Betty's Best Mashed Potatoes

Prep 10 min
Total 40 min
Servings 6

If you’ve ever spent lots of time and effort only to turn out lumpy, tough spuds, this mashed potatoes recipe is for you. These potatoes turn out thick, creamy and ever-so smooth. The secret isn’t to use expensive ingredients or tricky methods, although you do want fresh potatoes for best results. Betty’s best mashed potatoes are the result of simple ingredients and easy directions. We’ll give you the whys behind each step, plus signs that’ll tell you you’re doing things right in the “Expert Tips” section. If you can boil water, you can make these mashed potatoes. MORE+ LESS-

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Updated March 17, 2020

Ingredients

lb medium russet potatoes, peeled

1/3

to 1/2 cup milk

1/4

cup butter or margarine, softened

1/2

teaspoon salt

Dash of pepper

Steps

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1

Place potatoes in 2-quart saucepan; and enough water just to cover potatoes. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20 to 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. Shake pan with potatoes over low heat to dry (this will help mashed potatoes be fluffier).
2

Mash potatoes in pan until no lumps remain. Add milk in small amounts, mashing after each addition (amount of milk needed to make potatoes smooth and fluffy depends on kind of potatoes used).
3

Add butter, salt and pepper. Mash vigorously until potatoes are light and fluffy. If desired, sprinkle with small pieces of butter or sprinkle with paprika, chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Expert Tips

Look for nice, firm potatoes that don’t have green spots or “eyes” growing out of them. These are signs potatoes are fresh. If you want creamy potatoes, you will want to peel them, as the grainy texture of the peel will not lend to overall creaminess.
The best way to cook potatoes for mashing is to cut them up into bite-sized chunks and place them in a pot of cool water straight from the tap. When the water and the potatoes both come up in temperature at the same time, your potatoes will cook more evenly, adding to a good, overall texture.
Boil the potatoes until tender enough to be pierced through with a fork. Then, drain them in a colander, getting as much liquid out as possible, and return them to the pot. Turn the heat up under the potatoes just slightly and let them dry out until they get an almost chalky texture to them. The less water you have in the potatoes before mashing them, the creamier they will turn out in the end.
Once cooked potatoes are drained and dry, they’re ready to mash. If you have a potato ricer, you can use this tool for getting your potatoes to a good, pre-mashed state. Don’t worry about it if you don’t though. If you aren’t ricing them, mash them by hand so you can get a feel for their texture. Use a spatula, sturdy whisk or potato masher for this task.
The most important tip for the best mashed potatoes is to keep all of your ingredients warm while you are doing this. Potatoes hold their heat very well, but don’t let them cool down by pouring cold milk and butter into them. Doing this will also increase the amount of gluten in the dish, affecting the texture.
Heat up your milk and soften your butter on either the stove top or in the microwave before adding to the mix. Remember to add the milk slowly until you get the smooth, creamy texture that you want. A standard kitchen rule is that you can always add more, but you can’t take it out. If you add too much milk, you’ll wind up with potato soup—and you probably don't want your mashed potatoes that creamy. Gently mash your potatoes—don’t over whip them as this can also cause the gluten to affect your overall results.
Once your potatoes are nearing the texture you want, add your seasoning—such as salt, pepper, and chives—and serve while they're hot. For some extra zing, try mixing in some minced garlic or other herbs and spices and create your own signature dish.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 270
Calories from Fat: 110

% Daily Value

Total Fat: 12g; 19%
Saturated Fat 6g 30% Trans Fat 1/2g
Cholesterol: 30mg; 11%
Sodium: 390mg; 16%
Potassium: 630mg; 18%
Total Carbohydrate: 38g; 13%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15% Sugars 2g
Protein: 4g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 10%; 10%
Vitamin C: 10%; 10%
Calcium: 4%; 4%
Iron: 4%; 4%

Exchanges:

2 1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 2 Fat;

Carbohydrate Choice

2 1/2

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Learn the super easy secret to making your mashed potatoes come out rich and creamy every time!

If you’ve ever spent lots of time and effort only to come out with lumpy, tough mashed potatoes, this is for you. Don't settle for pouring flakes out of a box. Always wondered how to make creamy mashed potatoes? What is the secret to getting them so rich and smooth?

Well, I’ll let you in. The truth is, if you can boil water, you can make mashed potatoes. I’ll share timeless tips to getting this method down pat, and the one big secret to cooking awesome creamy mashed potatoes every time.

Start With Great Potatoes

Start with nice, firm potatoes that don’t have green spots or “eyes” growing out of them. A good, fresh potato will make for the best results. If you want creamy potatoes, you will want to peel them, as the grainy texture of the peel will not lend to overall creaminess.

Cook to Perfection

The best way to cook potatoes for mashing is to cut them up into bite-sized chunks and place them in a pot of cool water straight from the tap. When the water and the potatoes both come up in temperature at the same time, your potatoes will cook more evenly, adding to a good, overall texture.

Drain and Cool

Boil the potatoes until tender enough to be pierced through with a fork. Then drain them in a colander, getting as much liquid out as possible, and return them to the pot. Turn the heat up under the potatoes just slightly and let them dry out until they get an almost chalky texture to them. The less water you have in the potatoes before mashing them, the creamier they will turn out in the end.

Prepare to Mash

Now that you have your cooked potatoes all drained and dry, go ahead and place them in the bowl for mashing. If you have a potato ricer, you can use this tool for getting your potatoes to a good, pre-mashed state. Don’t worry about it if you don’t though. If you aren’t ricing them, mash them by hand so you can get a feel for their texture. Use a spatula, sturdy whisk or potato masher for this task.

And That Top Secret Tip Is...

The most important tip for creamy mashed potatoes is to keep all of your ingredients warm while you are doing this. Potatoes hold their heat very well, but don’t let them cool down by pouring cold milk and butter into them. Doing this will also increase the amount of gluten in the dish, affecting the texture.

Heat up your milk and soften your butter on either the stove top or in the microwave before adding to the mix. Remember to add the milk slowly until you get the smooth, creamy texture that you want. A standard kitchen rule is that you can always add more, but you can’t take it out. If you add too much milk, you’ll wind up with potato soup — and you probably don't want your mash that creamy. Gently mash your potatoes — don’t over whip them as this can also cause the gluten to affect your overall results.

Don't Forget the Flavor

Once your potatoes are nearing the texture you want, add your seasoning—such as salt, pepper, and chives—and serve while they're hot. For some extra zing, try mixing in some minced garlic or other herbs and spices and create your own signature dish.

Spice 'em Up!

If you want more than the standard mashed potatoes, check out our article on How to Spice Up Mashed Potatoes!

Recipes with Mashed Potatoes

If you're a mashed potatoes fan, you also might like to try these recipes featuring creamy spuds:

Broccoli and Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes
Onion and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potato Casserole
Healthy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Classic Mashed Potatoes

Have your own secret ingredient or tip that you're willing to share? Let us know in the comments!