BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe

These Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe you will ever make! Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes deliver rich flavor and creamy texture every time. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a side dish that complements any meal beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Creaminess: The combination of butter, heavy cream, and sour cream creates an irresistibly smooth texture.
• Garlic Infusion: Smashed garlic added during cooking enhances flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Versatile Side Dish: These mashed potatoes pair perfectly with chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey dishes.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure even beginner cooks can achieve delicious results.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or just a comforting weeknight dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make the BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand makes the process smoother and ensures perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ricer or Potato Masher
• Medium Pot
• Small Saucepan
• Handheld Mixer
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Ricer or Potato Masher: Ensures fluffy potatoes by breaking them down without overworking the starch.
• Medium Pot: Perfect size for boiling potatoes evenly.
• Handheld Mixer: Helps achieve a creamy consistency quickly without over-mixing.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you will need for this delicious recipe:

• 3 pounds russet or yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
• 1 stick + 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 7 cloves garlic, individually smashed with the back of a knife
• 3/4 cup warm heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

How to Make BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter with Garlic

Melt 1 stick of butter on low heat in a small saucepan. Keep it warm until white milk solids rise to the top. Remove these milk solids. Add smashed garlic and cook on low to infuse the flavor for about 15 minutes. Remove garlic cloves and discard them, keeping the butter warm.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes

While the butter melts, add your potato cubes to a medium pot. Fill it with water to cover all potatoes generously. Season with salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until fork-tender (about 20 minutes).

Step 3: Drain Excess Moisture

Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. It’s important to eliminate all excess moisture! Let them drain for a few minutes and then use a dry paper towel to blot them.

Step 4: Rice the Potatoes

While still hot, pass the drained potatoes through a ricer back into the same pot you used for boiling them. This gives you that light texture.

Step 5: Mix Ingredients Together

Pour in the warm melted butter, salt, and warm cream into the riced potatoes. Use your handheld mixer at medium speed until well combined (about 2–3 minutes). Be careful not to over-mix! Then add in sour cream and mix on low until smooth.

Step 6: Serve Your Mashed Potatoes

Transfer your creamy mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter and pour over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of paprika and chopped parsley for garnish.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy mashed potatoes as an excellent side dish that everyone will love!

How to Serve BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Serving the BEST Mashed Potatoes is all about enhancing their creamy texture and flavor. These mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can complement various main dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes.

Top with Sautéed Vegetables

• Add seasonal sautéed vegetables like green beans or carrots for a colorful and nutritious boost.

Serve with Beef Roast

• A hearty beef roast is an excellent match for mashed potatoes, soaking up the rich flavors from the gravy.

Accompany with Turkey

• Whether it’s roasted or grilled, turkey makes a delicious pairing, especially during festive occasions.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for an extra pop of color and fresh flavor.

Enjoy with a Side Salad

• A crisp side salad balances the richness of the mashed potatoes, creating a well-rounded meal.

How to Perfect BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Achieving the perfect creamy texture in your mashed potatoes requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master this recipe.

• Use starchy potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes provide the best texture for creamy mashed potatoes.
• Avoid overmixing: Overmixing can make your potatoes gummy; whisk just until smooth.
• Warm your ingredients: Warm cream and melted butter help keep the potatoes fluffy and creamy.
• Drain thoroughly: Ensure no excess moisture remains after draining; this prevents watery mashed potatoes.
• Season as you go: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the process for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding roasted garlic or herbs for added depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Mashed potatoes are a fantastic side dish that pairs well with many options. Here are some recommended side dishes that complement the BEST Mashed Potatoes perfectly.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   The crispy texture of roasted Brussels sprouts adds contrast to creamy mashed potatoes.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   This nutritious green side provides a fresh flavor that balances richness beautifully.

3. Honey Glazed Carrots
   Sweet glazed carrots bring out the savory elements of mashed potatoes, making them a delightful pairing.

4. Baked Asparagus
   Tender baked asparagus spears add elegance to your plate while offering a fresh taste.

5. Garlic Breadsticks
   Soft and buttery breadsticks offer a comforting addition alongside your creamy dish.

6. Cauliflower Gratin
   A cheesy cauliflower gratin provides a rich yet lighter alternative that complements mashed potatoes well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your cream and butter are warm before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to lumpy potatoes.
• Not seasoning enough: Don’t forget to season your water when boiling potatoes. A lack of salt can make your mashed potatoes bland.
• Overmixing the potatoes: Mixing too much can make them gummy. Stop as soon as everything is combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the ricer: If you don’t use a ricer, your potatoes might end up chunky. Ricing ensures a creamy consistency that is essential for this recipe.
• Neglecting moisture removal: It’s crucial to drain all excess water after cooking. Moisture can lead to watery mashed potatoes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe

• Transfer cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with the date.

Reheating BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place mashed potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe:

How do I make my mashed potatoes extra creamy?

For extra creaminess, add more warm cream and butter while mixing. This will enhance the texture significantly.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! Yukon gold or red potatoes work well too, but russet potatoes provide the fluffiest texture.

Is it possible to make these mashed potatoes vegan?

You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use cashew cream or almond milk instead of dairy products.

How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from turning brown?

To prevent browning, serve immediately after preparation or store them covered in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I flavor my mashed potatoes differently?

Absolutely! You can add herbs like chives or rosemary, or mix in cheese for added flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe is not only creamy and rich but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress everyone!