Description
This Best Mashed Potatoes recipe delivers creamy, buttery, and perfectly smooth mashed potatoes, enhanced with garlic and optional sour cream for extra richness. Using a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, this classic comfort side dish is seasoned with sea salt, pepper, and topped with fresh chives, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Aromatics
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or a mix), peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3 garlic cloves
Dairy and Seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), plus more for serving
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt, plus more for cooking water
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ to ½ cup sour cream (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes and Garlic: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes along with the garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover them with cold water by about 1 inch, then season the water generously with 1 tablespoon of salt to infuse flavor as the potatoes cook.
- Boil the Potatoes: Bring the pot of water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender, ensuring they are cooked through but not falling apart.
- Drain and Return Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and garlic thoroughly in a colander, then return them to the pot to start mashing. This keeps them warm and ready for mashing.
- Mash and Mix: Begin mashing the potatoes and garlic using a potato masher until partially smooth. Add the butter, milk, 1½ teaspoons of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Continue mashing until the potatoes reach a completely smooth and creamy consistency according to your preference.
- Fold in Sour Cream: If desired, fold in ¼ to ½ cup of sour cream gently using a spatula or wooden spoon to add extra creaminess and tanginess to the mashed potatoes.
- Season and Serve: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with an extra pat of butter and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for color and freshness.
Notes
- Using a mix of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes adds a balance of fluffiness and creaminess.
- Adding garlic cloves to the boiling water infuses subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
- For extra smooth mashed potatoes, consider warming the milk and butter before adding them.
- Sour cream is optional but adds a pleasant tang and richness.
- Fresh chives provide a nice color contrast and mild onion flavor as garnish.
- Do not overboil potatoes to avoid waterlogging; they should be fork-tender but firm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 200g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
