Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this homemade mashed potatoes and gravy recipe. Learn how to make the perfect, soft, and creamy mashed potatoes. Pair them with a rich, savory gravy that will take you back to your favorite diner or family gathering.
This recipe serves 8-10 people and takes just about 25 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for holiday meals, cozy weeknight dinners, or any time you crave the classic flavors of mashed potatoes and gravy.
A steaming bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, topped with rich, savory gravy, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, set on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by comforting dinnerware and soft lighting.
Key Takeaways
- Achieve the perfect creamy texture with the right potato selection and preparation methods
- Elevate the flavor with high-quality butter, cream, and seasoning
- Prepare a rich, savory gravy in just 4 minutes using a gravy seasoning mix
- Serve this comforting dish as a main course or as a side for a holiday feast
- Enjoy the leftovers by reheating in a saucepan with a splash of milk
The Perfect Potato Selection for Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Choosing the right potato is key for creamy mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes are top picks. They turn into silky-smooth mashed potatoes.
Best Potato Varieties for Mashing
Russet potatoes are a classic for mashed potatoes. They have a light, fluffy texture and soak up flavors well. Their high starch content makes mashed russets creamy.
Yukon gold potatoes are also great. They have a slightly waxy texture but still get creamy when mashed.
Why Starchy Potatoes Matter
The starch in potatoes is what makes mashed potatoes creamy. Russets and Yukon golds have more starch. This makes them rich and velvety.
Less starchy potatoes can be gummy or dense. This is why starchy potatoes are best for mashing.
Proper Storage and Preparation
Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar. Peel and cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Good preparation keeps your mashed potatoes quality and texture.
“Fresh Yukon Gold potatoes piled in a rustic wooden crate, showcasing their golden-yellow skin and smooth texture, surrounded by kitchen utensils like a masher and a bowl, soft natural lighting highlighting their creamy potential.”
“Starchy potatoes like russets and Yukon golds are the key to creamy, smooth mashed potatoes. Their high amylose content is what gives them that signature fluffy texture.”
Essential Ingredients for Classic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
To make the perfect mashed potatoes and gravy, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need butter, cream, milk, sour cream, and seasoned salt for a creamy and flavorful dish. A turkey gravy seasoning mix adds a savory touch that goes well with the mashed potatoes.
Start with 75g (5 tablespoons) of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of cream, and 3/4 cup of milk. Add 1/2 cup of sour cream for a tangy richness. Season with 1 tablespoon of seasoned salt, which includes salt, paprika, onion, garlic, and spices.
If you want to try something different, you can substitute ingredients. Use half and half instead of cream and milk, or Greek yogurt for sour cream. This way, you can make the dish your own.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 75g (5 tablespoons) |
| Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Sour Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Seasoned Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Turkey Gravy Mix | 1 package |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a comforting and tasty mashed potato and gravy dish. It’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
A creamy bowl of homemade mashed potatoes topped with a rich, savory brown gravy, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, beside a wooden spoon and scattered pepper corns on a rustic table. Soft golden lighting highlights the texture and steam rising from the potatoes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method for Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Making creamy, buttery mashed potatoes is easy and fun. Follow these steps to get the best mashed potato taste and texture.
Proper Boiling Techniques
Start by peeling and cutting 4 lbs of russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Put the cubes in a big pot and cover with cold, salted water. Heat the water to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes. The potatoes should be very tender when you poke them with a fork.
Mashing and Mixing Tips
Drain the potatoes and let them steam dry for 3 minutes. Use a potato ricer or masher with holes to mash them gently. Don’t use a beater, as it can make the potatoes too dense. Slowly add a hot mix of 1 1/4 cups of milk, 16 Tbsp of unsalted butter, and 1 1/2 tsp of salt until they’re light and fluffy.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
For a smoother texture, mix the potatoes with an electric mixer and the milk and butter mix. But don’t overmix, as it can make them dense. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary for extra flavor.
Serve the mashed potatoes warm, topped with chopped parsley or chives. It’s a great side dish for any meal. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 1 month. It’s a handy recipe to have around.
Creating Rich and Savory Homemade Gravy
Make your mashed potatoes even better with homemade turkey gravy. The secret to a great gravy is making a roux. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, whisk in all-purpose flour.
Cook the mixture until it turns golden, which takes 3-5 minutes. This roux thickens your gravy.
Next, slowly add your liquid, like potato cooking liquid or turkey broth. Stir well to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
If it’s too thin, add a cornstarch slurry. Too thick? Just add more broth. This way, you get the perfect texture.
Feel free to add your own twist to the gravy. Try fresh herbs like thyme or sage. Or add cream, lemon juice, or sour cream to balance the salt. With a bit of effort, you’ll have a gravy that makes your mashed potatoes shine.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this mashed potatoes and gravy recipe?
The main ingredients are russet potatoes, unsalted butter, and cream. You’ll also need milk, sour cream, seasoned salt, and turkey gravy seasoning mix.
Why are russet potatoes recommended for the best creamy mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes are best because they’re starchy. This makes the mashed potatoes creamy and traditional. Yukon gold potatoes are also good options.
How do you prepare the potatoes for the best texture?
Cut the potatoes into 3cm/1.25″ cubes for quicker cooking. Peel and cut them just before cooking. This keeps them fresh.
Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until they’re very soft. Then, drain and steam dry for 3 minutes. Use a potato ricer or masher with holes for the best texture.
How do you make the gravy for this recipe?
To make the gravy, use a turkey gravy seasoning mix and water or half and half. Mix the seasoning with the liquid in a saucepan. Whisk until it’s heated through and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
For a richer gravy, use the reserved potato cooking liquid instead of water.
How long does this mashed potatoes and gravy recipe take to prepare?
This recipe serves 8-10 people and takes about 25 minutes to prepare.