What makes their the Serious Eats Mashed Potatoes recipe stand out is the obsessive attention to detail—they break down everything from choosing the perfect potato to the science behind achieving ultra-creamy or impossibly fluffy textures. And let’s not forget the flavor combinations like roasted garlic or rich buttery finishes that will have your guests shamelessly going in for seconds (and thirds!).
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How to make Serious Eats Mashed Potatoes
Serious Eats Mashed Potatoes is a creamy, science-based mashed potato recipe from the cooking website Serious Eats. It uses techniques like choosing the right potato variety, ricing the cooked potatoes, and adding warm butter and dairy to create smooth, fluffy, and richly flavored mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- For creamy mashed potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes (buttery and rich texture).
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness—use plenty for indulgent results.
- Whole milk, heavy cream, or even a combination: Acts as the perfect liquid for smooth consistency.
- Optional: Sour cream for tang or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Kosher salt: Critical for flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Optional, but adds some mild heat.
- Garlic: Serious Eats recommends roasted garlic for elevated flavor.
- Chives, parsley, or other herbs: For garnish or added freshness.
Instructions
Making mashed potatoes the Serious Eats way is all about technique. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Peel the potatoes completely for a smooth finish. Cut the potatoes into uniform chunks, around 1-2 inches, for even cooking.
Step 2: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Starting with cold water ensures the potatoes cook evenly. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and fully tender.
Step 3: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and place them back in the pot over low heat for a minute or two. This step will evaporate excess water, which is key to fluffy mashed potatoes.
Step 4: Use a potato ricer, food mill, or fine sieve—this ensures no lumps and a light texture.
Step 5: Warm your butter and milk/cream before adding to the potatoes. Warm liquids incorporate more easily and keep the mash smooth. Slowly pour the liquid into the potatoes, stirring in between, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. Stir in roasted garlic or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Serve immediately or keep warm.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Here are some expert tips Serious Eats emphasizes when making mashed potatoes:
1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for fluffy mashed potatoes because of their high starch content.
2. Use Warm Dairy: Warm butter, milk, or cream blends more smoothly with the potatoes and helps maintain the ideal texture.
3. Don’t Overmix: Once the potatoes are mashed, avoid excessive mixing or stirring—this can activate the starches and make the potatoes gluey.
4. Make Ahead: Mashed potatoes can be made ahead and reheated without losing quality. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding a splash of warm milk or cream to restore texture.
What to serve with
Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses and complementary sides.
1. Roasts
- Roast Chicken: Elevate a classic roast chicken with garlic-infused Serious Eats Mashed Potatoes to soak up the flavorful drippings. Add roasted vegetables to round out the plate.
- Roast Beef: Serve mashed potatoes alongside a perfectly cooked roast beef with a rich gravy or wine-based sauce.
- Pork Roast: Pair Serious Eats Mashed Potatoes with slow-roasted pork or pork tenderloin. A touch of applesauce or a tangy mustard glaze complements the pairing perfectly.
2. Steak or Chops
- Grilled or Pan-Seared Steak: Mashed potatoes are a natural match for steak, especially with a dollop of herb butter or a drizzle of pan sauce.
- Lamb Chops: Creamy mashed potatoes balance the bold flavor of lamb chops, particularly when topped with mint sauce or chimichurri.
3. Braised or Slow-Cooked Dishes
- Beef Bourguignon: The creamy potatoes provide a rich base for the saucy, wine-infused flavors of the French classic.
- Short Ribs or Osso Buco: Braised meats with deeply flavorful sauces pair beautifully with buttery mashed spuds to soak up every drop of liquid gold.
Ingredients Substitutes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most adaptable side dishes, and Serious Eats recipes emphasize high-quality ingredients and techniques to achieve restaurant-level results.
Substituting Potatoes
The type of potato you use is key to the final texture of your mashed potatoes, but different substitutions can still yield amazing results.
1. Yukon Gold vs. Russet
- Yukon Golds (Butterier/Creamier): Known for their naturally rich flavor and creamy texture. If unavailable, try German Butterball potatoes or Yellow Finn potatoes, which have similar qualities.
- Russet Potatoes (Fluffier): High-starch potatoes are perfect for light, airy mash. As a substitute, use Idaho potatoes or other starchy varieties like Maris Piper (UK).
2. Sweet Potatoes for a Twist: For a healthier or flavor-packed option, swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or yams, which provide natural sweetness and vibrant color. Serious Eats recommends balancing their sweetness with herbs (like thyme or sage) or spices (paprika, cayenne).
Substituting Dairy
Dairy plays a critical role in both rich and creamy mashed potatoes, but there are excellent alternatives if you’re out of milk or trying to make vegan/dairy-free mashed potatoes.
1. Butter Substitutes
- Olive Oil: For mashed potatoes with a slightly lighter texture and herbal, fruity flavor. Works great if you’re aiming for a Mediterranean twist.
- Ghee: Clarified butter can be used for a nutty flavor, especially in Indian-inspired dishes.
- Plant-Based Butter: Any dairy-free butter substitute (like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance) works well for vegans or those with a lactose intolerance. Ensure it’s unsalted if adjusting to taste.
2. Milk Substitutes
- Plant-Based Milks: Almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk work well as alternatives. Choose unsweetened and unflavored options to avoid unwanted sweetness in your mashed potatoes.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can replace milk altogether for a savory, slightly lighter option.
- Coconut Milk: For a slight tropical twist and creaminess. Best paired with sweet potatoes or unique herb blends like cilantro or lime.
3. Heavy Cream Substitutes
- Greek Yogurt: Provides richness and tang (use full-fat for best results).
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight zing, perfect for cozy, indulgent mashed potatoes. Serious Eats often suggests sour cream in their recipes.
- Crème Fraîche: A luxurious alternative for added depth.
Final Thoughts
Serious Eats mashed potatoes are adaptable and luxurious, making them the perfect complement to nearly any dish.
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