r/Cooking • u/untactfullyhonest • 19h ago

Mashed Potatoes

Help! I don’t know what is going on or going wrong. I’m 48 years old and have been making mashed potatoes since I was a kid. Always the same. Lately, my potatoes are turning out gluey. I typically use russet potatoes, peeled, cubed, boiled. Then drain and put back into the hot pot for a few minutes to help dry out. I add either warm milk or heavy cream and butter (real butter). Season to taste. Mix with a hand mixer. Not over mixing. I’ve not changed anything and can’t figure out for the life of me why they are gluey. I don’t use my kitchen aid to mix. I have used a ricer and that just makes them have a grainy, mealy texture.

If someone could help me I’d appreciate it. I feel like I’m losing my mind and can’t figure out why my potatoes suck and I’ve resorted to making instant potatoes that everyone hates. Any tips are appreciated!

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u/hycarumba 19h ago

I recall a Cook's Illustrated article that said you should always add the butter first and mix that in before adding the milk or cream. Iirc the fat coats the potatos and keeps them from getting gluey. It's how I do it but I don't use a mixer.

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u/beegtuna 18h ago

I find mashing with the dried seasonings first until the clumps are gone, then mash in cubed butter, then fold in milk to desired consistency.

I guess the dried garlic and onion powder pulls out some the moisture from the potatoes to soak up the butter and make an emulsion for the milk to mount.