Description
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers perfectly smooth, creamy, and flavorful mashed potatoes made with russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic, butter, whole milk, and optional sour cream. It’s a classic comfort side dish, ideal for holidays or any meal requiring a rich and satisfying potato dish. The addition of garlic infuses a subtle savory note, while fresh chives add a vibrant garnish, creating a versatile and crowd-pleasing accompaniment.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Potatoes & Aromatics
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or a mix), peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3 garlic cloves
Dairy & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), plus more for serving
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more for the cooking water
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes and Garlic: Place the peeled and cut potatoes along with the garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover them with cold water by about 1 inch and season the water with a tablespoon of salt to infuse flavor as they cook.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium to maintain a gentle boil. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender, ensuring they are soft enough to mash easily. Drain the potatoes and garlic well and return them to the pot to remove excess moisture.
- Mash Potatoes: Begin mashing the potatoes and garlic using a potato masher. Once partially mashed, add the unsalted butter, whole milk, 1½ teaspoons sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue mashing until the potatoes reach your preferred smoothness, aiming for a silky texture.
- Incorporate Sour Cream (Optional): Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in the sour cream, if using. This adds a creamy tang and extra richness to the mashed potatoes.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the mashed potatoes topped with an extra pat of butter and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives for color and mild onion flavor. Enjoy warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Use a potato masher for best texture, or a hand mixer for fluffier potatoes.
- Do not overcook potatoes to avoid them becoming watery or gluey.
- Peeling the potatoes before boiling helps in achieving smoother mash but leaving skins on can add texture and nutrients.
- Rinsing cut potatoes before cooking can reduce excess starch and prevent them from becoming gummy.
- Substitute sour cream with cream cheese for a different creamy flavor.
- Covering the pot while boiling can speed up cooking time but watch to prevent boiling over.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 3/4 cup)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
