The 10 Mistakes Keeping You From Making The Most Perfect Mashed Potatoes Ever

Everything Thanksgiving: Get all our Thanksgiving recipes, how-to’s and more !

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our many blessings, one of them obviously being mashed potatoes . Piled high in a glorious display of showmanship, we like to think their bounteous beauty is a metaphor for the richness of life. (Or something.) Mashed potatoes prove that the humble potato, with hard enough work and big enough dreams, can rise up and turn itself into a gleaming beacon of success. That’s what the American dream is all about, right?

But really, mashed potatoes are one of the top 3 things to look forward to at Thanksgiving dinner. That is, unless you totally mess them up. And though mashed potatoes seem simple, they’re actually pretty finicky, and surprisingly easy to destroy.

Below are the top 10 mistakes that you’re possibly making with your mashed potatoes, and tips for how to avoid making those goofs. This Thanksgiving, you’re going to have the best mashed potatoes ever. America!

Note: We understand that some of you enjoy lumpy, gluey mashed potatoes. To all of you, feel free to ignore the following 10 rules.

Mistake #1: You're using the wrong kind of potato

Getty Images

Of the three kinds of potatoes (starchy, waxy and all-purpose), you should aim for varieties that fall within the starchy (Russet) or all-purpose (Yukon Gold) realms. You should NEVER use waxy potatoes (i.e. red bliss, fingerlings, etc.). Starchy potatoes break down better, resulting in a creamier mash.

Mistake #2: You're not cutting your potatoes into equal-sized chunks

Flickr: krossbow

Your potatoes won't cook at the same rate if they're different sizes, meaning the larger pieces will be undercooked while the smaller pieces will be overcooked. This does not a creamy mash make. Start with cold water, bring it up to a simmer, and cook the potatoes until they're all uniformly done.

(Some people say you shouldn't even peel or cut your potatoes before adding them to the cooking liquid, but we don't agree with that method because our potatoes are rarely all a uniform size.)

Mistake #3: You're over/undercooking the potatoes

Giphy

Overcooked potatoes are mealy, and therefore not delicious. Undercooked potatoes are too chunky to whip into a smooth mash. You'll know your potatoes are perfectly done when a sharp paring knife passes through the potatoes without any resistance.

Mistake #4: You're using a food processor, blender, immersion blender, or hand mixer

Williams-Sonoma

THIS IS IMPORTANT: Potatoes are filled with starch, and starch does NOT like to be overworked. When you handle/mix/beat/whip starch too much, it breaks down and tightens up. Imagine what happens to your fingers when your fists ball up in a fit of rage -- that's basically what happens to the starch in potatoes when you mix them too much. The result is something akin to thick glue, and that's horrible. You should be aiming for light and fluffy.

Instead of using one of the aforementioned tools (which are so high-powered that they will most certainly overwork the potatoes), we suggest using a potato ricer or a hand-held masher.

Mistake #5: You're overmixing the potatoes, period

Flickr: Laissez Faire

Even if you use a ricer or a hand-masher, it's possible to overwork the potatoes. When you're mixing in the cream, milk or butter, gently stir until the ingredients are JUST combined. There's no need to work your mashed potatoes to death. YOU'LL BE EATING GLUE, REMEMBER?

Mistake #6: You're using cold butter and cream

Giphy

Having these ingredients at room temperature helps them absorb better into the hot potatoes, and also decreases the risk that you'll overmix them.

Mistake #7: You're adding too much liquid

Flickr: Alexandra Moss

You can add a bit of cream or milk (according to your recipe), but don't turn your mashed potatoes into potato soup. The only way to un-do this is to add more cooked potatoes, which you most certainly won't have on-hand during Thanksgiving Day madness.

Mistake #8: You haven't added enough butter

Wifflegif

Joel Robuchon's famous mashed potato recipe uses a 2:1 potato-to-butter ratio, meaning that for every pound of potatoes, he uses a half-pound of butter. We here at HuffPost Taste are huge fans of his recipe, and can attest to the fact that it doesn't taste like a grease pit. They're perfectly balanced and perfectly heavenly. When in doubt, add more butter.

Mistake #9: You haven't used enough salt

Giphy

All the potatoes and butter in the world will still taste Bland City if you don't season them with enough salt. Season your mashed potatoes and, WITHOUT MIXING THEM TOO MUCH (have you gotten the point yet?), taste them and adjust the salt levels until they're to your liking. The amount of salt will obviously vary to suit everyone's taste.

