Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • Kosher salt for cooking the potatoes (plus more to season the potatoes to taste)
  • 3 to 3 ½ pounds about 8 large Idaho or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup light or heavy cream or half and half (see Note)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces, at room temperature)
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instruction

  • Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt, return to a boil, then add the potatoes (the water should cover the potatoes by at least 2 inches). Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for 15 or so minutes, partially covered, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a knife.
  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot, and place them back over medium-low heat. Toss the potatoes in the hot pan occasionally for 3 minutes or so until the moisture is all gone and they have begun to dry out (but not to brown). Remove the pan from the stove, and put the potatoes through a ricer or a food mill, or mash with a potato masher until they are smooth, or as smooth as you like them. Return them to the pot. Meanwhile, heat the milk and the cream together in a microwave safe bowl or pitcher for about one minute, or in a small saucepan on the stovetop, until hot.
  • Add the hot milk and cream mixture to the potatoes along with the butter and stir with a wooden spoon or a whisk until well combined. Blend in the Parmesan. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and stir over medium low heat until everything is hot and well blended.