The Best Mashed Potatoes Exist
Crispy shallot mashed potatoes might be the best mashed potatoes, because they’re the perfect marriage of two of our favorite things–crispy fried onions and creamy potatoes. The recipe for our favorite mashed potatoes is a simple riff off of classic mashed potatoes, with the addition of thinly sliced shallots shallow-fried in oil.
How To Make Crispy Shallots
Since these crispy shallots are the cornerstone of the best mashed potatoes, we want to make sure to do it right. We love to have store-bought fried onions around (Green Bean Casserole anyone?), but it’s also super easy to make them from scratch. We start with a pound of fresh shallots, about five large shallots, and thinly slice them using a sharp knife. Once the onions are prepped, heat a half cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it glistens, you’re ready to fry! Carefully add the shallots to the hot oil, and, stirring often, cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once they’re the perfect shade of crispy, transfer the fried shallots to a paper towel lined plate to drain the excess oil.
How To Make Crispy Shallot Mashed Potatoes
Once you’ve fried the shallots (see above), you’re halfway to the most flavorful mashed potatoes.
Boil peeled and cubed potatoes (we recommend Russets) until tender, about fifteen minutes.
In the same pot you used to boil the potatoes (one less dish to wash), melt butter and add milk to combine. To mash the potatoes we like to use a potato ricer, because it makes the smoothest, clump-free potatoes, but you can also mash them by hand using a fork.
Season those potatoes, and add in three-quarters of the fried shallots (the rest you’ll need to sprinkle over the top for major crunchiness).
To finish, top with the remaining fried shallots and drizzle over the shallot cooking oil.
Serve on the side of something fabulous, or on their own if it’s a mashed potato kind of day.
Looking For a Best Friend For Mashed Potatoes With Crispy Fried Shallots?
As much as we love these mashers, we know that they’re better with friends. We suggest pairing them with juicy Salisbury Steak for an old-timey classic. They would also be delicious alongside Hoisin Glazed Pork Chops, or a dollop on top of Pork Chops with Mushroom Cream Sauce. We also highly encourage a plate full of sides, and think these fried shallot mashed potatoes would go great with Glazed Carrots, Perfectly Roasted Broccoli, and a warm Herby Rhodes Roll. And of course, we wouldn’t mind if you invited us over for crispy shallot mashed potatoes with Perfect Roast Chicken with Lemon Herb Pan Sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
A sharp knife and a potato peeler
A potato ricer comes in very handy. You can of course mash the potatoes with a fork, they will still be tasty, but they won’t come out as smooth.
A large skillet and a large pot
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We’ve never met a potato we didn’t like. As proof we offer the following potato-centric recipes.
One Potato, Two Potato, Let’s Have Some More
Did you make a big bowl of Fried Shallot Mashed Potatoes? We want to see them! Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!