Extra-Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Adam Rapoport shared Bon Appétit's Thanksgiving menu, which includes: Spatchcocked Turkey with Anise and Orange, Rich Turkey Gravy, Brussels Sprout Leaves with Chorizo and Toasted Almonds, and Extra-Buttery Mashed Potatoes.

Drying the cooked potatoes in the pan means that they'll absorb that much more flavor from your herb-infused dairy. Don't skip this step!

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 2" pieces

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

• 3 sprigs thyme (optional)

• 2 bay leaves

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for serving

• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Place potatoes in a large pot and pour in cold water to cover by 1". Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are very tender but not saturated or crumbly, 20-25 minutes (boiling will lead to waterlogged pieces).

Drain potatoes, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid if making potatoes ahead. Return potatoes to pot and set over low heat. Gently stir until dry, about 1 minute.

Meanwhile, heat milk, thyme sprigs, if desired, bay leaves, and 3/4 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat.

Pass hot potatoes through a ricer into a large bowl (if allowed to cool, the potatoes will become gummy).

Remove herbs from warm milk mixture; discard. Gradually add milk mixture to potatoes, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until combined and smooth; season with salt and pepper.

Serve mashed potatoes with a few pats of butter on top.

Do Ahead: Potatoes can be made 4 hours ahead. Pass through ricer into a large pot and cover. Just before serving, reheat over low, gently stirring in reserved potato cooking liquid as needed to loosen.