Description
This Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers creamy, smooth, and flavorful mashed potatoes made from a blend of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. Infused with roasted garlic, rich butter, and whole milk, these mashed potatoes are perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal, especially Thanksgiving. Garnished with fresh chives and optional sour cream, this recipe ensures fluffy, buttery potatoes with a velvety texture and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Aromatics
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or a mix, peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 3 garlic cloves, whole
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
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes and Garlic: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes along with the whole garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover them with cold water by about 1 inch and season the water with a tablespoon of salt to enhance flavor during cooking.
- Boil Until Tender: Bring the water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle boil and cook the potatoes and garlic for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced.
- Drain and Return to Pot: Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic thoroughly, then return them to the empty pot off the heat. This helps to dry out excess moisture for fluffier mashed potatoes.
- Mash Potatoes and Incorporate Dairy: Begin mashing the potatoes and garlic with a potato masher until partially broken down. Add the butter, whole milk, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue mashing and stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If using sour cream, fold it in gently now for extra richness.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the mashed potatoes hot, topped with extra butter and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives for color and mild onion flavor.
Notes
- These mashed potatoes offer a smooth, creamy, and buttery texture that works well with a variety of main dishes.
- For extra flavor, serve topped with savory mushroom gravy or additional toppings like crispy bacon or shredded cheese.
- The combination of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes balances fluffiness with creaminess perfectly.
- Peeling the potatoes ensures a silky texture, but for a more rustic feel, you can leave the skins on Yukon Golds.
- Adjust the amount of sour cream to your preference, or omit for a classic mashed potato taste.
- To keep mashed potatoes warm before serving, cover and place the pot on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
