Southern-Style Paula Deen Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Creamy Bliss!

Paula Deen’s mashed potatoes cascade like a creamy cloud of Southern comfort onto dinner plates everywhere.

Her legendary recipe transforms humble spuds into a culinary symphony of rich, buttery goodness.

Generations of food lovers have swooned over these decadent potatoes that whisper tales of home-cooked nostalgia.

Whipped to silky perfection, each spoonful promises a luxurious embrace of flavor and texture.

The magic lies in their deceptive simplicity: just a few quality ingredients blended with tender care.

Soft, pillowy, and dangerously addictive, these potatoes transcend ordinary side dishes.

Grab a fork and surrender to this irresistible taste of down-home deliciousness – your taste buds will thank you!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Classic Mashed Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Choose firm, smooth-skinned potatoes without green spots or sprouts for best texture.
• Water: Fresh, clean tap water works perfectly for boiling.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt to enhance potato flavor during cooking.

• Whole Milk, Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality, fresh dairy for rich, velvety smoothness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth to the creamy potatoes.

Equipment to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling potatoes evenly and holding enough water.
• Colander: Helps drain potatoes quickly and efficiently after cooking.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for chopping potatoes into chunks.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise, uniform potato cutting.
• Potato Masher or Hand Mixer: Creates smooth, creamy potato texture.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for gently stirring and blending ingredients.
• Saucepan: Ideal for warming milk and melting butter.
• Fork: Helps test potato tenderness during cooking.
• Measuring Tools: Ensures accurate water and ingredient quantities.

Instructions for Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes

• Prepare Potato Foundation

Grab your russet potatoes and scrub them clean. Slice each potato into uniform chunks using a sharp knife, creating bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and quickly.

• Cook Potato Goodness

Drop potato chunks into a large pot and cover with cold water. Sprinkle some salt and bring the water to a roaring boil. Reduce heat and let potatoes simmer until they’re soft enough to pierce easily with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

• Create Creamy Magic

Once potatoes are tender, drain them completely. Return the potatoes to the warm pot and start transforming them into a silky masterpiece. Mash with enthusiasm, breaking down the chunks until they reach a smooth, cloud-like consistency.

• Elevate Flavor Profile

Warm milk and butter together in a separate pan. Gently pour this liquid gold into your mashed potatoes, stirring with care. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to create the perfect balance of flavors.

• Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the creamy potatoes to a serving dish. The result should be a luxurious, velvety side that’s irresistibly smooth and packed with rich, comforting flavor. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Flavor Boosts and Tips for Mashed Potatoes

• Smooth Out Potato Perfection: Experiment with different potato varieties like Yukon Gold for extra buttery flavor and creamier texture.
• Boost Flavor Power: Add roasted garlic, fresh herbs like chives or rosemary, or grated cheese to create unique taste combinations that elevate classic mashed potatoes.
• Texture Hack: For ultra-silky potatoes, pass mashed potatoes through a fine-mesh strainer or use a ricer instead of a traditional masher, eliminating any potential lumps.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare mashed potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store in a covered dish, then reheat in the oven with a splash of extra milk, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.

Ways to Serve Paula Deen’s Mashed Potatoes

• Serve with Succulent Roast Companions: Pair these creamy mashed potatoes with tender roast chicken, juicy beef roast, or classic turkey for a hearty meal that brings comfort to your dinner table.
• Elevate with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives, parsley, or green onions on top to add a burst of color and a light, fresh flavor that complements the rich, creamy potatoes.
• Create Leftover Magic: Transform remaining mashed potatoes into delicious potato pancakes by mixing with an egg, forming patties, and pan-frying until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
• Add Cheesy Twist: Fold in shredded cheddar, parmesan, or crumbled blue cheese during the final mixing stage to create an indulgent, extra-creamy potato experience that will wow your dinner guests.

Storing and Reheating Mashed Potatoes

• Preserve Peak Potato Perfection: Store mashed potatoes in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to keep potatoes safe and delicious.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Spread leftover mashed potatoes in a shallow dish to help them cool faster, reducing potential bacterial growth and preserving optimal texture.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Properly sealed mashed potatoes will stay fresh for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the potatoes to prevent air exposure and minimize discoloration.
• Freezer-Friendly Revival: Freeze mashed potatoes in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Microwave or warm in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain smooth texture.

Creamy Paula Deen Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Paula Deen mashed potatoes shine as a Southern comfort classic. Rich butter and cream create a luxurious side dish that guests will crave with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) russet potatoes
• ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Fully submerge whole potatoes in a large pot filled with generously salted water, bringing to a vigorous boil over high heat.
2. Cooking Process: Reduce temperature to medium-high, allowing potatoes to simmer for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender, ensuring complete softness throughout.
3. Dairy Infusion: Simultaneously warm milk and unsalted butter in a separate saucepan, gently melting and combining the dairy components until smooth and integrated.
4. Mashing Technique: Drain potatoes completely, then return to the pot, using a robust potato masher to transform the potatoes into a silky, uniform texture with minimal resistance.
5. Creamy Blending: Slowly incorporate the heated milk and butter mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring consistently to create a luxurious, velvety consistency that absorbs all liquid evenly.
6. Seasoning Finale: Elevate the flavor profile by generously seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences and ensuring a perfectly balanced side dish.
7. Serving Presentation: Transfer the creamy potatoes to a warm serving bowl, optionally garnishing with delicate chopped herbs for an extra layer of visual and aromatic appeal, and serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Prevent Waterlogging: Drain potatoes thoroughly after boiling to ensure a fluffy, not soggy texture.
• Temperature Matters: Use warm milk and butter to maintain potato temperature and prevent cooling down during mixing.
• Masher Technique: Apply consistent, firm pressure when mashing to achieve smooth, lump-free potatoes without overmixing.
• Seasoning Secret: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to create perfectly balanced flavor without overwhelming the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg