Microwave and Bake Mashed Potatoes

 

The beauty of these mashed potatoes is that they can be cooked in the microwave. They have to be cooked in 2 batches though, because you need 5 pounds of potatoes for this recipe, and you can only cook 2.5 pounds at a time in the microwave. 

Ingredients for the mashed potatoes:

• 5 pounds of yellow potatoes. 
• 1.5 sticks of butter. 
• 2 cups of milk. 
• 1.5 tsp salt. 
• 1 tsp black pepper. 

Directions for the mashed potatoes: 

1. In a 2.5 quart glass bowl, add 1/2 the potatoes that have been peeled and diced. Add enough tap water to cover them by 1/2 inch. 
2. Microwave for 5 minutes at a time, stirring after every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. 
3. Remove from microwave and drain water away. 
4. Transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl. 
5. Cut 4 Tbsp. butter into 1/2 Tbsp. sized pieces and add it to potatoes. 
6. Add 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper to potatoes. 
7. Then, use a hand mixer to blend potatoes.
8. Add 1 cup of milk and blend them again. 
9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 for the second half of the potatoes, but use a different glass bowl so it doesn't overheat from too much microwaving. I also like to wait about 20 minutes between batches, just in case that is too much work for the microwave. Is that weird, or reasonably practical?
10. once all 5 pounds of your mashed potatoes are done, transfer them to a 13x9 inch casserole dish. 
11. Cover them with foil, and bake them for 45 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
12. Uncover them, and broil them for 9 more minutes. 

Top them with your favorite gravy! I like these:

• Mushroom Bisque with Porcini Gravy
•  Salisbury Steak Meatballs and Gravy
• Cream Cheese and Soy Sauce Gravy