Chef John's Ultimate Mashed Potatoes

Chef John's ultimate holiday mashed potatoes are made with a generous amount of butter — a welcome 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; cut into quarters. Transfer to a bowl of cold water; rinse to remove starch. Drain. Transfer to a large pot of cold water; very generously salt the water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; simmer until potatoes are soft and the tip of a knife goes in easily, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, cut butter in chunks and let come to room temperature.

Step 3

Drain potatoes thoroughly; return to the pot over medium-low heat. Mash with a potato masher until potatoes are broken up; season with salt and black pepper. Add ¼ softened butter chunks; mash until butter just about disappears.

Step 4

Add ¼ more butter; mix with a wire whisk until it just about disappears. Whisk in remaining ½ butter in 2 additions; potatoes will be light and creamy after all butter is mixed in.

Step 5

Whisk in hot milk until incorporated. Season with cayenne and salt if needed. Serve immediately.