Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: The Creamiest Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Buttermilk mashed potatoes: prepare to elevate your mashed potato game to a whole new level of creamy, tangy deliciousness! Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic comfort food because this recipe is a game-changer. Have you ever wondered how restaurants achieve that unbelievably smooth and flavorful mashed potato perfection? The secret, my friends, lies in the magic of buttermilk.

Mashed potatoes have been a staple on dinner tables for centuries, evolving from simple boiled potatoes to the decadent creations we enjoy today. While their exact origins are debated, potatoes themselves have a rich history, originating in the Andes Mountains of South America. Buttermilk, on the other hand, adds a distinctly modern twist. It’s a byproduct of butter churning, and its subtle tanginess cuts through the richness of the potatoes, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and surprisingly complex.

People adore mashed potatoes for their comforting texture, their ability to complement almost any main course, and their sheer versatility. But these buttermilk mashed potatoes take all those qualities and amplify them. The buttermilk not only adds a delightful tang but also contributes to an incredibly smooth and creamy texture that will have everyone begging for seconds. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience mashed potatoes like never before!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk, plus more if needed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Potatoes:

1. Get the potatoes ready for boiling. Place the peeled and quartered Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Make sure the pot is big enough to hold the potatoes and enough water to cover them completely.
2. Add water and salt. Cover the potatoes with cold water. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. This will help season the potatoes as they cook.
3. Boil the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce a potato with a fork without much resistance.
4. Drain the potatoes. Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Make sure to get rid of all the water. Leaving excess water will result in watery mashed potatoes, and we definitely don’t want that!
5. Return the potatoes to the pot. Place the drained potatoes back into the pot you used for boiling. This will help keep them warm as you prepare the other ingredients.

Creating the Buttermilk Mixture:

1. Melt half the butter. In a small saucepan, melt 1 stick (½ cup) of the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Be careful not to burn the butter. You just want it melted and smooth.
2. Warm the buttermilk and cream. Add the buttermilk and heavy cream to the saucepan with the melted butter. Heat the mixture gently over low heat. You don’t want it to boil; just warm it through. This will help the potatoes absorb the liquid better and prevent them from becoming cold.
3. Add seasonings to the buttermilk mixture. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into the warm buttermilk mixture. This ensures that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mashed potatoes.

Mashing and Combining:

1. Mash the potatoes. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes in the pot until they are mostly smooth. If you prefer chunkier mashed potatoes, don’t over-mash them. A ricer will give you the smoothest results, while a potato masher will leave some texture.
2. Incorporate the remaining butter. Add the remaining 1 stick (½ cup) of cold, unsalted butter to the mashed potatoes. The cold butter will create pockets of richness and flavor. Mash the butter into the potatoes until it is mostly melted and incorporated.
3. Gradually add the buttermilk mixture. Slowly pour the warm buttermilk mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the mixture gradually to control the consistency of the potatoes. You may not need to use all of the buttermilk mixture, depending on your preference.
4. Adjust the consistency. Continue stirring until the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy. If the potatoes are too thick, add a little more buttermilk until you reach your desired consistency. If they are too thin, cook them over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, to evaporate some of the excess liquid.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder to your liking. Remember that potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so don’t be afraid to add a little more if needed.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Transfer to a serving dish. Transfer the buttermilk mashed potatoes to a serving dish. You can use a decorative bowl or platter to make them look extra appealing.
2. Garnish (optional). Garnish the mashed potatoes with chopped fresh chives and parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also add a pat of butter on top for extra richness.
3. Serve immediately. Serve the buttermilk mashed potatoes immediately while they are hot and creamy. They are best enjoyed fresh.

Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes:

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for mashed potatoes because they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. They also hold their shape well during cooking and don’t become gluey when mashed.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes. Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged and mushy. Cook them until they are fork-tender, but not falling apart.
• Warm the buttermilk and cream. Warming the buttermilk and cream before adding them to the potatoes helps them absorb the liquid better and prevents them from becoming cold.
• Don’t over-mash the potatoes. Over-mashing the potatoes can release too much starch, resulting in gluey mashed potatoes. Mash them until they are smooth and creamy, but not overworked.
• Use cold butter. Adding cold butter to the mashed potatoes creates pockets of richness and flavor. It also helps to cool down the potatoes slightly, preventing them from becoming too hot and gluey.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination. Garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like chives and parsley are all great additions to mashed potatoes.
• Keep them warm. If you’re not serving the mashed potatoes immediately, keep them warm in a slow cooker or in a pot over low heat. Stir them occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Variations and Additions:

• Roasted Garlic: Roast a head of garlic and mash the cloves into the potatoes for a rich, garlicky flavor.
• Sour Cream: Substitute some of the buttermilk with sour cream for a tangier flavor.
• Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, or Gruyere cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon into the mashed potatoes for a smoky, savory flavor.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for a unique flavor profile.
• Brown Butter: Brown the butter before adding it to the potatoes for a nutty, caramelized flavor.

Troubleshooting:

• Mashed potatoes are too lumpy: Continue mashing the potatoes until they are smooth. You can also use a ricer for a smoother texture.
• Mashed potatoes are too dry: Add more buttermilk or cream until they reach your desired consistency.
• Mashed potatoes are too watery: Cook them over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, to evaporate some of the excess liquid.
• Mashed potatoes are too gluey: You may have over-mashed the potatoes. Next time, be careful not to overwork them.
• Mashed potatoes are bland: Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your liking.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the buttermilk mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the mashed potatoes as directed.
2. Let them cool slightly.
3. Transfer to an airtight container.
4. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
5. To reheat, place the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a pot over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a little more buttermilk or cream if needed to restore the creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions:

Buttermilk mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Roasted Chicken: Serve with roasted chicken and your favorite vegetables for a classic comfort meal.
• Steak: Pair with a grilled steak and a side salad for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
• Pork Chops: Serve with pan-fried pork chops and applesauce for a delicious and comforting meal.
• Meatloaf: Accompany meatloaf with buttermilk mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic family dinner.
• Vegetarian Dishes: Serve with vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or mushroom Wellington for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These buttermilk mashed potatoes are truly something special, and I genuinely believe they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. The tangy buttermilk elevates the humble mashed potato to a whole new level of creamy, flavorful goodness. It’s not just a side dish; it’s an experience!

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly simple to make. We’re talking about minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can absolutely nail this recipe. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken and grilled steak to hearty stews and even vegetarian dishes. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food canvas, ready to complement any meal you create.

But the real magic lies in the buttermilk. It adds a subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness of the potatoes and butter, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. It also contributes to an unbelievably creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you’ve tried buttermilk mashed potatoes, you’ll never go back to regular mashed potatoes again!

Looking for serving suggestions or variations? The possibilities are endless! For a classic touch, serve them with a generous dollop of butter and a sprinkle of fresh chives. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Simply roast a head of garlic until soft and sweet, then mash it into the potatoes along with the buttermilk and butter.

Another delicious variation is to incorporate some crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese for a loaded baked potato vibe. Or, for a lighter twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of some of the buttermilk. This will add a similar tanginess while reducing the overall fat content. You could also stir in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic dish.

For a truly decadent experience, consider adding a swirl of brown butter before serving. The nutty, caramelized flavor of brown butter complements the tanginess of the buttermilk perfectly. To make brown butter, simply melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it!

These buttermilk mashed potatoes are also fantastic as a base for shepherd’s pie or as a topping for cottage pie. They add a creamy, flavorful element that takes these classic dishes to the next level. And don’t forget about leftovers! Cold mashed potatoes can be used to make potato cakes, potato pancakes, or even added to soups and stews for extra thickness and flavor.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some culinary magic.

Once you’ve made these amazing buttermilk mashed potatoes, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? What did you serve them with? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!