How to Make Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled, or to taste (Optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
![Ingredients to make basic mashed potatoes]()
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and garlic, lower heat to medium, and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
![A large pot with peeled potatoes and garlic in water]()
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When the potatoes are almost finished, heat milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until butter is melted.
![A small pan with milk and melted butter]()
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Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Slowly add warm milk mixture, blending it in with a potato masher or electric mixer until potatoes are smooth and creamy.
![A large pot of potatoes and garlic mashed with milk and butter]()
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Season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!
![a top-down view of a large bowl of creamy, buttery, basic mashed potatoes]()
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