If you’ve been boiling your potatoes in water before mashing them, you’ve been missing out on rich, creamy, and flavorful mashed potatoes! When my grandma heard that I boiled my potatoes in plain water, she literally laughed at me 🤣 and then revealed her secret ingredient that takes mashed potatoes to the next level!
🔥 The Secret? Boil Potatoes in MILK & BUTTER! 🥛🧈
Instead of just using water, boiling your potatoes in a mixture of milk and butter infuses them with rich, creamy flavor from the inside out! No more bland, watery potatoes—this method guarantees silky, buttery mashed potatoes every single time.
🥔 Grandma’s Creamy Mashed Potato Recipe
🕒 Prep & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
🍽️ Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes 🥔
- 1 ½ cups whole milk 🥛
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 4 tablespoons butter 🧈
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1-2 garlic cloves (optional, for flavor) 🧄
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish, optional) 🌿
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Peel & Chop the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized chunks.
2️⃣ Boil in Milk & Butter:
- In a large pot, add the potatoes, milk, heavy cream (if using), and butter.
- Add garlic cloves for extra flavor (optional).
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat—DO NOT let it boil too hard, or the milk may scorch!
3️⃣ Cook Until Fork-Tender:
- Let the potatoes simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once they are soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork, remove from heat.
4️⃣ Mash to Perfection:
- Use a potato masher for a classic texture or a hand mixer for extra smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Add salt, pepper, and any additional butter to taste.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for extra flavor.
- Serve warm with gravy, roasted meat, or just enjoy them as is! 😍
💡 Why This Works SO Well:
✅ No lost flavor! The potatoes absorb the milk & butter instead of losing flavor in water.
✅ Extra creamy & rich! No need for tons of added butter at the end.
✅ Perfectly smooth texture! No more grainy or watery mashed potatoes.
✅ Restaurant-quality results! This is the secret to 5-star mashed potatoes every time!
💛 Grandma’s Bonus Tips:
✔ Use Yukon Gold potatoes – They’re naturally creamy and buttery!
✔ Always heat your milk & butter first before adding them to mashed potatoes for extra smoothness.
✔ Add roasted garlic or a splash of sour cream for even more flavor.
✔ NEVER use a blender or food processor—it makes mashed potatoes gluey!
🥔 Final Thoughts
Once you try boiling your potatoes in milk & butter instead of water, you’ll NEVER go back! It’s the easiest way to make the creamiest, most delicious mashed potatoes ever—just like my grandma’s. ❤️
💬 Would you try this method? Let me know in the comments! 👇✨ And don’t forget to share this secret with your friends & family—they’ll thank you later! 🥄🥰