There’s something comforting about a steaming bowl of mashed potatoes. The buttery aroma, the silky spoonful, and the way it balances every main dish make it an unbeatable side. This mashed potatoes recipe is designed to be fail-proof, giving you fluffy, flavorful potatoes every single time. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving or on a weeknight, you’ll discover how easy it is to make a classic that feels special.
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Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, fluffy, and full of garlic butter flavor, this mashed potatoes recipe is easy, reliable, and perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 stick + 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 7 garlic cloves, smashed
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place potatoes in salted water and simmer until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt butter, skim solids, and infuse with garlic for 15 minutes. Discard garlic.
- Drain potatoes well and let sit briefly to dry.
- Pass hot potatoes through a ricer into the pot. Add warm cream and garlic butter, mixing gently.
- Add sour cream, whip once more until just combined, and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to serving dish, drizzle with melted butter, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use hot liquids to avoid lumps.
- Do not overmix potatoes or they may become gummy.
- Make ahead by refrigerating up to 2 days and reheating gently with extra cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boil & Mash
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potatoes Recipe
First of all, this recipe produces a creamy texture with just the right amount of richness. Garlic butter adds depth without overpowering, and sour cream brings a subtle tang. In addition, using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes ensures a smooth, fluffy finish that holds up beautifully alongside roasted meats, casseroles, or vegetarian mains. Because the method is simple and flexible, it’s both easy for beginners and rewarding for seasoned cooks.
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Before we dive into the table, here’s what makes this recipe so reliable: starch-rich potatoes, lots of butter, and just the right dairy balance. These pantry staples create the flavor foundation, while garlic and cream elevate the texture.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes | 3 pounds, peeled and cubed |
| Unsalted butter | 1 stick + 2 tablespoons, divided |
| Garlic cloves | 7 cloves, smashed |
| Heavy cream | 3/4 cup, warmed |
| Sour cream | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Substitutions
If heavy cream isn’t on hand, whole milk works in a pinch, though the potatoes will be lighter. On the other hand, Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for added protein. In addition, vegan butter plus oat milk make the recipe dairy-free. Finally, Yukon Gold potatoes can step in for russets if you prefer a slightly buttery flavor without needing extra richness.
Step-by-Step Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Time needed: 35 minutes
Before the first step, it helps to have all your ingredients prepped and measured. As a result, the whole process will feel easier and flow more smoothly.
- Cook the Potatoes
First, place peeled, cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Then bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
- Infuse the Garlic Butter
Meanwhile, melt butter on low heat, skim off milk solids, and add smashed garlic. Let it gently cook until fragrant, and then discard the garlic. This step leaves you with buttery richness without overpowering flavor.
- Drain and Dry
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain well. Afterward, let them sit in the colander for a minute or two to release excess moisture. Because watery potatoes ruin texture, this step is critical.
- Rice and Mix
Next, pass the hot potatoes through a ricer back into the pot. Pour in warm cream and garlic butter. Then, using a hand mixer, whip briefly until smooth. After that, add sour cream and whip once more, just until combined.
- Finish and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper, transfer to a serving dish, and drizzle with melted butter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Always use hot liquids; cold dairy can cause lumps. In addition, avoid overmixing—just blend until smooth to prevent gumminess. For example, a potato ricer creates the best texture, but a masher works if that’s what you have. Finally, season at every stage: salting the water, the mash, and the finish ensures balanced flavor.
Variations & Substitutions for Mashed Potatoes Recipe
For cheesy mashed potatoes, stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan. You can also make them vegan with olive oil and almond milk. In addition, swap sour cream with cream cheese for a tangier bite. For something different, roasted garlic or pesto can change the flavor profile entirely, while Greek yogurt makes them lighter yet still creamy.
Serve Mashed Potatoes Recipe With
This mashed potatoes recipe is versatile, making it a dependable companion for both holiday feasts and simple weeknight dinners. Because it’s creamy and balanced, it works beautifully with rich meats as well as lighter entrées.
For special occasions like Thanksgiving, pair it with traditional stuffing, cranberry turkey stuffing balls, or a southern maple sweet potato casserole for a full festive spread. On the other hand, when you’re cooking on a weeknight, it shines next to roasted turkey, grilled steak, baked salmon, or even warm garlic bread rolls. As a result, you’ll always have a comforting plate that feels complete.
Storage & Reheat for Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Then, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of warm cream, stirring often. For larger batches, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven. Therefore, the potatoes stay creamy without drying out. However, avoid microwaving for too long—it can make them rubbery.
Nutrition for Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Each serving has around 250 calories, with 12 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of protein. Potatoes are also a natural source of potassium and vitamin C, which contribute to heart health and immunity. Because of this, they are not only comforting but also nourishing. For a detailed breakdown of nutrients, visit the USDA FoodData Central. In addition, guidance from the NIH Heart-Healthy Living program highlights the importance of balanced portions, reminding us that even wholesome sides like mashed potatoes should be enjoyed as part of a varied diet.
FAQs
The trick is starting with starchy potatoes, salting the cooking water, and using warm dairy. In addition, a ricer helps keep the texture fluffy instead of gummy.
The best mashed potatoes come from layering flavor—salted water, garlic butter, warm cream, and a final adjustment of seasoning. Because each step adds depth, the result is rich and consistent.
Cream gives a richer, silkier texture, while milk makes them lighter. For holidays, cream is best, but milk works well for everyday meals.
Ramsay often uses Yukon Gold potatoes, cream, and butter, sometimes finishing with garlic or herbs. In other words, his approach is simple yet precise, much like this recipe.
More Like This
If you enjoyed this mashed potatoes recipe, you’ll probably love pairing it with other comforting sides. Each one brings something different to the table, from a touch of sweetness to hearty texture or extra crunch.
- Glazed Carrots: A naturally sweet side that balances savory mains with buttery caramelized flavor.
- Root Vegetable Gratin: A rich, cheesy bake layered with seasonal vegetables for a cozy and filling dish.
- Texas Roadhouse Rolls: Soft, fluffy dinner rolls that are perfect for soaking up gravy and sauces.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad: A fresh, crunchy option that brightens the plate with color and texture.
Save This Recipe for Later
Love this mashed potatoes recipe? Pin it to your holiday board, share it with family, or bookmark it for weeknight comfort meals. Because it’s timeless, it never goes out of style.