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American·Side Dish

Tres Leches Mashed Potatoes

A luxuriously fluffy side dish that applies the three-milk concept of the famous cake to savory russet potatoes. By using a combination of evaporated milk, whole milk, and tangy buttermilk—finished with a high-speed hand mixer—you achieve a light, 'whipped' texture that is far superior to standard mashes.

Prep

15m

Cook

25m

Total

40m

Serves

10

Method

  1. 01

    Peel the russet potatoes using long strokes from top to bottom. Quarter the potatoes by cutting them in half lengthwise and then again down the center while resting on the flat side.

    Step 1
    Watch · 0:25
  2. 02

    Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with at least 2 inches of water. Add a generous amount of salt (about 2 tablespoons) and bring to a boil. Stir once, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a knife.

    Step 2
    Watch · 2:15
  3. 03

    While potatoes simmer, combine the evaporated milk, whole milk, and buttermilk in a small saucepan. Place over very low heat just to warm the mixture through; do not let it boil or reduce.

    Step 3
    Watch · 2:32
  4. 04

    Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash them initially using a wire potato masher for about 30 seconds while they are still dense and dry.

    Step 4
    Watch · 3:56
  5. 05

    Add the sliced butter to the bowl and mash for another 30 seconds until the butter is fully incorporated. Season with salt, white pepper, and three shakes of cayenne pepper.

    Step 5
    Watch · 4:26
  6. 06

    Pour most of the warm milk mixture into the bowl, reserving a small amount to adjust texture later. Use an electric hand mixer on high speed to whip the potatoes until they are light, fluffy, and luxurious.

    Step 6
    Watch · 5:10
  7. 07

    Taste and adjust seasoning or add the remaining milk if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl, create ridges with a spoon to catch the fat, and finish with a drizzle of melted butter and snipped chives.

    Step 7
    Watch · 6:40

From Chef John

  • “Exactly three shakes of cayenne: one for good luck, one for good health, and one for good sleep.”
  • “You are, after all, the Paul Rudd of your triple milk Spud.”
  • “On the list of common mashed potato complaints, 'too much butter' does not appear.”