Paula Deen Mashed Potatoes Recipe That Tastes Perfect

Paula Deen’s mashed potatoes represent the quintessential comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy, indulgent side dish that speaks directly to the heart.

Smooth, buttery, and irresistibly rich, these potatoes bring warmth to any dining experience.

Whipped to perfection, they capture the essence of home-style cooking with remarkable simplicity.

Every forkful promises a velvety texture that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Good mashed potatoes require minimal technique but deliver maximum satisfaction through their pure, nostalgic appeal.

You’ll love how these potatoes elevate even the most basic meal into something extraordinary: dig in and savor!

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Classic potato with high starch content, perfect for creating creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes.

• Whole Milk, Butter: Creamy ingredients that add rich flavor and smooth texture to the mashed potatoes, with butter providing extra richness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural potato flavor and add depth to the dish.

Making Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Potatoes for Boiling

Clean and peel 5 large russet potatoes, cutting them into roughly 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Use a sharp knife and cutting board for precise cuts.

• Potatoes
• Water
• Salt

Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover completely with cold, salted water. Water should be 1 inch above potato level.

Step 2: Boil Potatoes to Perfect Tenderness

Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce to medium-high and cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Test by piercing with a fork – potato should easily break apart.

Step 3: Warm Creamy Liquid Base

• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter

Melt butter into milk over low heat, stirring occasionally until completely combined and warm.

Step 4: Mash Potatoes Smoothly

Drain potatoes in a colander, then return to hot pot. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to break down potatoes until creamy and smooth. Avoid over-mashing to prevent gluey texture.

Step 5: Blend and Season Potatoes

Slowly pour warm milk-butter mixture into mashed potatoes. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until liquid is fully incorporated.

• Salt
• Black pepper

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes

• Capture Potato Warmth: Keep mashed potatoes hot by covering them with a clean kitchen towel after mashing, trapping steam and maintaining perfect temperature.
• Prevent Lumpy Disasters: Push potatoes through a ricer or food mill for ultra-smooth results, eliminating stubborn potato chunks instantly.
• Balance Dairy Delicately: Mix in room temperature butter first, then warm milk gradually to create silky, creamy consistency without overwhelming the potatoes.
• Season Strategically: Layer salt and pepper throughout the mashing process, not just at the end, ensuring deep and even flavor distribution.
• Rescue Dry Potatoes: If mashed potatoes seem too thick, slowly fold in extra warm milk or reserved cooking liquid to restore ideal creamy texture.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes

• Freeze: Divide mashed potatoes into portion-sized freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label each bag with the date and contents. Frozen potatoes maintain their creamy texture up to 2 months when properly sealed. Great for quick meal prep or unexpected dinner emergencies.
• Refrigerate: Store leftover mashed potatoes in shallow, airtight glass containers to maximize freshness. Place containers in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture. Keep an eye out for any unusual odors or color changes that might indicate spoilage.
• Reheat: Restore moisture and creaminess by adding a splash of warm cream or melted butter while reheating. Use a microwave-safe dish and stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, use a stovetop method with low heat, constantly stirring to prevent sticking. Add extra seasoning if the potatoes taste bland after reheating.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes

• Herbed Southern Comfort: Elevate the classic recipe by folding in freshly chopped chives, rosemary, and thyme. These aromatic herbs will add a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
• Cheesy Ranch Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and a packet of ranch seasoning mix for a bold, tangy flavor profile. The melted cheese creates an irresistible richness that takes the mashed potatoes to a new level of deliciousness.
• Roasted Garlic Magic: Roast a whole head of garlic until soft and caramelized, then squeeze the tender cloves directly into the potatoes. The deep, mellow garlic flavor will transform the dish with a subtle, sophisticated touch that makes these mashed potatoes truly memorable.
• Bacon Loaded Sensation: Crisp up some bacon, crumble it finely, and mix into the potatoes along with a sprinkle of green onions. The smoky, salty bacon bits will add a crunchy texture and robust flavor that makes these potatoes absolutely irresistible.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, luxurious mashed potatoes embody pure comfort on plates across American kitchens.

Paula Deen’s recipe elevates classic potato preparation with simple, rich ingredients.

Butter and milk create silky smooth textures that dance across taste buds.

Hearty potatoes become cloud-like clouds of deliciousness with minimal effort.

Kitchen novices and seasoned chefs can master this foolproof side dish.

For maximum deliciousness, serve these potatoes alongside roasted meats or as a standalone comfort classic that connects generations – go ahead, savor each comforting spoonful and share this timeless recipe with someone special.

Potato perfection awaits you!

Why Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes Are a Family Favorite

• Speedy Comfort Feast: Whip up these creamy mashed potatoes in just 25 minutes, delivering ultimate comfort food in less time than watching a sitcom episode.
• Silky Smooth Sensation: The careful mashing technique and warm milk-butter blend create an incredibly luxurious texture that glides perfectly on your fork and melts in your mouth.
• Simple Culinary Magic: With only a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can transform humble potatoes into a restaurant-worthy side dish that impresses everyone at the dinner table.

Paula Deen Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s creamy mashed potatoes showcase Southern comfort at its finest. Rich butter and smooth cream blend seamlessly to create a luxurious side dish that melts in your palate, promising pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) russet potatoes
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter

Dairy Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) milk

Seasonings:

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Submerge whole potatoes in a generously salted large pot, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Reduce temperature to medium-high and allow potatoes to simmer vigorously for approximately 15 to 18 minutes, testing tenderness by piercing with a sharp fork until they yield easily.
3. While potatoes are cooking, prepare the dairy mixture by gently heating milk (237 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) and unsalted butter (113 grams/4 ounces) in a small saucepan over low temperature, stirring occasionally until butter completely dissolves.
4. Once potatoes are fully cooked, carefully drain them in a colander, then return them to the original pot, allowing residual heat to evaporate excess moisture.
5. Using a robust potato masher, thoroughly crush the potatoes, transforming them into a smooth, creamy consistency with minimal lumps.
6. Gradually pour the warm milk and melted butter mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to integrate the ingredients seamlessly.
7. Season the potato mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences and creating a rich, flavorful side dish.
8. Transfer the creamy potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with optional chopped herbs if desired, and serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and texture.

Notes

• Start with cold water to help potatoes cook evenly and prevent uneven softness.
• Drain potatoes thoroughly to avoid watery mashed potatoes that lose their creamy consistency.
• Choose heavyweight kitchen tools like a potato masher or ricer for the smoothest results.
• Remove skins before mashing for a silkier, more elegant texture that melts in your mouth.
• Test potato doneness by sliding a fork easily through the center without resistance.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 237
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 344 mg
• Fat: 9.9 g
• Saturated Fat: 6.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg