This Creamy No-Fail Mashed Potatoes recipe delivers smooth, buttery, and rich mashed potatoes every single time. With simple ingredients and the right technique, you’ll never have to worry about lumpy or dry mashed potatoes again!
Perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or as a comforting side dish, these mashed potatoes pair beautifully with turkey, steak, chicken, or any of your favorite mains. Follow this easy, foolproof recipe for ultra-fluffy and flavorful mashed potatoes that will be the star of any meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional for garlic mashed potatoes)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Chopped fresh chives
- Extra butter for drizzling
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes:
- Peel and cut: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
- Boil: Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Cook until tender: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Draining and Mashing:
- Drain well: Drain potatoes and return them to the pot to remove excess moisture.
- Mash: Use a potato masher or ricer for ultra-smooth potatoes.
Adding the Creamy Goodness:
- Heat butter and cream: In a small saucepan, warm the butter and heavy cream until melted (do not boil).
- Incorporate into potatoes: Slowly mix in the warm butter-cream mixture, stirring gently.
- Mix in sour cream: Add sour cream and continue stirring until smooth.
- Season to taste: Stir in salt, black pepper, and minced garlic (if using).
Serving:
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped chives, grated Parmesan, or extra melted butter.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite main dish.
Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes
- Use the Right Potatoes: Yukon Golds make creamy mashed potatoes, while Russets make them fluffy.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey. Mash gently for a light texture.
- Warm the Dairy: Adding warm butter and cream prevents the potatoes from cooling down and helps absorption.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Keep mashed potatoes warm in a slow cooker on the lowest setting.
Creative Variations
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Sauté garlic in butter before mixing.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Top with crumbled bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Reheat gently with extra butter and cream to maintain creaminess.
Can I freeze mashed potatoes? Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and reheat with additional cream.
What if my mashed potatoes are too thick? Add more warm milk or cream and stir gently.
These Creamy No-Fail Mashed Potatoes are rich, fluffy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them today!