There is nothing quite as comforting and universally loved as a bowl of creamy, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes. This is the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a velvety side dish that beautifully complements everything from roast chicken to holiday feasts. With the perfect balance of rich butter, smooth milk, and just the right amount of seasoning, these mashed potatoes promise to be the star of your meal every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect taste and texture. From the creamy butter that adds richness, to the choice of potatoes that affects fluffiness, you’ll see how simple pantry staples come together beautifully here.
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, or a mix): Using a mix gives you extra creaminess and a lovely balance between fluffy and buttery textures.
- 3 garlic cloves: Roasting or boiling with the potatoes gives a subtle, sweet garlic undertone.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, plus more for serving): Butter is the heart of richness in mashed potatoes, so quality really matters.
- 1 cup whole milk: Makes the potatoes luxuriously creamy without diluting flavor.
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt (plus more for cooking water): Salt seasons both the potatoes internally and externally for a balanced savory taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to each bite.
- ¼ to ½ cup sour cream (optional): This extra step brings a tangy richness that elevates the dish to another level.
- Chopped fresh chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor, making the dish visually appealing and tasty.
How to Make Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes and Garlic
Start by placing the peeled and chunked potatoes along with whole garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover everything with cold water by about an inch and add a tablespoon of salt to season the cooking water. The cold water ensures even cooking from the inside out, while a generous amount of salt helps flavor the potatoes deeply. Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork pierces right through the largest potato chunks without resistance.
Step 2: Drain and Begin Mashing
Drain the potatoes and garlic well, then return them to the pot. This helps remove excess water which can make mashed potatoes watery. Using a potato masher, start breaking down the potatoes and garlic together. Here, it’s essential to keep a little chunkiness if you like texture, or mash thoroughly if you crave super smooth potatoes.
Step 3: Add Butter, Milk, and Seasonings
Now comes the magic. Add the half cup of unsalted butter, whole milk, 1½ teaspoons sea salt, and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper to your mash. Continue mashing and stirring until the potatoes reach your favored creamy consistency. The warm potatoes melt the butter naturally, spreading rich flavor throughout, while the milk adds silkiness without heaviness.
Step 4: Fold in Sour Cream (Optional)
For an extra indulgent touch, gently fold in ¼ to ½ cup of sour cream. This step enriches the texture and adds a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor. Be gentle so the potatoes don’t become gluey or gummy — the goal is a fluffy, perfectly balanced mash.
Step 5: Final Taste and Serve
Give your mashed potatoes a final taste test and tweak the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve them steaming hot, ideally topped with a pat of butter that will melt gloriously into the creamy surface. Sprinkle over fresh chopped chives for that fresh, vibrant touch that makes every bowl feel special.
How to Serve Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about looks here — it’s about layering texture and flavor. A simple pat of butter melting on top adds lushness, while chopped fresh chives or parsley add a pop of color and a gentle oniony freshness that brightens each spoonful. Crispy fried onions or a little grated sharp cheddar cheese can also make delicious toppings.
Side Dishes
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe plays wonderfully with a huge range of dishes. It’s a classic partner to roasted or grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It also shines alongside sautéed greens, glazed carrots, or hearty stews, soaking up any delicious juices or sauces on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To serve mashed potatoes with some extra flair, consider piping them using a star-tipped pastry bag for elegant swirls. You might also top them with crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of good olive oil or beef gravy for an elevated comfort food feel. For a rustic style, serve them in a warm bowl garnished simply with fresh herbs and a wooden spoon for that cozy, homestyle look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Before refrigerating, let them cool to room temperature but don’t leave them out longer than two hours to maintain food safety.
Freezing
You can freeze mashed potatoes, though the texture may change slightly. Store them in freezer-safe containers or bags with as much air removed as possible. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk and a small pat of butter to revive the creamy texture. Stir frequently to avoid drying out or scorching, and heat until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes provide fluffy, light texture, while Yukon Golds yield creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. Combining both types gives you a wonderful balance of fluffiness and richness in your Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Is it better to use butter or cream in mashed potatoes?
Butter adds flavor and creaminess, while cream or milk controls the overall texture. Using whole milk with butter—as in this recipe—gives a lovely balance without being too heavy. Adding sour cream is optional for extra tang and richness.
How can I make my mashed potatoes extra fluffy?
Choose starchy potatoes like russets, avoid overworking the potatoes, and use warmed milk and butter. Mashing while the potatoes are hot helps them absorb liquids better, creating a smooth, fluffy mash.
Why should I add salt to the cooking water?
Salting the water seasons the potatoes internally while they cook, ensuring every bite is flavorful, not just the surface. It’s a simple but key step for the Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Can I prepare mashed potatoes a day ahead?
Yes! Prepare the recipe, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently, adding a little milk and butter to refresh their creaminess. Just make sure to stir well during reheating to maintain the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe is truly a timeless classic that delivers soul-satisfying comfort with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious, creamy side, these mashed potatoes are easy to master and impossible not to love. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen as well!
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Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Best Mashed Potatoes recipe produces creamy, smooth, and flavorful mashed potatoes perfect as a side dish for any meal. Using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, garlic, butter, whole milk, and optional sour cream, this recipe yields rich and fluffy mashed potatoes with a fresh chive garnish that enhances the taste and presentation.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Flavorings
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or a mix, peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 garlic cloves
Dairy and Seasonings
- 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
- Cook 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, and Seasonings: 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.
- Adjust Seasoning 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
- Use a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for a balance of fluffy and creamy textures.
- Do not overwork the potatoes to avoid gluey texture; fold in sour cream gently.
- Adjust milk quantity as needed to reach desired consistency.
- For an extra garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding.
- Serve immediately for best texture, or keep warm on low heat and stir occasionally.
