CHEF JOHN'S ULTIMATE MASHED POTATOES

Chef John's Ultimate Mashed Potatoes image

Forgot those low-fat or no-fat options... holiday mashed potatoes are supposed to have a ridiculous amount of butter in them! Eating a scoop of these potatoes a few times a year is a well-deserved treat. Garnish with chives if desired.

Provided by Chef John

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

3 ¼ pounds russet potatoes
1 pound unsalted European-style butter
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup hot milk
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

Steps:

Peel potatoes and cut into quarters. Transfer to a bowl of cold water and rinse to remove starch. Drain and transfer to a pot of cold water. Very generously salt the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft and the tip of a knife goes in easily, 20 to 25 minutes.
While the potatoes are cooking, cut butter in chunks and let come to room temperature.
Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Set over medium-low heat and mash with a potato masher until potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and add ¼ of the softened butter chunks. Mash until butter just about disappears.
Add another 1/4 of the butter and mix with a wire whisk until it just about disappears. Whisk in the remaining butter in 2 additions as before; potatoes will be light and creamy after all the butter has been mixed in.
Whisk in hot milk until incorporated. Add cayenne and more salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 556.4 calories, Carbohydrate 33.7 g, Cholesterol 122.6 mg, Fat 46.3 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 29.3 g, Sodium 18.6 mg