556 cal.

    • Total Fat: 46g
    • Saturated Fat: 29g
    • Cholesterol: 123mg
    • Sodium: 19mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 34g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Potassium: 794mg