Do you love mashed potatoes but find that they often turn out too watery or gummy? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have trouble getting the perfect consistency when making mashed potatoes.
The good news is that with a little know-how, you can make the perfect batch of mashed potatoes every time. In this blog post, we will teach you how to boil your potatoes for the perfect mash!
Table of Contents
What’s a boiling potato?
A boiling potato is a type of potato that is good for boiling. There are many different types of potatoes, but some of the most popular varieties for boiling include Yukon Gold potatoes, Russet potatoes, and red potatoes. When choosing a potato for boiling, it’s important to select one that is firm and not too starchy.
How long do you boil potatoes for mashed potatoes?
The answer to this question depends on the type of potato that you are using. For Yukon Gold potatoes, Russet potatoes, and red potatoes, we recommend boiling for 15-20 minutes. If your potatoes are smaller or larger than average, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long do you leave potatoes to boil for mash?
Once your potatoes are cooked through, you will need to remove them from the boiling water. To do this, use a slotted spoon or colander to transfer the potatoes to a bowl or pot. Then, add enough cold water to cover the potatoes and let them sit for five minutes. This will stop the cooking process and help to make sure your potatoes are nice and fluffy.
After the five minutes are up, it’s time to mash your potatoes! You can use a potato masher, ricer, or even an immersion blender to get the perfect consistency. If you’re using a masher or ricer, make sure to work quickly so that your potatoes don’t start to cool and become gummy.
Once your potatoes are mashed to perfection, add in your favorite toppings and enjoy! We love adding a dollop of butter, some shredded cheese, and a sprinkling of green onions. But feel free to get creative and add whatever you like. Your perfect mashed potatoes are just a few steps away!
How do you know when potatoes are boiled enough to mash?
The best way to tell if your potatoes are boiled and ready to be mashed is to stick a fork in them. If the fork slides in easily, then your potatoes are done boiling. If the fork does not slide in easily, then your potatoes need to boil for a little longer.
Once your potatoes are done boiling, it’s time to mash them! There are many different ways to do this, but one of our favorites is to use a potato ricer. This tool helps to create a smooth and fluffy mashed potato texture. If you don’t have a potato ricer, you can also use a blender or food processor.
Once your potatoes are mashed, it’s time to add some butter, milk, and salt. Start with a tablespoon of each ingredient and then taste it and adjust according to your liking. Mashed potatoes are best when they are creamy and flavorful!
Should you let potatoes cool before mashing?
No, you do not need to let your potatoes cool before mashing them. In fact, mashing hot potatoes is often preferred because it results in a creamier texture. If you are using a potato ricer or food processor, be sure to wait until the potatoes are cooled enough that you won’t burn yourself!
Can you over boil potatoes for mash?
Yes, it is possible to over boil potatoes for mash. If your potatoes are overcooked, they will be very watery and mushy. This can make it difficult to create a smooth and creamy mashed potato texture. To avoid overcooking your potatoes, be sure to check them frequently with a fork and remove them from the boiling water as soon as they are fork-tender.
Should you cover potatoes when boiling for mashed potatoes?
No, you do not need to cover potatoes when boiling for mashed potatoes. In fact, covering the pot can actually make your potatoes take longer to cook! Potatoes are done boiling when they are fork-tender, so be sure to check them frequently with a fork and remove them from the boiling water as soon as they are done.
How long to boil different types of potatoes for mashed potato recipes?
How long to boil starchy potatoes?
The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are Yukon Gold potatoes, Russet potatoes, and red potatoes. These types of potatoes are firm and not too starchy, which makes them perfect for boiling. When boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes, we recommend boiling for 15-20 minutes. If your potatoes are smaller or larger than average, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long to boil waxy potatoes?
Waxy potatoes, such as new potatoes or fingerling potatoes, are not ideal for mashed potatoes. These types of potatoes are best roasted or boiled for a short amount of time (around five minutes). If you try to boil them for too long, they will become mushy and watery.
They tend to be firmer and hold their shape better than Russet potatoes. If you are looking for a mashed potato recipe that doesn’t involve peeling the skin off of the potatoes, we recommend using red potatoes or new potatoes.
