A real flex is when you are able to reproduce the most bougie dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen. I made myself this deliciously rich and buttery French style mashed potatoes while binging on the recent viral TikTok series, Who TF did I marry? by Reesa Teesa.
If you are yet to see it, whip up this creamy plate of mashed potatoes because you need good food for the long ride ahead! I paired with my delicious beef in gravy.
What is French Style Mashed Potatoes?
I have tried many types of mashed potato dishes, but, the French style stands out the best for me. In France, this mashed potato dish is called pomme puree.
This is not a dish you turn to if you are lactose free or trying to abstain from butter, I must put that out there first. The potatoes are cooked in seasoned milk, strained and then mashed with cream and butter.
The mashing process is important as it helps to incorporate air into the mix which is what makes it fluffy. It may be best to refrain from a blender or any other appliance that will produce an overly smooth mashed potato.
What makes French Mashed Potatoes Different?
The short answer is BUTTER. You need what some will refer to as, a ridiculous amount of butter. And by ridiculous, I mean 1 full stick of unsalted butter per pound of potatoes, yep that buttery. The more the butter, the more flavorful your potato dish.
Some other mashed potato recipes use more milk, or way less butter, the French do not compromise on the amount of butter used when mashing their potatoes.
What Ingredients do I Need?
Potatoes
There are different types of potatoes that can be used for this recipe. From Yukon Gold to Maris Piper, it is best to pick potatoes that soften up easily. I went with Russet potatoes and it came out amazing!
Unsalted Butter
As established earlier in this post, butter is the most important part of French-style mashed potatoes. It is important to take note of the amount of butter per the pounds of potatoes you are making. Remember it is at least 1 stick of butter per pound of potatoes.
Whole Milk
The potatoes are cooked in salted whole milk. I am yet to try any other type of milk but whole fat milk. Hence, substituting this with any other type of milk may not produce the same results.
Watch how to make it!
Heavy cream
During the mashing of the potatoes, some heavy cream is used to loosen it up. You can use regular whole milk, but I have found that heavy cream gives it the level of creaminess needed.
Salt & Black Pepper
This is used to season the milk when boiling the potatoes.
What to Pair your Mashed Potatoes with?
This is one dish that can be enjoyed absolutely alone. But if you must, go ahead and pair these with a pepper soup. I paired mine with delicious, juicy beef in gravy. I have also paired it with chicken wings or grilled salmon.
Recommended
Mashed Potatoes (French-style)
Ingredients
- 2 lb Russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2-3 sticks unsalted butter cold
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 Tbsp salt or to taste
- 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Garnishing
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Rinse the cubed potatoes, transfer to a deep pot. Season with salt and black pepper, add in the whole milk, cover and let it cook for 20-30 minutes on medium to low heat.
- When done and a fork can poke each potato easily, strain and toss the potatoes back into the hot pot.
- Using a potato masher or potato ricer, crush the potatoes and begin to mash in circular motion as you incorporate the butter and heavy cream in portions until they are both done.
- Serve hot, drizzle the melted butter on and sprinkle the chopped parsley.
