Are you craving comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe for mashed potatoes with heavy whipping cream is your answer. Forget instant mashed potatoes; this homemade version is luxuriously creamy, unbelievably fluffy, and ready in under 30 minutes. It's a perfect side dish for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special holiday feast. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, offering a delicious and satisfying meal without complicated steps. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
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Boil the Potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
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Drain and Return to Pot: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly. Return the potatoes to the pot and let them sit for a few minutes to allow excess steam to escape. This helps to create drier, fluffier mashed potatoes.
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Mash and Mix: Using a potato masher or an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), mash the potatoes until smooth. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream, butter, and milk, mixing until everything is completely combined and the potatoes are light and fluffy.
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Season and Serve: Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For extra richness, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chives if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Mashed Potatoes:
- Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes due to their high starch content. Yukon Golds can also be used, but they will yield a slightly less fluffy result.
- Don't over-mash: Over-mashing can make the potatoes gummy. Aim for a light and fluffy texture.
- Keep it warm: If you're not serving the mashed potatoes immediately, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) to prevent them from drying out.
Variations:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for a savory twist.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Roasted Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes: Combine the garlic and herb variations for a truly flavorful dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. Nutritional information provided is an estimate and should be considered a guideline only. For accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This recipe for mashed potatoes with heavy whipping cream is a simple yet elegant side dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal as a perfect complement to your favorite main courses! It's a truly comforting and satisfying addition to any meal, transforming a simple dinner into a memorable experience. Enjoy the homemade cooking experience!