Christmas Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Feast 🎄
A festive and comforting side dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes smothered in a rich homemade brown gravy, perfect for your Christmas feast.
Equipment
- Large 6-8 quart pot
- Colander
- Potato ricer or potato masher
- Smaller pot
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet potatoes
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup half & half
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Brown Gravy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon beef base (or 1 bouillon cube)
- 1 teaspoon chicken base (or 1 bouillon cube)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Prep & Cook Potatoes: Begin by peeling and chopping the russet potatoes into 1-2 inch pieces. Place them in a large 6-8 quart pot and cover with water, ensuring the water is at least 2 inches above the potatoes. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily mashed with a fork.
- Prepare the Gravy: While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a smaller pot over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture forms a light golden, fluffy roux.
- Flavor the Gravy: Stir in the beef base, chicken base, and garlic powder until everything is well combined into the roux. Gradually pour in 2 cups of water, whisking continuously to keep the gravy smooth. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Then, remove the pot from the heat; the gravy will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
- Drain & Dry Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, carefully pour them into a colander to drain. Let them sit and steam for at least 5 minutes; this helps remove excess moisture, resulting in wonderfully fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return the hot cooking pot to the stovetop (off heat). Add 8 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup of half & half, letting them warm and melt from the residual heat. Add the dried potatoes back into the pot. Use a potato ricer for extra smooth results, or a potato masher, to mash the potatoes until they are creamy and fluffy. Stir well to incorporate the butter and half & half. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the warm, fluffy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave if it has cooled too much, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it. Pour the warm gravy generously over the mashed potatoes and serve immediately.
Notes
This festive recipe delivers deliciously creamy mashed potatoes paired with a savory brown gravy, ideal for any holiday meal.
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories: 340kcal
Total Carbs: 35g
Fats: 21g
Protein: 5g
Calories: 340kcal
Total Carbs: 35g
Fats: 21g
Protein: 5g
