I’m always on the hunt for mashed potatoes that take the dish to the next level. And let me tell you, Bon Appetit Mashed Potatoes never disappoints. With just the right balance of creaminess, richness, and flavor, their mashed potato recipe is the gold standard.
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How to make Bon Appetit Mashed Potatoes
Bon Appétit Mashed Potatoes are a rich, creamy mashed-potato dish created in the style of Bon Appétit magazine’s Test Kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- Kosher salt (to taste)
For Maximum Creaminess:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces, plus more for serving if desired)
- Butter is non-negotiable — it’s the foundation of creamy and decadent mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup heavy cream (warm)
- ½ cup whole milk (warm)
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:
- 1–2 cloves garlic (peeled, smashed, and boiled with the potatoes)
- Fresh chives (finely chopped, for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Peel the potatoes if desired (Yukon Gold skin is thin and can be left on if you prefer rustic mashed potatoes). Cut them into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about 2 inches. Cold water ensures the potatoes cook evenly. Add a generous pinch of kosher salt to the water—it helps season the potatoes as they cook! Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 20–25 minutes or until they are fork-tender (soft but not falling apart).
Step 3: While the potatoes are cooking, gently heat the butter, heavy cream, and milk in a small saucepan over low heat. This helps avoid shocking the potatoes when combined later. Do not allow the mixture to boil; it should simply be warm.
Step 4: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and allow them to sit in the pot for a few minutes. This helps remove excess moisture. Use a potato ricer or masher to mash the potatoes into a large mixing bowl. If you want a smoother texture, opt for the ricer.
Step 5: Gradually pour the warm dairy mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring gently as you go. Be careful not to overmix—it can lead to gummy potatoes. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed.
Step 6: Serve the mashed potatoes hot in a serving dish. You can dot the top with extra butter for indulgence and garnish with fresh chives and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Tips for Making Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for creamy Bon Appetit Mashed Potatoes due to their rich, natural flavor and smooth texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they result in a glue-like consistency.
- Don’t Overwork the Potatoes: Mixing the mashed potatoes too much (especially with an electric mixer) releases starch and can make them gluey. Use a gentle hand.
- Warm the Dairy: Cold butter or cream can cause sticky mashed potatoes due to a temperature shock. Warming the dairy ensures everything blends seamlessly.
- Strain Excess Water: After boiling, let the potatoes sit in the pot for a few minutes to evaporate any extra moisture. This keeps your final mash perfectly creamy and not watery.
What to serve with
Bon Appétit mashed potatoes are a creamy, buttery masterpiece that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of mains, sides, and even sauces.
1. Roast Chicken: A juicy, golden-brown roast chicken is a natural match for creamy mashed potatoes. The garlic and herbs in the chicken flavor the plate beautifully, while the buttery potatoes soak up the savory drippings. A side of roasted veggies completes the ensemble.
2. Beef Short Ribs: Tender, slow-cooked short ribs or braised beef will elevate your mashed potatoes to decadent new heights. Spoon the savory, umami-packed sauce from the ribs right over the potatoes for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
3. Steak: Mashed potatoes are perfect alongside a perfectly seared steak, whether ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin. Add a drizzle of chimichurri, garlic compound butter, or gravy to tie everything together.
4. Turkey: For Thanksgiving vibes all year round, serve mashed potatoes with roast turkey and gravy. The potatoes act as the ultimate base for soaking up rich, herby turkey flavors.
5. Pork Tenderloin or Chops: Pairing mashed potatoes with juicy pork tenderloin or seared pork chops creates a comforting, hearty meal. Consider adding a fruit-forward sauce like apple compote or balsamic glaze to elevate the dish.
Ingredients Substitutes
The Bon Appétit mashed potatoes recipe is undeniably indulgent, requiring high-quality ingredients to achieve that signature creamy texture and buttery flavor.
Potatoes Substitute
Mashed potatoes start with, well, potatoes! That said, you have some flexibility in choice depending on texture preference or dietary restrictions.
Yukon Gold Potatoes:
These are the go-to potatoes for their natural creaminess and buttery flavor. If you can’t find them, try:
- Russet Potatoes: Starchy and light, they create fluffier mashed potatoes (though slightly less creamy). You may need to add extra butter for richness.
- Red Potatoes: These have a waxy texture and are less starchy. They create a chunkier, rustic mash.
- Sweet Potatoes: For a twist, swap Yukon Golds for sweet potatoes to make mashed potatoes that are naturally sweeter and nutrient-rich.
Butter Substitutes
Butter is the star of mashed potatoes, giving them their decadent richness. Here are alternatives suitable for different dietary needs or preferences:
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy alternative to butter. It won’t give the same creaminess, but a good-quality olive oil adds a lovely, earthy flavor. Use about ¼ cup to replace ½ cup of butter.
- Plant-Based Butter: Perfect for vegan mashed potatoes. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s offer plant-based alternatives that mimic the flavor and creaminess of regular butter.
- Coconut Oil: If you’re vegan and don’t mind a hint of coconut flavor, refined coconut oil makes a great butter alternative. Use in moderation, as it can overpower the dish.
- Ghee: Clarified butter has the same buttery flavor but is lactose-free. It’s excellent for those with lactose intolerance.
Heavy Cream Substitutes
Heavy cream contributes to that rich, silky texture. If you’re looking to reduce calories or need a dairy-free alternative, here are great options:
- Whole Milk: Whole milk is thinner than cream but still offers richness. Reduce the butter slightly or add extra for balance. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace heavy cream.
- Half-and-Half: A lighter alternative to heavy cream without sacrificing too much creaminess. Substitute at a 1:1 ratio.
- Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds tanginess and protein while cutting back on fat. Mix with a splash of milk to thin it out before adding to the mashed potatoes. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for best results.
- Sour Cream: Perfect for tangy mashed potatoes. Sour cream is slightly thicker than heavy cream, so use half sour cream and half milk if you want a lighter consistency.
- Coconut Milk (Full-Fat): For dairy-free mashed potatoes, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Be mindful of its slight sweetness; avoid sweetened or flavored varieties.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a thick, creamy consistency. This works wonderfully as a vegan substitute for heavy cream.
Whole Milk Substitutes
While the recipe uses whole milk for richness, you can customize based on dietary or flavor preferences:
- Skim or Low-Fat Milk: If you’re saving on calories, use skim milk or 2%. The potatoes may be less rich, but the texture will still be light and creamy.
- Oat Milk: A dairy-free alternative with a neutral flavor and creamy texture, making it perfect for mashed potatoes. Ensure you use an unsweetened version.
- Almond Milk: Almond milk is light and works well for mashed potatoes. Be sure to use unsweetened, plain almond milk to avoid any hints of sweetness that might clash with the dish.
- Soy Milk: Naturally thicker than almond milk, soy milk is a popular dairy-free substitute for mashed potatoes. Again, choose unsweetened and plain varieties.
Final Thoughts
Bon Appétit mashed potatoes are adaptable and pair beautifully with almost any meal. From rustic comfort food to sophisticated dishes, they form the perfect creamy foundation for proteins, sauces, and veggies.
More Potatoes Recipes:
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