5-Star Creamy Mashed Potatoes That Steal the Show
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a heaping spoonful of creamy mashed potatoes. This versatile dish has graced tables for generations, serving as a staple side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
But not all mashed potatoes are created equal. Today, we’re sharing the best mashed potatoes recipe, packed with tips, variations, and storage ideas to ensure every batch is fluffy, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Why Everyone Loves Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The enduring popularity of mashed potatoes lies in their simplicity and adaptability. Creamy mashed potatoes are a blank canvas, perfect for soaking up the flavors of gravies, sauces, or even a dollop of butter. They’re a crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving, a comforting side for a Sunday roast, and an easy addition to a weekday meal.
What sets this recipe apart as the best mashed potatoes recipe is its careful balance of texture and flavor. By combining Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes, we achieve the perfect mix of creaminess and fluffiness. Add garlic, butter, and sour cream, and you have a side dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Pro tip: If you are not a fan of garlic in your mashed potatoes, then just leave out the garlic. You’ll still end up with dreamy, creamy potatoes your guests will a rave about!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes Every Time
Even the best mashed potatoes recipe can go awry without a few key techniques. Here are some essential tips to ensure your creamy mashed potatoes turn out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes offer a naturally creamy texture, while Russets add lightness and fluffiness. Using both creates the ultimate mashed potatoes.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic (unless you really don’t like garlic!): Cooking whole garlic cloves with the potatoes infuses them with a subtle, rich flavor. Mash the garlic with the potatoes for a smooth finish.
- Warm Your Dairy: Always warm your butter and milk before adding them to the potatoes. This prevents the mash from cooling down and ensures the dairy incorporates smoothly.
- Mash with Care: Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes gently. Avoid using a food processor, as it can make the potatoes gummy. A hand mixer can be used to speed things up, but make sur not to overdo it!
Mastering these techniques will elevate your mashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary.
Creative Variations for Your Creamy Mashed Potatoes
While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, a few tweaks can transform your creamy mashed potatoes into a unique culinary experience. Here are some fun and flavorful variations to try:
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère for a rich, cheesy twist.
- Herb-Infused Mash: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a fragrant and flavorful side dish.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Add crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a loaded baked potato-inspired mash.
- Garlic and Herb Butter: Replace plain butter with garlic and herb-infused butter for extra depth of flavor.
- Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Swap butter for plant-based alternatives and use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.
These variations make it easy to customize the best mashed potatoes recipe for any meal or occasion.
How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with countless main courses. Here are some serving ideas to make your meal complete:
- With a Juicy Roast: Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or beef for a classic pairing.
- Topped with Gravy: Whether you prefer turkey, beef, or vegetarian gravy, mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for this savory addition.
- Paired with Vegetables: Creamy mashed potatoes complement roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus.
- As a Shepherd’s Pie Base: Use your mashed potatoes as the topping for a hearty shepherd’s pie, baking them until golden and crisp on top.
- Loaded Potatoes: Just because they are mashed doesn’t mean you can’t load them up liked baked potatoes. Grated cheese, sour cream, bacon bits are all fair game. My family likes them best with loads and loads of yummy melted butter.
With these ideas, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy your best mashed potatoes recipe.
Storing and Reheating Tips for Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Got leftovers? No problem! Mashed potatoes store and reheat beautifully, making them a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or holiday planning.
- Refrigerating: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before refrigerating.
- Freezing: Place mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, pressing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat mashed potatoes on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or butter to restore their creamy texture. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
With these storage tips, you can enjoy the best mashed potatoes recipe anytime you crave it.
5-Star Creamy Mashed Potatoes
6
servings10
minutes20
minutesIndulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for creamy mashed potatoes! Perfectly fluffy and velvety smooth, these potatoes are blended with butter, sour cream, and a touch of garlic for a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with any meal.
Ingredients
3 lb potatoes (a mix of Yukon Gold and Russet)
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 c unsalted butter (1 stick)
3/4 c whole milk, warmed
1/2 c sour cream
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
- Place the potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot, covering them with cold water by about an inch. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and garlic in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water.
- Return them to the warm pot and place over low heat for 1-2 minutes, shaking occasionally to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes and garlic until smooth.
- Add the butter to the potatoes, allowing it to melt. Pour in the warmed milk and sour cream.
- Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined (you may use a hand mixer for this step).
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can lead to gummy potatoes. Mash just until smooth and ingredients are incorporated.
- Warming Dairy: Warm the milk to ensure it incorporates smoothly and keeps the potatoes warm.
- Make-Ahead Option: To prepare in advance, place the mashed potatoes in a heatproof bowl covered with foil over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until ready to serve.
Wrapping It Up
There’s a reason creamy mashed potatoes are a staple on so many tables. Their rich flavor, fluffy texture, and incredible versatility make them a side dish everyone loves.
By mastering the best mashed potatoes recipe, you’ll have a go-to dish that never disappoints. Whether you stick with the classic or try a fun variation, your mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be the star of the meal.
