How Much Mashed Potatoes Per Person Should You Make for Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and most importantly, food. And when it comes to serving up the perfect Thanksgiving meal, mashed potatoes are a staple side dish that should not be missed. However, many people find themselves wondering just how much mashed potatoes they need to make per person. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some helpful tips for making the perfect mashed potatoes for your Thanksgiving feast.
The Basics of Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While the traditional recipe calls for potatoes, milk, butter, salt, and pepper, the possibilities for variation are endless. Some people like to add garlic, cheese, or sour cream to their mashed potatoes, while others prefer them plain or with gravy. Regardless of the recipe, the key to a good batch of mashed potatoes lies in the preparation.
How Much to Make
The amount of mashed potatoes you need to make for Thanksgiving depends on a few factors. First and foremost, you’ll want to consider how many people you’re serving. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on making around ½ cup of mashed potatoes per person. So, if you’re hosting a dinner party of ten people, you’ll need about 5 cups of mashed potatoes.
Of course, this is just a rough estimate. You’ll also need to take into consideration the appetites of your guests. If you’re serving a group of hearty eaters, you might want to increase the amount of mashed potatoes you make. On the other hand, if you’re serving a group of light eaters, you might be able to get away with making a little less.
Tips for Making Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Now that you know how much mashed potatoes to make per person, it’s time to focus on how to make them perfectly. Here are some tips for creating the ultimate mashed potatoes for your Thanksgiving feast:
1. Use the right potatoes. Russet potatoes are the best choice for making mashed potatoes because they are starchy and fluffy.
2. Don’t overcook the potatoes. Overcooking can cause your mashed potatoes to become gummy and sticky. Be sure to test the potatoes for doneness by poking them with a fork. They should be soft but not falling apart.
3. Warm the milk and butter. Adding cold milk and butter to your mashed potatoes can cause them to become lumpy. Warm them up before adding them to the potatoes.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to add plenty of salt and pepper to your mashed potatoes. This is the key to giving them great flavor.
5. Use a potato masher or ricer. Using a hand mixer or blender can cause your mashed potatoes to become gluey. Stick to a potato masher or ricer for the best results.
Conclusion
When it comes to determining how much mashed potatoes per person to make for Thanksgiving, it’s best to plan on around ½ cup per guest. Remember to take into consideration the appetites of your guests and adjust accordingly. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to serving up the perfect batch of mashed potatoes for your holiday feast.
