By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 10, 2023 | Last Updated on December 10, 2023
Mashed potatoes are a classic and beloved side dish that can elevate any meal with their creamy and comforting texture. Whether served alongside a hearty dinner or as the star of a holiday feast, mashed potatoes have become a staple in many households.
In this article, we will be following Brenda Gantt’s method for making the perfect mashed potatoes – one that is sure to delight all taste buds. So let’s get ready to whip up some creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes with Brenda Gantt!
What is Brenda Gantt’s Mashed Potatoes?
Brenda Gantt’s mashed potatoes is a simple yet delicious recipe that combines the perfect balance of ingredients to create the ultimate comfort food.
This recipe uses russet or Yukon gold potatoes, milk or cream, salt and pepper, butter, and optional minced garlic to achieve the ideal creamy texture and savory flavor. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these mashed potatoes taste like a hug in every bite.
Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, Brenda Gantt’s mashed potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Brenda Gantt Mashed Potatoes?
- Simple and Easy to Make: Brenda Gantt’s mashed potatoes use simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it a convenient and stress-free recipe for any occasion.
- Delicious and Versatile: These mashed potatoes are creamy, and flavorful, and can be easily customized to suit individual tastes by adjusting the amount of seasoning or adding in optional ingredients like minced garlic.
- Combines Traditional and Modern Techniques: This recipe combines traditional methods of boiling potatoes and mashing them with modern techniques like using an electric mixer to achieve the perfect consistency. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Perfect as a Side or Main Dish: Brenda Gantt’s mashed potatoes can be served as a delicious side dish to complement any main course, or they can stand alone as a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
- Russet or Yukon gold potatoes: The key to making delicious mashed potatoes is to use the right type of potato. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best because they have a high starch content, which results in fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes.
- Milk or cream: Adding milk or cream helps to give the mashed potatoes a smooth and creamy texture. You can also use half-and-half for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use almond or coconut milk.
- Salt and pepper: These staple seasonings help to enhance the flavor of the mashed potatoes. It’s best to start with a little and then adjust according to your taste.
- Butter: Melted salted butter adds richness and depth to the mashed potatoes. If you prefer unsalted butter, you can add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Garlic: For an extra kick of flavor, you can add minced garlic to your mashed potatoes. This is completely optional but highly recommended for garlic lovers.
Directions
Step 1
Prep the Potatoes
- Peel and chop the potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces.
- Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove any excess starch.
- Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover them completely.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender (around 15-20 minutes).
Step 2
Drain and Mash
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot.
- Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.
Step 3
Add Milk/Cream and Butter
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk or cream over medium heat until it starts to steam.
- Pour the hot milk/cream into the mashed potatoes and mix until well combined.
- Add in the melted butter and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 4
Season to Taste
- Now it’s time to add salt and pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Optional: If using minced garlic, add it in at this step and mix well.
Step 5
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and top with additional melted butter (if desired).
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness of Brenda Gantt’s mashed potatoes!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, you can use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk or cream.
- To make this dish even more indulgent, you can top it with shredded cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a smoother texture, you can use an electric mixer instead of a potato masher. Just be careful not to overmix, or your potatoes may become gluey.
Storage Tips
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- You can also freeze mashed potatoes by placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using one of the above methods.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy Brenda Gantt’s mashed potatoes:
- As a side dish for roasted chicken, turkey, or beef.
- Topped with gravy as part of a classic Thanksgiving dinner.
- Mixed with cooked vegetables like peas and carrots for a hearty shepherd’s pie.
- As a topping for meat pies or pot pies.
What other substitute can I use in Brenda Gantt’s Mashed Potatoes?
If you don’t have all the necessary ingredients, or you want to switch things up, here are some substitutes that you can use in Brenda Gantt’s mashed potatoes recipe:
- Potatoes: You can use other types of starchy potatoes like Idaho or red potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Milk/cream: If you don’t have any milk or cream on hand, you can use chicken or vegetable broth for a savory flavor. You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
- Butter: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute olive oil for butter. This will also add a nice hint of flavor to the mashed potatoes.
- Garlic: Instead of minced garlic, you can use garlic powder or roasted garlic for a milder taste. You can also omit the garlic altogether if you’re not a fan.
Brenda Gantt Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Equipment
- peeler
- Potato masher
- strainer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of russet or Yukon gold potatoes: “Perfect for a hearty and satisfying dish these potatoes add a robust and earthy flavor. When cooked, they contribute a comforting and starchy texture to the dish.”
- 1/2 cup of milk or cream: “Introducing a velvety and creamy texture this milk or cream is essential for creating a rich and indulgent base, making the dish lusciously smooth.”
- Salt and pepper to taste: “Enhancing the overall flavor profile a pinch of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while pepper adds a subtle, warming kick.”
- 2 tablespoons melted salted butter: “Infusing a decadent and buttery richness the melted salted butter adds a savory depth to the dish, elevating its overall taste and mouthfeel.”
- 1.5 cloves of garlic rounding up to 2 cloves if using optional garlic: “For those who enjoy a hint of bold and aromatic flavors, optional garlic, when included, brings a pungent and savory note, enhancing the dish with a delightful complexity.”
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and chopping 2 pounds of russet or Yukon gold potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove any excess starch. In a large pot, cover the chopped potatoes with water and bring them to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take around 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot. Using either a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. This is where you can get creative and choose to leave some chunks for added texture or mash them until they are completely smooth.
- In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of milk or cream over medium heat until it begins to steam. Pour the hot liquid into the mashed potatoes and mix well. Next, add in 2 tablespoons of melted salted butter and continue mixing until fully incorporated. This step is what gives these mashed potatoes their creamy and indulgent texture.
- Now it’s time to add some seasoning. Start by sprinkling in a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting according to your taste preferences. For those who enjoy an extra kick of flavor, you can also mix in 1.5 cloves (rounding up to 2 cloves if desired) of minced garlic at this step for a tasty twist.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and top with additional melted butter, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the rich and flavorful Brenda Gantt’s mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, you can use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk or cream.
- To make this dish even more indulgent, you can top it with shredded cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a smoother texture, you can use an electric mixer instead of a potato masher. Just be careful not to overmix, or your potatoes may become gluey.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh ones?
While it’s always best to use fresh ingredients, you can use frozen potatoes in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add other seasonings or herbs to this recipe?
Yes, you can! Some popular additions include chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a cheesy twist.
Is this healthy?
While these mashed potatoes may not be the healthiest option, they can be made healthier by using low-fat milk or yogurt and reducing the amount of butter used.
Conclusion
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. With Brenda Gantt’s recipe, you can easily make creamy and dreamy mashed potatoes that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious mashed potatoes! Make sure to share this article with your friends and family.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
