Stand mixer mashed potatoes: recipes & tips

How to make mashed potatoes in a stand mixer

The KitchenAid® stand mixer makes quick, easy work of homemade mashed potatoes. Achieve your ideal texture with less effort and add mix-ins quickly and consistently. Follow these 3 simple steps to make delicious mashed potatoes from scratch.

Ingredients

• 3 lb. russet potatoes

• 1 ½ tsp. sea salt

• ¾ cup half and half

• 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter

• ¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Tools

• KitchenAid® ® Stand Mixer with flat beater attachment

• Colander

Yields

• 9 servings

Step 1: Boil potatoes

Cube potatoes with the skin on or off, depending on your preference. Put them in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Add 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are easily pricked with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain them in a colander.

Step 2: Mash potatoes

Heat half and half in a small saucepan until warm but not hot. Add cooked potatoes and butter to the stand mixer bowl and turn the mixer to speed 2. Add warm half and half, 1/4 cup at a time until the potatoes are creamy, increasing speed 1-2 settings with each addition. Beat the potatoes until they’re just shy of your desired consistency.

Step 3: Add flavor

Return to speed 2 and season with remaining salt and black pepper. Add in any extras like garlic, cheese or herbs and mix until just combined.

Which KitchenAid® accessories and attachments are best for making mashed potatoes?

The most popular KitchenAid® accessory for mashed potatoes is the flat beater or the pastry beater [1]. Either one can mash the potatoes without overworking them, so you don’t end up with sticky, tacky potatoes. If you prefer a whipped texture, switch to the wire whip after beating the potatoes to get a light, fluffy consistency. Learn more about what this powerful and versatile appliance can do with the attachment buying guide.

[1] Sold separately

What can I add to flavor my homemade mashed potatoes recipe?

Mashed potatoes have the potential to truly transform with a variety of delicious mix-ins. Experiment with cheeses, garlic, herbs, onions, cauliflower, cured meat and sauces to discover your dream mashed potato dish. Try mixing and matching these ingredients to elevate your homemade mashed potato recipe.

Vegetables: Roasted garlic, raw garlic, green onion, shallots, caramelized onions, horseradish root, cauliflower.

Herbs: Chives, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, dill.

Spices: White pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, paprika, mustard powder, cajun seasoning, cumin.

Cheeses: Parmesan, gruyere, goat cheese, blue cheese, feta, smoked gouda.

Sauces & liquids: Buttermilk, sour cream, creamed horseradish, browned butter, creme fraiche, chicken or beef stock, Dijon mustard.

Meats: Bacon, pancetta, prosciutto.

You can also use mashed potatoes to make entirely new dishes like sweet potato gnocchi with brown butter honey sauce. Bake your potatoes instead of boiling for decadent twice baked duchess potatoes or slow cook them alongside cauliflower for a lighter version.

How do I store leftover mashed potatoes?

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in the freezer for up to 12 months, though freezer burn could develop the longer they’re frozen. Freeze in an airtight container or freeze in one cup portions first, then place them in a zippered plastic bag.

In the fridge: Store in an airtight environment like a plastic container, zippered bag or plastic wrap. If your container isn’t the right size, place some plastic wrap on the surface of the mashed potatoes before you refrigerate.

In the freezer: Store in an airtight container. Alternately, scoop 1 cup portions of mashed potato onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put the pan in the freezer uncovered until the pieces freeze. Put them in a large zippered plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes to make other recipes?

Absolutely. Leftover mashed potatoes can be used to create and enhance some amazing meals. Shepherd’s pie is a classic while mashed potato waffles offer a new take on the timeless. Mashed potatoes lend a sweet, soft taste and texture to potato rolls and breads. Chicken and dumplings is quick and delicious when you use potato dumplings instead of flour. For your fried-food cravings, pan fry leftover mashed potatoes almost as-is in a pancake shape, or bread mashed potato balls and deep fry them to make croquettes. Take your pick of the delicious possibilities, then learn more about low waste, root-to-stem cooking.

Stand mixer mashed potatoes: additional tips

The perfect mashed potato can be a polarizing subject. We all have our favorites, but a Maker wants to explore them all. Learn how to make mashed potatoes in a couple different ways with these tips and tricks.

For extra fluffy mashed potatoes: Stick to russets. Their mealy texture breaks down easily, requiring less work to cook and mash, keeping them lighter. Before boiling, cut the potatoes into cubes and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. After they’ve cooked and drained, rinse them again under hot water for 30 seconds. This rinsing process will minimize the starch, helping create lighter, fluffier mashed potatoes.

For extra creamy mashed potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a denser texture than russets, which can lead to a creamier mash. They take longer to cook and more work to mash, which releases more starch into your dish, again leading to a dense but rich, creamy and buttery texture and flavor.

How can I prevent gluey mashed potatoes?

You can help prevent gluey mashed potatoes by avoiding potatoes that are low in starch and high in moisture and ensuring they are prepared and cooked correctly. Russets and Yukon Gold are ideal for creamy potatoes due to their high starch and low moisture levels. After choosing your potatoes, make sure they are cleaned thoroughly and cut into chunks around the same size before boiling. Next, use your KitchenAid® stand mixer to craft your ideal texture and pair your potatoes with your favorite dish.