Sam's Mashed Potatoes from The Capital Grille feature creamy Yukon Gold potatoes whipped with butter and cream, producing a smooth, velvety texture topped with a light sprinkle of fresh herbs for a flavorful finish.
Equipments
- Potato peeler
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Large pot
- Colander
- Potato masher or potato ricer
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan (for warming butter and cream)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture and rich flavor ideal for smooth mashed potatoes. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely, enhancing the dish without overpowering it. Heavy cream adds a luscious, velvety consistency essential for authentic taste. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley provide a bright, aromatic finish that complements the richness of the potatoes. Your copycat version of Sam's Mashed Potatoes from The Capital Grille will capture the restaurant's signature smoothness and balanced flavor.
Instructions
- Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes using the potato peeler.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized chunks with the chef's knife on the cutting board.
- Place the potato chunks into the large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes using the colander.
- Return the hot potatoes to the pot or a mixing bowl.
- Mash the potatoes with the masher or use a potato ricer for extra smoothness.
- Warm the butter and heavy cream together in a saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted.
- Gradually add the warmed butter and cream mixture to the potatoes.
- Mix until creamy and smooth with a wooden spoon, spatula, or hand/stand mixer.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives or parsley before serving.
Substitution
Sam's Mashed Potatoes from The Capital Grille copycat recipe uses Yukon Gold potatoes, but you can substitute Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture if needed. If you don't have heavy cream, whole milk or half-and-half can be used to achieve a similar creaminess with fewer calories. Butter can be replaced with margarine or olive oil for a dairy-free option, but this will change the flavor profile slightly. You might want to warm your butter and cream before mixing to ensure a smooth and silky mash. Adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley at the end enhances the presentation and provides a burst of fresh flavor.
Tips
Ensure the potato chunks are cut evenly to promote uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others overcook. Use cold water when boiling potatoes to help them cook evenly from the inside out. Warm butter and cream before adding them to the potatoes to prevent the mixture from cooling down and to help the potatoes absorb the moisture better. Taste and adjust seasoning carefully; mashed potatoes can easily become bland without enough salt or overly salty if seasoning is rushed.
Nutritions
Sam's Mashed Potatoes from The Capital Grille offer a rich source of carbohydrates from Yukon Gold potatoes, essential for energy. The addition of unsalted butter and heavy cream increases the content of healthy fats, providing a creamy texture and helping in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add antioxidants and micronutrients, enhancing the nutritional profile. Your dish delivers a comforting balance of macronutrients while contributing vitamins and minerals from the potatoes and herbs.
Storage
Store Sam's Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of preparation to maintain freshness. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a microwave or stovetop with a splash of cream to restore creaminess. For longer storage, freeze the mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. Try adding roasted garlic or cream cheese to the mixture for enhanced richness and depth of flavor. Instead of steaming, bake the potatoes beforehand to concentrate their natural sweetness before mashing. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with milk or a milk alternative, adjusting butter quantity to maintain creaminess.
Allergies
Sam's Mashed Potatoes from The Capital Grille may pose allergy concerns due to the presence of dairy ingredients like butter and heavy cream, which contain milk proteins that can trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The use of fresh herbs like chives or parsley is generally safe but may cause sensitivity in rare cases. You should always check ingredient details if you have specific food allergies to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Sam's Mashed Potatoes from The Capital Grille feature a creamy blend of Yukon Gold potatoes enriched with roasted garlic butter, creating a rich and velvety texture that satisfies comfort food cravings. The perfect balance of seasoning and the smooth consistency make these potatoes a popular side dish, complementing steak and seafood entrees seamlessly. You'll appreciate how easily this recipe can be recreated at home, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality side dish without the price tag. Crafting a copycat version lets you impress guests and enhance your meals with a flavorful, indulgent classic.