All-purposed potatoes
All-purposed potatoes, like Yukon Gold potatoes, are the best of both worlds! They have a higher starch content than waxy potatoes, but they also hold their shape better than starchy potatoes. If you can’t decide which type of potato to use for your mashed potatoes, we recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes.
How long to boil High Starch Content?
High starch content potatoes, like Russet potatoes, take a little longer to boil. We recommend boiling for 20-25 minutes. These types of potatoes are very starchy, which makes them perfect for creating a light and fluffy mashed potato texture.
How long to boil Low Starch Content?
Low starch content potatoes, like red potatoes and new potatoes, only need to boil for about 15 minutes. These types of potatoes are less starchy, which makes them perfect for mashed potatoes that are creamy and flavorful.
How long to boil Medium Starch Content?
Medium starch content potatoes, like Yukon Gold potatoes, are the perfect type of potato for mashed potatoes. We recommend boiling for 15-20 minutes. These types of potatoes have the perfect amount of starch, which makes them ideal for creating a smooth and creamy mashed potato texture.
Russet potatoes
Russet potatoes should be boiled for about 20 minutes to achieve the perfect level of doneness. Make sure to test a few potatoes with a fork to ensure they are cooked through before removing them from the pot. You can also add some salt and butter to the boiled potatoes for extra flavor.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes can take a little longer to boil than Russet potatoes. For the perfect mashed sweet potato, we recommend boiling them for around 15 minutes. Test them with a fork to see if they’re done; they should be soft when pierced. Drain and mash as usual!
Yukon Gold potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are a type of waxy potato that is also perfect for mashed potatoes. We recommend boiling them for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
French Fingerling potatoes
French Fingerling potatoes are a great option for mashed potatoes. They have a creamy, buttery texture and a delicious earthy flavor. To boil the potatoes, place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the potatoes and mash until smooth. If desired, stir in some shredded cheese for extra flavor. Serve hot with gravy or a drizzle of olive oil.
Red Potatoes
Red potatoes should be boiled for about 15 minutes. This will yield a perfect mashed potato recipe. If you are looking to add more flavor to your potatoes, consider boiling them with some garlic or onion. These additional flavors will really enhance the taste of your mashed potatoes.
Peruvian Blue potatoes
Peruvian Blue potatoes are a great option for mashed potatoes because they have a smooth texture and are not as starchy as some other varieties.
To make the perfect Peruvian Blue mashed potatoes, start by boiling the potatoes until they are soft, about 15 minutes. Then, mash them with some butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add in some other ingredients like shredded cheese, green onions, or bacon for extra flavor. Give this easy mashed potato recipe a try the next time you need a side dish!
Red Bliss potatoes
Red Bliss potatoes are a great variety to use for mashed potatoes. They have a thin skin and a creamy, fluffy interior.
To boil the potatoes, place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Boil until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add some butter, milk, and salt to taste. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth.
Hannah Sweet Potatoes
For mashed potatoes, we recommend boiling the Hannah sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes. The perfect mashed potato recipe will have a fluffy texture and a slight sweetness. For added flavor, we also recommend adding butter, salt, and pepper to the cooking water. Hannah sweet potatoes are a great choice for your Thanksgiving menu!
13 Ways to Mash Potatoes
There are several ways to mash potatoes. You can use a hand mixer, immersion blender, food processor, or traditional potato masher. We prefer the hand mixer because it gives a light and fluffy texture. If you like your mashed potatoes with more of a rustic texture, use a potato masher.
1. Ricer
If you want to make the lightest and fluffiest mashed potatoes, use a ricer. A ricer is a tool that presses cooked potatoes through small holes, similar to a cheese grater. This method takes a little more time, but it’s worth it for the perfect mashed potato recipe!
2. Stand Mixer
If you’re making a large batch of mashed potatoes, a stand mixer is the way to go. With a stand mixer, you can add all of the ingredients at once and let it do the work for you!
3. Hand Mixer
For smaller batches, we recommend using a hand mixer. This is our preferred method because it’s quick and easy, and it gives the potatoes a light and fluffy texture.
4. Instant Pot
If you’re in a hurry, you can cook your potatoes in an Instant Pot. Just add water and set the timer for 12 minutes. Once the timer goes off, release the pressure and mash the potatoes with a hand mixer or potato masher.
