Description
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers smooth, creamy, and richly flavored mashed potatoes made from russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Enhanced with garlic, butter, and whole milk, these mashed potatoes are perfect as a comforting side dish for Thanksgiving, holidays, or any meal. Optionally, sour cream adds extra tang and creaminess, while fresh chives provide a bright garnish. Simple to prepare with classic boiling and mashing methods, this recipe guarantees fluffy and delicious results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Garlic
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or a mix, peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 garlic cloves
Dairy and 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 garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, ensuring the water level is 1 inch above the potatoes. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
- Cook Until Tender: Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender when poked. Drain the water and return the potatoes and garlic to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes and Mix Ingredients: Using a potato masher, begin mashing the potatoes and garlic together. When partially mashed, add the unsalted butter, whole milk, 1½ teaspoons of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue mashing until the potatoes are completely smooth and creamy. If using, fold in sour cream with a spatula or wooden spoon to unify the texture and richness.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper. Serve the mashed potatoes topped with extra butter and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives for a lovely presentation and added flavor.
Notes
- This recipe produces the creamiest, smoothest homemade mashed potatoes packed with rich flavor perfect for any occasion.
- Serve as a side dish accompanied by savory mushroom gravy or your favorite meat entrees.
- Using a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes balances fluffiness and buttery flavor.
- Adding sour cream is optional but adds a nice tangy creaminess to the potatoes.
- Be sure to season the cooking water as well as the potatoes for best flavor throughout.
- Ideal for holiday meals like Thanksgiving but simple enough for everyday dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
