How to make the fluffiest mashed potato
Smooth, fluffy, buttery mashed potato is one of the ultimate side dishes, served with anything from a Sunday roast to a hearty casserole or even Christmas dinner. Find everything you need to know about how to achieve fluffy mashed potato, including ways with leftover mash and lots of tasty recipes, too!
How to make fluffy mashed potato
Ingredients:
- 1kg floury potatoes (such as maris piper), roughly but evenly chopped
- 125ml whole milk
- ½ nutmeg, freshly grated
- 1 bay leaf
- 125g unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp double cream
Method:
- Put the potatoes in a large pan with a pinch of salt and pour over cold water to cover. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes until tender.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pan. Cover the pan with a clean tea towel and put the lid on top – this will absorb the steam and keep the potatoes dry and hot. In a small clean pan, heat the milk, nutmeg, bay leaf and butter until the butter has melted and the mixture is warm.
- Uncover the potatoes, mash, then strain the warm milk mix into the pan. Beat the potatoes with a wooden spoon until fluffy. Beat in the cream for an extra layer of luxury, then serve.
What to do with leftover mashed potato
Made too much mash? Don’t throw it away. While it’s delicious simply topped with grated cheese and popped under the grill to go golden and crisp, there are lots more ways with this leftover side.
Our mashed potato pie with leeks, bacon and cheese is one of the BEST (and easiest) things you can make. And this turkey, leek and blue cheese mashed potato pie makes a brilliant use-it-all up dish on Boxing Day.
Or, for something a bit different, this secret-ingredient chocolate bundt cake is really rather special and may surprise you.
Make mash even more exciting…
There are lots of clever twists you can make to turn up the flavour of mashed potato. Try lemon and parsley, parsnip and brussels sprout, roast garlic and chickpea or aligot (garlic cheese mash).
Or, find all 19 of our marvellous mash recipes for more inspiration.