How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving 🧈🥔

As Thanksgiving approaches, there’s one dish that graces virtually every holiday table: mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and irresistibly fluffy, they are the perfect accompaniment to turkey and gravy. This year, elevate your mashed potato game with Food Network Kitchen’s two delicious approaches—one featuring Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally silky texture, and another using fluffy Russet potatoes for that classic comfort. Get ready to impress your guests with these crowd-pleasing mashed potatoes!

What You’ll Learn:

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: Discover how to select the best varieties for that creamy, fluffy texture.
• Simple Techniques: Master the steps to achieve rich, buttery mashed potatoes every time.
• Expert Tips: Learn how to make, store, and reheat your mashed potatoes for stress-free holiday meals.

Ingredients:

• For Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

• For Russet Mashed Potatoes:

  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Prep the Potatoes

• Start by peeling the potatoes. For Yukon Gold, the skins are tender but can be removed for a smoother texture.

2. Chop and Submerge

• Cut the potatoes into roughly equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Submerge them in cold water to prevent discoloration.

3. Boil

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

4. Drain and Steam

• Drain the potatoes thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Let them sit for a few minutes in the colander to steam off any remaining water.

5. Heat the Cream

• While the potatoes are steaming, warm the cream and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. This will help them incorporate better into the potatoes.

6. Mash the Potatoes

• Once your potatoes have cooled slightly, pass them through a potato ricer or mash them with a rustic potato masher for the desired texture.

7. Add Butter

• For Yukon Gold potatoes, add the cold butter cubes directly. This will help create a lush creaminess without overworking the mash.

8. Pour in the Cream

• Slowly incorporate the warmed cream and butter mixture into the potato mash, stirring gently until everything is combined.

9. Season to Perfection

• Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the flavor is key!

10. Serve

• Transfer your mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. For an extra touch, add a pat of butter on top for a beautiful presentation.

Expert Tips:

• Potato Choice: Yukon Golds offer a buttery flavor, while Russets yield a light, fluffy texture. Choose based on your preference!
• Storage: If you make mashed potatoes in advance, store them in the fridge, and reheat gently with added cream or butter as necessary.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare them up to a day in advance, ensuring a stress-free Thanksgiving.

Gather around the table this Thanksgiving and enjoy the warmth and comfort of perfect mashed potatoes, a dish that’s sure to bring everyone together! Happy Cooking!

Watch the video by Food Network

Video “How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving 🧈🥔 From Food Network Kitchen” was uploaded on 11/05/2026 to Youtube Channel Food Network