Place the 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add remaining salt and 4 tablespoons butter and coarsely mash the potatoes with a fork.
Slowly stir in the ½ cup whole milk and mash with a potato masher or beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter to restore creaminess. These mashed potatoes freeze surprisingly well - just let them cool completely first, then portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can freeze for up to 1 month. Helpful Tips:
Start with cold water. Always place the potatoes in cold water before bringing to a boil. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the outside form overcooking while the inside remains firm.
Taste and adjust. Potatoes love salt! Generously season during cooking and also taste the mash at the end and adjust with sea salt or a touch of salted butter.
Gently break down the starches. Use the back of a fork to mash the potatoes, which helps separate and smooth out the starches - much like a potato ricer would. This technique creates creamy, velvety mashed potatoes without overworking them.
Reserve some cooking water. In case the mashed potatoes end up too thick, a splash of starchy potato water can help loosen it while preserving flavor
Troubleshooting TipsMashed potatoes too gluey or gummy? This usually happens when the potatoes are overmixed or processed in a blender or food processor (which by the way, totally unnecessary!). For the best texture, mash by hand with a potato masher or a hand mixer but keep it quick.
The information shown above is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. Please see our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.