The Ultimate Mashed Potatoes with Gravy Recipe for a Perfect Thanksgiving!
Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes smothered in savory gravy? I think not! This recipe for Mashed Potatoes with Gravy is a Thanksgiving staple in my family, and it’s so easy to make that even beginner cooks can achieve potato perfection. Forget complicated recipes that take hours – this one delivers fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes with a rich gravy in no time. Get ready to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). It is the perfect addition to your thanksgiving dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- Effortless Elegance: Simple enough for weeknights, impressive enough for Thanksgiving.
- Family Favorite: The ultimate comfort food that everyone loves.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour, saving you precious time.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your taste preferences.
- Deliciously Creamy: The perfect texture and flavor combination.
- Vegan Friendly: Can be easily adapted to be a vegan thanksgiving recipes.
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- Potatoes: 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered. Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well for extra creaminess.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for serving. For a vegan thanksgiving option, use vegan butter.
- Milk: 1 cup whole milk, warmed. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer flavor. Use almond or soy milk for a vegan option.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Gravy: 4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings (such as thyme or sage). You can also use turkey drippings from your thanksgiving turkey for extra savory flavor.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the butter and warm milk.
- Mash Until Smooth: Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make them gummy.
- Season: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Gravy: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. Serve the mashed potatoes with a generous ladle of gravy.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing mashed potatoes can make them gummy and unpleasant.
- Warm the Milk: Warming the milk helps the potatoes absorb it more easily and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Use a Potato Ricer: For the ultimate smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher or mixer.
- Vegan Variation: Use vegan butter and plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) for vegan mashed potatoes. Also use vegetable broth to make it a completely vegan thanksgiving dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the potatoes while they are boiling for a delicious garlicky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy are the perfect side dish for any thanksgiving dinner! They pair perfectly with:
- Roasted Turkey (of course!)
- Green Bean Casserole
- Stuffing (another Thanksgiving essential!)
- Cranberry Sauce
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover mashed potatoes and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You could also store the leftovers to create thanksgiving meal ideas for future meals!
Reheating: Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate them. Reheat gravy in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
FAQ about Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Q: Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time! Prepare them as directed, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them and add a little extra milk or butter to restore their creamy texture. This is helpful for thanksgiving entertaining ideas for bigger parties.
Q: What kind of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
A: Russet potatoes are a classic choice for fluffy mashed potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier texture. It depends on personal preference! Also potatoes are a must have for thanksgiving sides dishes!
Q: How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?
A: Avoid overmixing the potatoes. Overmixing releases too much starch, resulting in gummy potatoes.
Q: Can I use milk other than cow’s milk?
A: Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk works well for a dairy-free or vegan thanksgiving option. You can also use heavy cream for a richer dish!
Q: What can I do with leftover mashed potatoes?
A: Leftover mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile! Use them to make potato cakes, add them to soup, or even use them as a topping for shepherd’s pie. They also make a great filling for pierogies.
Final Thoughts on Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
There you have it – the perfect Mashed Potatoes with Gravy recipe for a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving! This recipe is not only easy to follow but also delivers consistently creamy, flavorful results. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for future holiday meals.
If you try out this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Did you adjust the seasonings? Add any special ingredients? I would love to hear from you. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and Thanksgiving inspiration! Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving!
The Ultimate Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Equipment
- Large pot
- Potato Masher
- Saucepan
- – Whisk
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes peeled and quartered. Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well for extra creaminess
Mashed Potato Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter plus more for serving; use vegan butter for vegan option
- 1 cup whole milk warmed; can use half-and-half, heavy cream, almond or soy milk for vegan
- salt and pepper to taste
Gravy Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth or turkey drippings from thanksgiving turkey for extra flavor
- salt, pepper, and desired seasonings such as thyme or sage
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the butter and warm milk.
- Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make them gummy.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings. Serve the mashed potatoes with a generous ladle of gravy.
Notes
– Warm the milk for better absorption and creaminess.
– For smoothest potatoes, use a potato ricer.
– Vegan option: use vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegetable broth.
– Add minced garlic while boiling for garlic mashed potatoes.
