When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a creamy, buttery bowl of mashed potatoes. As I reflect on my culinary journey, I can’t help but be taken back to family gatherings around the dinner table where my grandma skillfully prepared her famous mashed potatoes. Those moments taught me the significance of gathering around a hearty meal and created lasting memories that are hard to forget. This article brings you the quintessential mashed potatoes recipe—simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for those family celebrations. Join me on this delightful journey as we explore everything from preparation to presentation, ensuring your mashed potatoes will become a staple in your home as they did in mine.
If you enjoy classic, cozy dishes, you’ll also love our Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes twist — a crispy, golden take that’s perfect for air fryer fans!
Best Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes Choose between russet for starchiness or Yukon Gold for creaminess.
- 1 stick unsalted butter Melt to add richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For drizzling on top before serving.
- 7 cloves garlic, smashed Infused in melted butter for flavor.
- ¾ cup warm heavy cream Adds richness to the potatoes.
- ¾ cup sour cream For creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Plus more to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Melt one stick of butter on low heat in a small saucepan and infuse with smashed garlic for about 15 minutes.
- In a large pot, cover the cubed potatoes with cold water and season generously with salt.
- Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook potatoes for about 20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes well and let them rest in the colander for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Pass the drained potatoes through a ricer back into the cooking pot.
Mixing
- Add the warm melted butter, warm cream, and salt to the riced potatoes.
- Mix with a handheld mixer at medium speed for 2-3 minutes until incorporated, being careful not to over-mix.
- Fold in the sour cream on the lowest setting of your mixer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish.
- Drizzle the remaining butter over top, and sprinkle with paprika and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Table of Contents
Understanding the Best Mashed Potatoes
For many of us, the quest for the best mashed potatoes is a culinary rite of passage. The foundation of a perfect mashed potato lies in the choice of potatoes. While russet potatoes are popular due to their starchy nature, Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamy texture that many prefer. Both types yield fantastic results, but personal preference will guide your choice. You want your potatoes to be fluffy, not gluey, so choose wisely!
Choosing the right ingredients is just as important as choosing the right potatoes. You’ll need unsalted butter, garlic, heavy cream, sour cream, and kosher salt. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salty flavor, while the cream and sour cream provide delicious richness.
Don’t rush; take your time with the cooking process. Boiling them until fork-tender is key to achieving a creamy finish. Drain them well and remove any excess moisture before mashing to avoid a gluey texture. There’s something soul-nourishing about preparing mashed potatoes. Always remember: the best mashed potatoes are made with love, reflecting that warmth and comfort I experienced in my own kitchen growing up.
If you’re looking for another rich and velvety recipe that celebrates creamy textures, don’t miss our Cheesy Garlic Potatoes Gratin — it’s the ultimate side dish to any family feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the best mashed potatoes, gather 3 pounds of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes. You’ll need a stick and an additional 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 7 cloves of garlic smashed, 3/4 cup of warm heavy cream, 3/4 cup of sour cream, and a teaspoon of salt—plus more to taste. Using high-quality ingredients will elevate your final dish significantly.
Choosing Quality Potatoes
Selecting the right type of potato is crucial. Russets possess the perfect starch content, while Yukon Golds provide a buttery flavor that many home cooks adore. Whichever you choose, make sure they are fresh and free from blemishes or sprouting eyes.
Measurement is Key
Precision in measuring your ingredients ensures consistent results. This recipe is built around a specific balance of butter and cream, which gives the mashed potatoes a rich texture and flavor. Always remember that a little extra butter never hurts, especially when it’s time to enjoy that first bite.
Preparing the Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Start by melting one stick of butter on low heat in a small saucepan. Let it warm until the white milk solids rise to the surface, which indicates it’s ready. As you cook the butter, smash the garlic cloves with the back of your knife and add them to the warm butter to infuse that wonderful flavor. Allow the garlic to cook for approximately 15 minutes before removing and discarding the cloves, leaving behind that delicious essence.
While infusing the garlic, add your cubed potatoes into a large pot, ensuring they’re covered with cold water. Season the water generously with salt; this is your chance to flavor the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. After about 20 minutes, check if the potatoes are fork-tender; they should easily break apart when poked.
Once tender, drain the potatoes well to remove all excess moisture, which is a crucial step to avoid that dreaded gluey texture. I recommend letting them rest for a few minutes in the colander, then blotting them dry with a paper towel for extra dryness. The more moisture you remove, the creamier your mashed potatoes will be.
Pass the drained potatoes through a ricer directly into the pot you cooked them in. Add the warm melted butter, salt, and warm cream. Using a handheld mixer, mix at medium speed until incorporated—just about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to over-mix; you want fluffy, not gluey mashed potatoes.
When the mixture is fully combined, fold in the sour cream on the lowest setting of your mixer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer your delightful mashed potatoes to a serving dish. For an extra touch of flavor, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter and pour it over the top, sprinkling paprika and chopped parsley for color and flair.
For an easy twist, try topping your mash with savory gravy from our Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken — it’s an incredible combination of creamy and savory flavors!
Serving and Storing Tips for Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to serving your mashed potatoes, presentation can be just as important as taste. Creating a well-rounded dinner plate means pairing your mashed potatoes with complementary dishes, such as roasted meats or fresh vegetables. Ensure that your mashed potatoes are warm when serving; the creamy richness should tantalize the senses.
Garnish for a Visual Appeal
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds not only color but a fresh flavor profile that enhances the dish. You could also add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper for added visual appeal and complexity.
Proper Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, considering how delicious these are), store them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to restore their creamy texture, and warm gently on low heat over the stove.
Lastly, the versatility of mashed potatoes is terrific—you can experiment with various add-ins like cheese, truffle oil, or roasted garlic, each adding a unique twist to this classic dish. Enjoy your bowl of creamy goodness, knowing you’ve brought a comforting staple to your dinner table.
If you love experimenting with make-ahead meals, check out our Air Fryer Recipes Guide 2025 for ideas that pair perfectly with mashed potatoes and simplify your weeknight cooking.
FAQ Section
What potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are the best options for fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes due to their starch content.
Can I use a food processor?
While you can use it, avoid overmixing. A ricer or a hand masher gives the best texture without turning the potatoes gluey.
How can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
You can prepare them a day in advance and simply reheat on low, adding a little cream to maintain their creaminess.
Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes! Portion them out into freezer bags. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—a blend of simplicity and rich flavor that has warmed hearts and homes for generations. This best mashed potato recipe is a reflection of my culinary journey, embodying the love, care, and creativity that goes into every meal. So grab your ingredients, follow along with the steps, and make your kitchen a haven of flavor and warmth. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or a quiet weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home!
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