The BEST Mashed Potatoes! Recipe
If you’re searching for the creamiest, dreamiest comfort food to ever grace a dinner table, let me introduce you to The BEST Mashed Potatoes! This recipe transforms humble Yukon Gold potatoes into an ultra-silky side dish, boasting unmatched richness from a trio of butter, warm milk, and lush heavy cream. A spoonful of sour cream amps up the tang and smooth texture, making each bite the perfect balance of velvety and flavorful. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or simply craving the ultimate potato experience, this recipe delivers blissful, cloud-like mashed potatoes every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes The BEST Mashed Potatoes! truly shine is how a shortlist of staples comes together for irresistible results. Every single ingredient is purposefully chosen—think creamy texture, depth of flavor, feather-light fluffiness, and a golden color that beckons you to dive in.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes guarantee ultra-creamy mashed potatoes with a naturally buttery flavor and beautiful yellow hue.
- Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter helps it melt fast and evenly, saturating every bite with luxurious richness.
- Whole milk: Warmed milk keeps the potatoes fluffy and silky while thinning them to the perfect consistency without sacrificing creaminess.
- Heavy cream: For next-level decadence, heavy cream adds body and that unmistakable restaurant-quality texture.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient dials up tang and smoothness, making the potatoes noticeably lighter and more flavorful.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the buttery, creamy flavors to life—be generous!
- Fresh chives or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of herbs freshens up the presentation and adds a mild, oniony brightness.
How to Make The BEST Mashed Potatoes!
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by gathering all your Yukon Gold potatoes, give them a quick peel, and cut them into even chunks. This ensures they’ll cook at the same rate and mash evenly. Place the potato pieces in a large pot and cover with cold water; this helps the potatoes cook gently and prevents uneven texture. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water before bringing it to a boil—this seasons the potatoes inside and out and sets the foundation for The BEST Mashed Potatoes!
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
Once you’ve hit a boil, lower the heat and let the potatoes simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork glides right through the pieces without resistance. Cooking until truly fork-tender ensures your mashed potatoes will be smooth, never gluey or chunky.
Step 3: Drain and Steam Dry
Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the hot pot. Letting them sit for a minute or so helps evaporate any excess steam and moisture—an easy trick that prevents watery potatoes and preserves that rich, luscious finish we all crave.
Step 4: Mash to Perfection
Grab your potato masher or ricer and get to work while the potatoes are still steamy. A ricer will give you fluffier, extra-smooth mashed potatoes, while a masher delivers rustic charm (but both yield delicious results). Work quickly so the potatoes stay hot and absorb every bit of flavor in the next steps.
Step 5: Add Butter, Milk, Cream & Sour Cream
Drop in the room-temperature butter and stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Next, gradually pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream, mixing until the mash is silky and creamy. Finish by folding in the sour cream for extra tang. No need to rush—adding the liquids slowly makes it easier to control the final texture, ensuring The BEST Mashed Potatoes! are never heavy or dense.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Season the mash generously with salt and black pepper—taste as you go to balance things perfectly. Transfer to a pretty serving dish and, if you like, shower the top with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and get ready to watch them disappear!
How to Serve The BEST Mashed Potatoes!
Garnishes
The right garnish is more than just eye candy—it amps up flavor and freshness. For The BEST Mashed Potatoes!, I love snipping fresh chives or parsley over the top just before serving. Not only does it add a gentle onion hint or herby brightness, but it looks downright inviting on any table, special occasion or not.
Side Dishes
The BEST Mashed Potatoes! practically beg to be paired with classics like juicy roast chicken, turkey, or beef—think of them as the ultimate canvas for gravies and pan sauces. But their creamy personality also complements vegetarian mains, stews, and roasted vegetables, making them a truly crowd-pleasing side any day of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, but who says they have to be ordinary? Try serving individual scoops in little ramekins, piping them into neat swirls, or creating a “mashed potato bar” with fun toppings like crispy onions, cheddar, or roasted garlic. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination—let The BEST Mashed Potatoes! steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover mashed potatoes, transfer them to an airtight container, letting them cool to room temperature first. Place them in the fridge, where they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days without losing their signature creaminess.
Freezing
The BEST Mashed Potatoes! actually freeze wonderfully. Cool them completely, then scoop into zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. Press out air and freeze for up to one month. When you need that comfort fix, they’ll be ready and waiting for you!
Reheating
To reheat, place mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of milk or cream as needed. Stir often, and watch them transform back into smooth, warm bliss—just like the day they were made.
FAQs
What type Side Dish
Yukon Gold potatoes are my hands-down favorite thanks to their buttery taste, natural golden color, and ultra-creamy texture. Russets can work, but Yukons really deliver that signature richness for The BEST Mashed Potatoes!
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare The BEST Mashed Potatoes! earlier in the day, then keep them warm in a slow cooker on low for up to 2 hours. They hold their creamy texture beautifully and make holiday and dinner-party timing a breeze.
How do I prevent mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
To avoid gluey potatoes, don’t overmix and always start with the right potato (Yukon Gold or Russet). Mash just until smooth, and be sure to let the cooked potatoes steam dry before mashing so there’s no excess water.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butters and swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and yogurt alternatives. The texture and flavor will shift slightly, but the technique for The BEST Mashed Potatoes! still works perfectly.
What can I do with leftover mashed potatoes?
Leftover mashed potatoes make fantastic potato pancakes, shepherd’s pie topping, or can be stirred into soup for extra body. Honestly, sometimes I just sneak a spoonful cold from the fridge—they’re that good!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try The BEST Mashed Potatoes! in your own kitchen. With their ultra-creamy texture, rich buttery flavor, and that hint of tang from sour cream, they’re a guaranteed hit every time. Whether you serve them plain or go wild with toppings, they’re sure to have everyone reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
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The BEST Mashed Potatoes! Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, milk, cream, and sour cream, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add salt, and boil until fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes, return to the pot, mash until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add butter, mix until melted, then gradually add warm milk, cream, and sour cream.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a serving bowl, garnish, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- To make garlic mashed potatoes, add roasted garlic cloves.
- Mashed potatoes can be kept warm in a slow cooker for up to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
