Chef John's Ultimate Mashed Potatoes

These holiday mashed potatoes made with an insane amount of butter are a decadent treat to enjoy, even if only a few times a year.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 556 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 pound unsalted European-style butter
• 0.25 cup hot milk
• 3.25 pounds russet potatoes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Peel potatoes and cut into quarters. Transfer to a bowl of cold water and rinse to remove starch. Drain and transfer to a pot of cold water. Very generously salt the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft and the tip of a knife goes in easily, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 2

While the potatoes are cooking, cut butter in chunks and let come to room temperature.

Step 3

Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Set over medium-low heat and mash with a potato masher until potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and add ¼ of the softened butter chunks. Mash until butter just about disappears.

Step 4

Add another 1/4 of the butter and mix with a wire whisk until it just about disappears. Whisk in the remaining butter in 2 additions as before; potatoes will be light and creamy after all the butter has been mixed in.

Step 5

Whisk in hot milk until incorporated. Add cayenne and more salt if needed. Serve immediately.