to Avoid
Overcooking the Potatoes
Potatoes should be tender, but they don’t need to fall apart completely.
Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged and difficult to turn into perfect mash.
Using Cold Ingredients
Cold butter and refrigerator-cold milk can make the potatoes cool down quickly.
Use room-temperature or warmed ingredients whenever practical.
Overmixing
This is one of the easiest ways to ruin otherwise excellent potatoes.
Mash gently and stop once the potatoes are smooth enough for your preference.
Choosing the Wrong Tool
A potato masher gives you a rustic texture.
A potato ricer creates exceptionally light, fine potatoes.
A food mill produces similarly smooth results.
Avoid electric mixers, blenders, and food processors if you want to minimize the risk of gluey potatoes.
Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Mashed Potatoes
Once you’ve mastered the basic method, you can have fun with different flavors.
Garlic and Herb
Simmer garlic with the potatoes, then
