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Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Creamy homemade mashed potatoes in a white serving bowl topped with melting butter on a wooden board with fresh flowers in the background.
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These creamy homemade mashed potatoes are buttery, fluffy, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Made with russet potatoes, butter, and warm half-and-half (or milk) – they’re the perfect side dish for holidays, Sunday dinners, or homemade KFC Famous Bowls.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ to 1 cup warm half-and-half (or whole milk)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 1½-inch chunks.
  2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
  4. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
  5. Turn off stove.
  6. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot pot for 1–2 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
  7. Add the softened butter.
  8. Mash the potatoes just until the butter is incorporated.
  9. Using a hand mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the warm half-and-half while mixing. Add the garlic powder (or garlic salt) salt, pepper, and sour cream, if using.
  10. Continue mixing only until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Do not overmix.
  11. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with butter, homemade brown gravy, white gravy, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Warming the half-and-half or milk helps keep the potatoes hot and prevents them from becoming gluey.
  • For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or even heavy cream instead of milk.
  • Mix only until smooth to avoid gummy mashed potatoes.
  • These mashed potatoes are excellent as the base for homemade KFC Famous Bowls.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/creamy-homemade-mashed-potatoes/