Mistake #10: You're drying them out

mandatory.com

It's ok (but not optimal) to make your mashed potatoes in advance, but once they've cooled down it's important that you heat them up without drying them out. There are two ways to do this. 1) Place your finished mashed potatoes in a double boiler. This will gently warm them through without the risk of scorching the potatoes at the bottom of the pan. 2) Add more warm cream or butter.

Your Support Has Never Been More Critical

Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone.

Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you.

Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Support HuffPost

Your Support Has Never Been More Critical

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shoppings Best Finds

These Under-$30 Gifts Will Be A Hit Without Decimating Your Budget

Reviewers Say These Are Their 11 Favorite Sex Toys For Solo Play

Reviewers Say This Shark Vacuum Works 'Better Than A Dyson' And It's The Lowest Price Of The Year.

We Cant Believe Were Saying This, But Spanx Makes The Best Pants

Podiatrists Shared The Best Tips To Make Walking More Comfortable And Its Genius

MORE IN LIFE

So THATS Why You Need Noise To Fall Asleep

I Take My Young Daughters To A Clothing-Optional Hot Spring Every Year. Heres Why.

This TSA PreCheck Scam Could Steal Your Money. Heres How To Spot It.

The 3 Office Monsters Youve Likely Encountered At Work

5 Things Adults Shouldnt Discuss In Front Of Kids (And 5 Surprising Things They Should)

This Unconventional Travel Trend Is Many Travelers Go-To For A Fall Trip

This Mega-Popular AncestryDNA Genetic Testing Kit Is 60% Off On Amazon

The Funniest Tweets From Women This Week

These Must-Have Beauty Picks Are On Sale For Sephora's Savings Event So Stock Up!

The Oral-B Electric Toothbrush Is 50% Off, But You Dont Have Long To Grab It

Reviewers Say This Shark Vacuum Works 'Better Than A Dyson' And It's The Lowest Price Of The Year.

The Best Hands-Free Sex Toys According To Reviewers Who Have Tried Them

These Actually-Nice Throw Blankets Are Weighted Blankets In Disguise

46 Products That'll Help Revive Almost Everything In Your Home

31 Products For Anyone Who Loves Being Outside But Hates Being Cold

The Tiny, Powerful Blender That Our Food Editor Uses Way More Than Her Vitamix

The Inexpensive Kitchen Tool That Saved My Family's Enormous Holiday Dinner

If You Love Snacks, You Need These Accessories To Level Up Your Cheese Board

10 Products That Will Help You Find Those Items You're Always Losing

Meet The Women Who Say They're 'Canceling Out' Their Dads' Votes

9 Baby Name Trends To Look Out For In 2025

The Oral-B Electric Toothbrush Is 50% Off, But You Dont Have Long To Grab It

This Towel And Blanket Warmer Is A Must-Have For Winter And At Its Lowest Price Of The Year

We Track Sales For A Living. Here Are Amazon Deals To Grab Before They Go This Week.

This Snail Mucin Retinol Leaves Your Skin 'Glowing' And It's On Sale For Just $10

The Latest Amazon Fire Tablet Is Nearly 50% Off But This Price Won't Last Long

The 1 Thing You Should Never Do In A Public Restroom, According To A Germ Expert

I Regret To Inform You That This Fake Fireplace Insert Is A Year-Round Treat

These Are Some Of The Bestselling Men's Sneakers On Amazon Right Now

32 Products Reviewers Fell In Love With After 'Trying Everything Else'

Dont Start Your Next Road Trip Without This Crucial Handheld Emergency Item

Dentists And Reviewers Swear By These 11 Items To Fix Bad Breath

The Latest Amazon Fire Tablet Is Nearly 50% Off But This Price Won't Last Long

This Snail Mucin Retinol Leaves Your Skin 'Glowing' And It's On Sale For Just $10

This Back-Relieving Mattress Topper Is Under $50 On Amazon Right Now

'The Best Air Fryer I've Ever Owned' Is On Sale For Its Lowest Price Of The Year

This Fan Purifies Your Air While Heating The Whole Room And It's $200 Off Today

20 Target Shoes For Anyone Who Wants Comfy Feet But Doesnt Want Sneakers

These Utterly Adorable Stocking Stuffers Will Give Everyone Googly Eyes

These Are The Best 2024 Advent Calendars To Buy Before They're Gone