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–+ servings
A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with melted butter and herbs, a quick and easy recipe.

Mashed Potatoes Recipes in 20 Minutes: Weeknight Winner

This recipe delivers creamy, buttery mashed potatoes in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a comforting and flavorful side dish that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Draining Time 2 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 327
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 3 lbs gold potatoes may substitute russet
  • 1 lb water or chicken broth for boiling see note
  • 1/2 cup salted butter softened
  • 1 cup whole milk or half and half half and half yields richer results
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt or fine sea salt additional for boiling potatoes and to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper additional to taste
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/4-1/3 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Potato peeler
  • Large pot
  • Small saucepan
  • Potato ricer

Method
 

  1. Cut butter into 8 pieces and set aside to soften.
  2. Peel potatoes (if desired) and cut into 1 ½” pieces. Rinse under cold water.
  3. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cool water or chicken broth by at least ½”. Generously salt the liquid and bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. While potatoes cook, warm milk in a microwave or small saucepan.
  5. Boil potatoes until tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes.
  6. Drain potatoes well and return to the pot. Let sit for 2 minutes to allow steam to escape.
  7. Mash potatoes with a masher or ricer until smooth.
  8. Add softened butter to the potatoes and stir until melted and incorporated.
  9. Drizzle in warmed milk and add salt and pepper. Stir until combined.
  10. Stir in any optional add-ins until combined.
  11. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 1001mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 521IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg

Notes

You can boil the potatoes in chicken broth for added savory depth. Feel free to substitute any milk on hand, including plant-based options. For extra flavor, consider adding sour cream or shredded parmesan cheese.

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