MASHED POTATO RECIPE

This mashed potato recipe produces perfect mashed potatoes. You may use red potatoes, Yukon golds, or Idaho; my favorite for mashed potatoes is russets. Whatever kind you use, it will be delicious.

With easy instructions, you can have picture perfect whipped potatoes in no time. Let's get started. A wonderful comfort food and side dish any time of the year.

2 lbs russet potatoes - washed, peeled and quartered
1/2 tsp salt
4 TBS cold butter, chopped
3/4 cup half-and-half, or heavy cream, warmed
salt and pepper to taste

Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Add the salt and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer approximately 15 minutes. When you can easily poke through them - drain well and place back in the hot pan so the water on the potatoes can evaporate. After a couple minutes transfer to a bowl.

Following are some mashed potato combinations from Good Housekeeping.


CHEESY CHIVE MASHED POTATOES

1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 TBS snipped chives
4 cups mashed potatoes

Fold in the cheese and chives into the mashed potatoes until well mixed.

ZINGY BACON MASHED POTATOES

3 strips crumbled cooked bacon
1-1/2 TBS prepared horseradish
1-1/2 TBS chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 cups mashed potatoes

Fold in the bacon, horseradish and parsley into the mashed potatoes until well mixed.

SPICY AND SMOKY MASHED POTATOES

1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/3 cup sour cream
1 TBS chopped chipotles in adobo
4 cups mashed potatoes

Fold in corn, sour cream and chipotles into mashed potatoes until well mixed.

GARLIC HERB MASHED POTATOES

2 TBS chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 cups mashed potatoes

Fold in basil, cheese and garlic into mashed potato until well mixed.

Au Gratin Potato Recipe

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potato Patties


In the bowl, place the chopped butter on the hot potatoes and mash using a potato masher until you have small chunks. Add the half-and-half and finish mashing until desired consistency is desired. You may also use a mixer for this step.

NOTE:
For Whipped Potatoes, just add a little more half-and-half.

For a change, why not make Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes? Just add 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese.