Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Spoonfuls of Comfort: A Guide to Making Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Rich Gravy

Mashed potatoes and gravy—two comforting, classic dishes that pair together to elevate any

meal. Whether you're preparing a family dinner, holiday feast, or just craving some cozy comfort

food, this dynamic duo is sure to please. Follow this easy guide to make creamy mashed

potatoes and savory, flavorful gravy that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Are the Perfect Pair

Mashed potatoes are the perfect balance of creamy, buttery goodness with a slightly fluffy

texture, and when paired with rich gravy, they become an irresistible side dish. The gravy adds

depth, moisture, and a savory punch that complements the potatoes perfectly. Together, they

form the ultimate comfort food combo.

Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes:

● 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (russets are fluffier, while Yukon Golds are

creamier)

● 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)

● 4 tablespoons butter

● Salt, to taste

● Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

● Optional: Garlic, herbs, or sour cream for extra flavor

Ingredients for Gravy:

● 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with water.

● 2 cups drippings from roasted meat or chicken/vegetable broth (or beef broth for a

heartier flavor)

● 1/2 cup milk or cream (optional, for a creamier gravy)

● Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes

1. Prep the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes (you can leave the skins on for a more

rustic feel, especially with Yukon Golds). Cut them into roughly equal chunks so they cook

evenly.

2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with chicken broth or

cold water. Chicken broth will add more flavor to your potatoes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper

to the water to help season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over high heat,

then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until

they’re fork-tender.

3. Drain and Dry: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly in a colander. For extra

creamy mashed potatoes, return the drained potatoes to the warm pot and place them back on

low heat for a minute or so to evaporate any remaining moisture.

4. Mash the Potatoes: Now, it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher, or for ultra-smooth

potatoes, you can use a mixer or Kitchenaide. Add the butter and mash until the potatoes are

smooth and creamy.

5. Add Milk and Seasonings: Slowly add the milk (or cream) while continuing to mash, until

you reach your desired consistency. For an extra creamy texture, you can also fold in some sour

cream or roasted garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Keep Warm: Once your mashed potatoes are smooth and seasoned to perfection, cover

them to keep warm while you prepare the gravy.

How to Make Gravy from Scratch

1. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, heat roasted meat drippings over medium heat.

Once melted, whisk in the cornstarch mix, and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This step

helps thicken the gravy. If you do not have meat drippings you can use melted butter with

vegetable or chicken broth in place of.

2. Whisk Gravy: Slowly whisk your gravy while it thickens, ensuring there are no lumps. If you

want a creamier gravy, you can add half a cup of milk or cream at this stage. Continue whisking

until the gravy starts to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

3. Season the Gravy: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. For a more complex

flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce, a pinch of thyme, etc.

4. Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or milk to reach

your preferred consistency. Keep in mind that the gravy will thicken as it cools.

5. Keep Warm: Once the gravy is silky and smooth, keep it warm over low heat until ready to

serve.

Tips for Success:

● Use the Right Potatoes: For creamy mashed potatoes, choose starchy potatoes like

russets. If you prefer a denser texture, go for Yukon Golds.

● Don’t Overmix: When mashing potatoes, avoid over-mixing them with a mixer, as it can

lead to a gluey texture.

● Gravy Flavor Boost: If you’re using drippings from a roast, make sure to scrape up all

the caramelized bits from the pan. These add incredible flavor to your gravy.

● Make Ahead: You can make both mashed potatoes and gravy ahead of time. Just

reheat and add a splash of milk to keep the potatoes creamy before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Mashed potatoes and gravy can be paired with so many different main dishes. Here are some

ideas:

● Roast Chicken – The tender chicken pairs perfectly with rich gravy and mashed

potatoes.

● Meatloaf – A comforting classic combo that never goes out of style.

● Steak – The creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy complement the juicy steak.

● Vegetarian Option – Serve with a hearty vegetable casserole or lentil loaf for a

satisfying vegetarian meal.

Conclusion:

Making mashed potatoes and gravy from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating! With a few

simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and

absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at

home, this classic combination is always a crowd-pleaser. So grab your potatoes and start

mashing—you’re in for a treat! Like and follow for more.