Description
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers smooth, creamy, and richly flavored mashed potatoes made from russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. With tender garlic infused in the potatoes and a luscious blend of butter, whole milk, and optional sour cream, this dish is an easy and classic side perfect for Thanksgiving or any hearty meal. Finished with fresh chives and a pat of butter, these mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Potatoes and Aromatics
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or a mix, peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 garlic cloves
Dairy and Seasonings
- 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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Boil Potatoes and Garlic: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes along with the garlic cloves in a large pot, then cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water to season. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then lower heat to medium and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Begin Mashing: Drain the potatoes and garlic thoroughly and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher, start mashing the potatoes and garlic together until partially mashed and beginning to break down.
- Add Butter, Milk, Salt, and Pepper: Incorporate the ½ cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup whole milk, 1½ teaspoons sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper into the mashed potatoes. Continue mashing until the potatoes reach a completely smooth and creamy consistency preferred.
- Fold in Sour Cream (Optional): If using, gently fold in ¼ to ½ cup of sour cream with a spatula or wooden spoon to enrich the texture and flavor, being careful not to overwork the potatoes.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary with salt and pepper. Serve the mashed potatoes hot, topped with an extra pat of butter and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- These mashed potatoes are ideal for a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor and make a perfect side for Thanksgiving or any comforting meal.
- For a special twist, serve with savory mushroom gravy instead of butter and chives.
- Use russet potatoes for fluffier mashed potatoes, or Yukon Golds for a creamier and buttery texture.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred mashed potato consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
