Fluffy Mashed Potatoes From Scratch

Make these fluffy mashed potatoes with just 4 ingredients. This recipe makes the classic taste we all know and love, along with some tips for the best fluffy mashed potatoes. Honestly, it's just not worth it to use instant when you can make real mashed potatoes so easily!

How to make Fluffy Mashed Potatoes from scratch

Start with a 5 lb bag of russet potatoes. Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but for this recipe and these results, you want russets. You can totally use other kinds if you want, but the texture may be different. 

Peel the potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut off any dark spots. Rinse well. Cut into 1 inch pieces, approximately. Cover potatoes with cool water. 

You can use any kind of kettle, but the main thing is to use a kettle that is a bit large. This way, you can beat the potatoes in the pan after they are cooked. Plus, when boiling potatoes, water likes to boil up and run over, if you're not careful. A larger kettle helps. 

Boil and drain the potatoes

Boil potatoes till they are very tender. You should be able to stick a fork straight through the largest pieces with no resistance - the potato should just fall apart. Drain all the water off, using a colander or just holding the lid on while tipping the kettle. Be very careful! Steam from boiling potatoes is extremely hot! Be sure all the water is drained off - the potatoes must not have extra water sitting in the bottom or they will be lumpy.

Mash the potatoes 

Using an electric hand-held mixer, mash the potatoes until there are no lumps left. The potatoes should look dry and sandy. 

Add butter and milk

Now, add plenty of butter! I cut it into pats, or use room temp and just drop in spoonfuls. Use a lot, for good flavor. Next, add salt. Potatoes are every bland, you will need plenty of salt. Then add some warm milk and beat it well. Beating the potatoes will add air which gives it that lovely fluffy texture we love! Taste it to see if it has enough salt, add more if needed. 

How to store mashed potatoes

These will keep for several days in the fridge. But if they develop any liquid around the sides or on top, just toss them. Mashed potatoes don't freeze well, so just use up leftovers within several days. 

How to use leftover mashed potatoes 

Dinner rolls are my favorite way to use leftover potatoes! They make such a light, fluffy bread!
Mashed Potato patties are another way, my Mom made these a lot when I was a kid but I never liked them.
Shepherd's pie is a fast and tasty dish that not only uses up leftovers, but gets vegetables into your family and they won't even know it's leftovers!