Description
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers smooth, creamy, and flavorful mashed potatoes made from a blend of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. Infused with roasted garlic, butter, and milk, these potatoes are perfect for a comforting side dish suitable for any meal, especially festive occasions like Thanksgiving. The addition of sour cream adds tangy richness, and fresh chives provide a bright, fresh garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Aromatics
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or a mix, peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 garlic cloves
Dairy & Seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, plus more for serving)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt (plus more for the cooking water)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ to ½ cup sour cream (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes along with the whole garlic cloves into a large pot. Cover with cold water by about 1 inch to ensure even cooking. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water to season the potatoes during boiling.
- Cook Until Tender: Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes gently boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Return to Pot: Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic thoroughly using a colander. Return them to the empty pot to prepare for mashing.
- Mash the Potatoes: Begin mashing the warm potatoes and garlic with a potato masher until partially mashed. This helps distribute the garlic evenly.
- Add Butter, Milk, and Seasoning: Incorporate the unsalted butter, whole milk, 1½ teaspoons of sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper into the potatoes. Continue mashing until the potatoes reach your preferred smooth consistency, usually creamy and lump-free.
- Fold in Sour Cream (Optional): If desired, gently fold in ¼ to ½ cup sour cream with a spatula or wooden spoon to add extra creaminess and tang.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with a small pat of butter and a sprinkling of chopped fresh chives for color and freshness.
Notes
- This recipe yields the creamiest, smoothest homemade mashed potatoes that are perfect for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving.
- Use a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Roasting the garlic before boiling is an option for a milder garlic flavor, though boiling it with the potatoes is simpler and still flavorful.
- For extra richness, add more butter or substitute milk with cream.
- Sour cream is optional but adds a pleasant tang and even creamier texture.
- Mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with savory mushroom gravy or your favorite roast meats.
- Make sure not to overwork the potatoes to avoid gummy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
