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Close-up of a bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes, topped with melted butter and chives, part of a 20 minute mashed potatoes recipe.

Mashed Potatoes Recipes in 20 Minutes: Weeknight Winner

This recipe delivers classic mashed potatoes in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a comforting side dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Drain Time 2 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 327

Ingredients
  

For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 3 lbs gold potatoes may substitute russet
  • 1 batch 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 out at room temperature to soften.
  2. Peel potatoes (if desired) and cut into 1 ½” pieces. Rinse under cold water for one minute.
  3. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cool water or chicken broth (at least ½” above potatoes). Generously salt the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. While potatoes cook, warm milk in a microwave-safe dish or in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  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, stirring occasionally, 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 warmed milk over the potatoes. Add salt and pepper, and 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 use any milk, including plant-based options. Boiling potatoes in chicken broth instead of water adds extra savory flavor. Add-ins like sour cream and parmesan cheese enhance the flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream. Mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 5 months.

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