Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Cheap Dinners for a Family
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
There are few dishes as comforting and satisfying as mashed potatoes with gravy. A perfect balance of creamy, fluffy potatoes paired with rich, savory gravy makes it a favorite side dish at any dinner table. Whether served as part of a holiday meal, a family dinner, or alongside your favorite comfort food, mashed potatoes with gravy have a timeless appeal that’s hard to beat. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes, combined with the rich, flavorful gravy, creates a delicious harmony of flavors that everyone loves. In this blog post, we’ll explore why mashed potatoes with gravy are so irresistible, how to make the best version of this dish, and offer tips and serving suggestions to take your meal to the next level.
Why Mashed Potatoes with Gravy Are a Favorite
Mashed potatoes with gravy are not just a side dish; they are an experience. The silky smooth texture of mashed potatoes, enriched by the perfect gravy, creates a comfort that transcends mere food. This dish is a staple at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and even as a quick weeknight meal. It’s the perfect companion for almost any main course, especially ham dishes for dinner, but it also shines on its own.
The beauty of mashed potatoes lies in their versatility. You can make them as creamy or as chunky as you prefer, and the gravy can be made from drippings, stock, or even a simple gravy mix. The addition of butter, cream, or milk to the mashed potatoes elevates their texture, while the gravy adds a deep, savory layer of flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, mashed potatoes with gravy are a wonderful way to balance out richer main dishes like ham or roasted meats, adding a comforting, hearty touch to your meal.
Ingredients for the Best Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Making the perfect mashed potatoes with gravy doesn’t require much—just a few high-quality ingredients and a little bit of care. Here’s what you’ll need for the mashed potatoes and gravy:
Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic (optional, for a garlicky flavor)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth (you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for a deeper flavor)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)
These ingredients will yield enough mashed potatoes with gravy for 4-6 people, and you can easily adjust the recipe based on the size of your crowd. Now, let’s get started on making this beloved dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into evenly-sized chunks. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Place the cut potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to help season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot. Add the butter, whole milk (or cream), and any seasonings you desire (salt, pepper, and garlic). Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use a hand mixer for extra creaminess. If you prefer chunkier mashed potatoes, stop mashing once they reach your desired texture. For ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, continue mixing until smooth.
Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want them even richer, you can add more butter or cream. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
While your potatoes are cooking, it’s a good time to make the gravy. Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
Next, slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to thin it out.
Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, if using. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor. Once the gravy has reached your preferred consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or a serving dish. Pour the hot gravy generously over the potatoes, making sure every bite gets a delicious amount of that savory sauce. Serve immediately while everything is warm, and enjoy the comforting goodness of mashed potatoes with gravy.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because of their starchy texture, which results in light and fluffy mashed potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes, as they tend to become gummy when mashed.
- Mash While Hot: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, mash them while they’re still hot. Cold potatoes don’t mash as well and can result in a lumpy texture.
- Use Room Temperature Butter and Milk: To avoid cold mashed potatoes, use room temperature butter and milk. Cold ingredients can cause the potatoes to seize up and become stiff.
- Make the Gravy Ahead of Time: If you’re preparing a big meal, you can make the gravy ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This saves you time on the day of your meal.
- Customize Your Gravy: The beauty of gravy is that you can make it your own. Try adding sautéed onions, garlic, or mushrooms for extra depth of flavor. A splash of heavy cream can make your gravy extra rich and silky.
- For Extra Crispy Potatoes: For a crispy twist, consider roasting the mashed potatoes after mashing. Place the mashed potatoes in a greased baking dish, top with a little extra butter, and bake in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250 (without gravy)
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 350mg
Note: The nutritional information will vary depending on the type of gravy and the ingredients used (e.g., using heavy cream instead of whole milk will increase the fat content).
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed potatoes with gravy are the ultimate comfort food and pair beautifully with many main dishes. They are especially delicious when served with ham recipes for dinner. Whether you’re preparing Easter sides with ham, Thanksgiving ham, or ham dishes for dinner, mashed potatoes with gravy are the perfect complement to the savory, slightly sweet flavors of ham.
Here are a few other ideas for what to serve with mashed potatoes and gravy:
- Roast Chicken or Turkey: Mashed potatoes with gravy are a classic pairing with roasted poultry, making them the perfect addition to a Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner.
- Beef Stew or Roast Beef: The richness of beef stew or a roast beef dinner pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes and a flavorful brown gravy.
- Meatloaf: Another comfort food favorite, meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy are a match made in heaven.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian meal, serve mashed potatoes with gravy alongside roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or a vegetable pot pie.
- Sides to Serve with Ham: Pair your mashed potatoes with gravy with sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion: The Comfort of Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Mashed potatoes with gravy are more than just a side dish—they’re a comforting, satisfying part of any meal. The creamy, buttery potatoes combined with rich, flavorful gravy create a perfect balance of textures and tastes that make every bite delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, mashed potatoes with gravy will always be a crowd-pleaser.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to serve with ham or what to make for a family dinner, remember the timeless comfort of mashed potatoes with gravy. Share your favorite ways to enjoy this dish in the comments, and let’s celebrate the joy of mashed potatoes together!