5. Stovetop
The stovetop method is the most traditional way to cook mashed potatoes. Start by boiling the potatoes in a large pot of water. Once they’re cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes with a hand mixer, immersion blender, food processor, or potato masher.
6. Food Mill
If you want to make the fluffiest mashed potatoes possible, use a food mill. A food mill is a tool that purees cooked vegetables or fruits. It’s a little bit more work, but it’s worth it for the perfect mashed potato recipe!
7. Fork
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have any of the above tools, you can use a fork to mash your potatoes. This is the most traditional way to mash potatoes, and it’s also the easiest!
8. Hot-cold-hot
To ensure that your potatoes are the perfect consistency, start by boiling them in a pot of water. Once they’re cooked, drain the water and put the potatoes in a bowl of cold water.
This will stop the cooking process and help to make sure that your potatoes are nice and fluffy. Once they’ve cooled, mash the potatoes with a hand mixer, immersion blender, food processor, or potato masher.
9. Food Processor
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a food processor to mash your potatoes. This method is faster than using a hand mixer or stand mixer, but it won’t give your potatoes the same light and fluffy texture.
10. Hand Masher
If you’re looking for a more traditional mashed potato recipe, we recommend using a hand masher. This is the most hands-on way to mash potatoes, but it’s the best way to achieve a rustic texture.
11. Immersion Blender
An immersion blender is a great tool for mashing potatoes. It’s faster and easier than using a hand mixer, and it gives the potatoes a smooth consistency.
12. Tamis
If you want to make the lightest and fluffiest mashed potatoes, we recommend using a tamis. A tamis is a tool that removes excess liquid from cooked food. It’s a little bit more work, but it’s worth it for the perfect mashed potato recipe!
13. Baked Potatoes
If you’re looking for a healthier option, try baking your potatoes. Just prick them with a fork and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes. Once they’re cooked, let them cool and mash them with a hand mixer, immersion blender, food processor, or potato masher.
How early can you prep potatoes for mashed potatoes?
You can prep your potatoes for mashed potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Just peel and chop them, then place them in a bowl of cold water. This will help to keep them from turning brown. When you’re ready to make the mashed potatoes, drain the water and cook the potatoes according to your recipe.
What is the white foam when boiling potatoes?
The white foam that appears when boiling potatoes is called potato scum. It’s caused by the starch in the potatoes, and it can be removed by skimming it off the surface of the water with a spoon. If you don’t remove the potato scum, it will make your mashed potatoes gritty and lumpy.
Why are my mashed potatoes watery?
If your mashed potatoes are watery, it’s probably because you didn’t drain the water properly. Make sure to drain the potatoes in a colander after they’re cooked. This will help to remove any excess water and make them fluffy and smooth.
Can You Reheat Mashed Potatoes??
Yes, you can reheat mashed potatoes. Just place them in a pot over low heat and stir until they’re heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick and easy option.
What’s the best way to store leftover mashed potatoes?
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Just place them in an airtight container and they’ll be good to go!
Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
There are many different ways to make mashed potatoes, but this is our favorite easy recipe. With just a few ingredients and simple instructions, you'll have the perfect mashed potatoes every time
Ingredients
- About two pounds of potatoes, peeled and diced
- One cup of milk
- Two tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop your potatoes. If you're using a food processor, there's no need to peel them.
- Place the potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Cook until they're soft and can be pierced with a fork.
- Drain the water and place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water. This will stop the cooking process and help to make sure that your potatoes are nice and fluffy.
- Once they've cooled, mash the potatoes with a hand mixer, immersion blender, food processor, or potato masher.
- If you're using a food processor, there's no need to add butter or milk. If you're using a hand mixer, immersion blender, or potato masher, you can add butter and milk to taste.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later. Enjoy!
Notes
Whether you're looking for a traditional or healthy option, we have a recipe that will work for you. So get cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade mashed potatoes!
Nutrition Information
Serving Size 4Amount Per Serving Calories 215Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 31mgSodium 221mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 2gSugar 3g
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make the perfect mashed potatoes, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re looking for a traditional recipe or something a little healthier, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start whipping up some delicious mashed potatoes! Thanks for reading!
We hope you enjoyed this blog post. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us. We love hearing from our readers! Thanks again for reading and happy cooking!
