Mashed potatoes are a must-have at any comfort food table. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, a Sunday roast, or weeknight dinner, this creamy mashed potatoes recipe hits all the right notes—smooth, fluffy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned. These are not your average spuds—they’re elevated with rich milk, plenty of butter, and just the right hint of garlic and sour cream. If you’re looking for the best mashed potatoes, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and smooth with just the right fluff
- Balanced richness from butter, milk, and optional sour cream
- Simple ingredients and minimal prep
- Ideal for holidays or everyday meals
- Make-ahead friendly and easy to reheat
- Crowd-pleasing for all ages
Pair it with Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing, Easy Vegan Gravy, or Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a complete feast.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (or a mix), peeled and chunked
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt (plus extra for water)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ to ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into even-sized chunks. Keep Yukon Golds halved, and cut larger Russets into quarters or sixths.
- Cook: Place potatoes and garlic in a large pot. Cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add a tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain and dry: Pour into a colander. Shake gently to remove excess water. Return potatoes to the warm pot.
- Mash: Using a potato masher, begin to mash the potatoes and garlic. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Continue mashing until smooth.
- Finish: Fold in sour cream (if using) with a spatula or spoon. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Spoon into a serving bowl. Top with extra butter, fresh chives, and freshly cracked pepper.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
Note: Values vary depending on potato type and toppings.
Tips & Variations
- Potato types: Mix Yukon Golds for buttery flavor and Russets for fluffiness.
- No sour cream? Sub in cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter and oat or almond milk.
- Extra smooth: Finish with a hand mixer after mashing.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Stir every 2 minutes
- Oven: Cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 25+ minutes
- Instant Pot or Slow Cooker: Use “Keep Warm” setting
FAQs
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Just store in the fridge and reheat before serving. Add a splash of milk to loosen if needed.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is preferred for creaminess, but feel free to leave skins on for a rustic mash.
Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, though texture may slightly change. Reheat slowly with added butter or milk.
What herbs work well as garnish?
Chives are classic, but parsley, thyme, or rosemary also pair beautifully.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- – Large pot
- – Potato masher
- – Colander
- – Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- – 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled and cut
- – 3 garlic cloves
- – ½ cup unsalted butter
- – 1 cup whole milk
- – 1½ tsp sea salt plus extra for boiling
- – Freshly ground black pepper
- – ¼–½ cup sour cream optional
- – Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Peel and cut potatoes into even chunks.
- Add potatoes and garlic to a pot. Cover with water and 1 tbsp salt. Boil 15–20 min.
- Drain and return to pot.
- Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in sour cream, if using. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve warm, topped with chives and extra butter.
Notes
– Can be made ahead and reheated.
– Vegan swaps: plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.
Conclusion
These mashed potatoes are everything you want in a comfort food side dish—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, this foolproof recipe will become your go-to.