Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes. This recipe celebrates the naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor of Yukon Gold potatoes, creating a dish that is rich, velvety, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes provide the perfect combination of smoothness and a little bit of rustic charm from the skins, making every bite delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes lies in its simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a specific role to enhance the taste and texture, whether it’s the creamy butter, smooth heavy cream, or fresh chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

• 12 medium Yukon Gold potatoes: Their natural creaminess and thin skins add both texture and a rich, buttery flavor to the mash.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Cut into 1/2 inch pieces so it melts evenly and integrates into the potatoes beautifully.
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream: Adds luscious creaminess and makes the mashed potatoes silky smooth.
• 1 tbsp kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and prevents blandness.
• 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper: Adds a gentle bit of warmth and balance to the dish.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping): Used for a finishing buttery drizzle that elevates the presentation and flavor.
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (for topping): Becomes part of a rich drizzle over the top, making the dish even more indulgent.
• Small bunch of chives (about 2-3 tbsp finely chopped): Provides a fresh, bright contrast in both taste and appearance.
• Pinch of kosher salt (for topping): Balances the flavors on the final garnish perfectly.

How to Make Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes

Start by giving your Yukon Gold potatoes a good rinse to remove any dirt since the skins will stay on in this recipe, adding texture. Quarter each potato to roughly the same size so they cook evenly. It’s important to keep the pieces uniform to avoid some being overly soft while others remain undercooked.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Fill a large pot about three-quarters full with water and bring it to a boil. Add your cut potatoes carefully and then a pinch of salt. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-high and let the potatoes cook until they are tender—this usually takes about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through, and the edges just start to fall apart.

Step 3: Warm Butter and Cream

While your potatoes are cooking, combine the 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for one to three minutes until the butter is melted and the cream is warm. This warm mixture will smoothly incorporate into your potatoes, creating that luscious texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Drain and Dry

Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander, then return them back to the now-empty pot. Place the pot on the stove with the burner turned off but still warm to allow excess moisture to evaporate by tossing the potatoes gently for about a minute. This helps prevent your mashed potatoes from being too watery.

Step 5: Mash the Potatoes

Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and begin mashing using a potato masher. Don’t worry about achieving total smoothness—some lumps will give your Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes that delightful, homemade character that makes them so comforting.

Step 6: Incorporate Butter, Cream, and Seasonings

Pour half of your warm butter and cream mixture into the potatoes and mash to combine. Then add salt, pepper, and the remaining warm butter and cream and mix well. Taste at this stage because potatoes can absorb salt differently, so adjust to your preference to ensure a perfectly seasoned dish.

How to Serve Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Take your Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes to the next level by adding a rich butter and cream drizzle on top along with chopped fresh chives. The topping is simple to prepare: warm 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of cream until melted, then swirl the mashed potatoes to create a little well and drizzle the mixture in. Finish with a light sprinkle of kosher salt and chives for a beautiful presentation and a fresh burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

These mashed potatoes make a perfect sidekick to roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or prime rib. Also, they pair wonderfully with green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots, providing a creamy, neutral counterpoint to juicy, savory mains and crunchy vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can pipe your Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes onto plates using a large star nozzle for fancy swirls or mold them into small individual servings and top each with a dollop of melted butter and chives. This is not only visually stunning but transforms the humble mashed potato into an elegant showstopper on your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place your Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a convenient side to enjoy later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze mashed potatoes if you want to save them for longer. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months. Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes thaw well without losing much of their creamy charm.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently to warm evenly. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed to revive the creamy texture and finish with a pat of butter stirred in for extra richness.

FAQs

Can I peel Yukon Gold potatoes for mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. This recipe keeps the skins on for added texture and nutrition, but if you prefer a smoother, more traditional mash, peeling is a great option.

Why use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of Russets?

Yukon Golds are naturally creamier and buttery with a slightly waxy texture that holds up well during mashing, leading to a rich, velvety finish without becoming gluey.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, but keep in mind that the result will be a bit less rich and creamy than using heavy cream.

How do I make Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Prepare the mashed potatoes fully, cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently when ready to serve, adding extra cream or butter as needed to refresh the texture.

Can I add garlic or other flavorings?

Yes, roasted garlic or herbs like thyme can be folded into the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes for a flavor boost. Just be sure not to overpower the natural buttery taste of the potatoes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you seize the chance to make these Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes soon—they are truly one of those comforting dishes that never fail to bring smiles around the table. Creamy, rich, and so simple to prepare, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your home cooking rotation. Enjoy every luscious bite!

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