Best Mashed Potatoes

Featured in Family Dinners.

Smooth mashed potatoes sorted! Just 45 mins. Roasted-in garlic adds mellow vibes, butter makes 'em rich. Sour cream = extra cozy. Yukon golds really shine. Fan-fave comfort food that reheats great. Perfect for family dinners or prepping in advance.
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:15:04 GMT
A creamy mound of mashed potatoes topped with chives, salted butter, and black pepper. Pin it
A creamy mound of mashed potatoes topped with chives, salted butter, and black pepper. | tasteofmoms.com

Ultimate Potato Mash

I'm gonna let you in on my tricks for potato mash that'll blow your mind. I've spent countless hours playing with different ways and add-ins to nail down this foolproof approach that gives you super smooth, airy spuds every single time. Getting the spud type right, nailing the method, and balancing flavors makes these truly unforgettable.

Soul-Warming Dish

This potato mash is basically happiness on a plate. It's velvety, flavorful and seasoned just right with the perfect amount of butter and spices. Everyone in my house begs for it whenever we celebrate anything, and the dish always ends up completely empty.

Your Ingredients

  • Potatoes: Go for Russets or Yukons or mix them up.
  • Garlic: Nothing beats whole cloves for taste.
  • Butter: Use the genuine article, not margarine.
  • Milk: Full-fat gives the best results.
  • Sour Cream: Not mandatory but totally worth it.
  • Seasonings: Add salt and pepper as you like.

Creating Perfection

First Steps
Always soak your spuds in cool water to begin.
Simmer Smart
Slow cooking helps them get perfectly soft.
Mix With Care
Pour in your stuff bit by bit for smoothest results.
Finishing Up
Sprinkle whatever toppings make you happy.

Insider Tips

What makes truly amazing potato mash comes down to small things. Begin with cool water, heat your milk first, and don't go crazy with the mixing. These tiny tweaks turn ordinary mashed potatoes into something people can't stop talking about.

Enjoy Now And Later

This potato mash goes with practically any main course. I can't resist adding a chunk of butter on top and watching it turn into little golden puddles. Got some left? Just warm them up tomorrow with a tiny splash of hot milk to bring back all that silky goodness.

A serving of smooth potato mash with melting butter on top, garnished with fresh chives and cracked pepper. Pin it
A serving of smooth potato mash with melting butter on top, garnished with fresh chives and cracked pepper. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the deal with cold water?

Using cold water gives evenly cooked potatoes from inside out. No mushy outside or firm centers that way.

→ Can I use different potatoes?

Yep, mix Yukon Gold with russets. You’ll get a buttery taste alongside a fluffy texture. Best of both worlds!

→ Why drop garlic in while boiling?

Boiling garlic with the potatoes gives them a soft, subtle garlic kick that blends right through the mash.

→ When does sour cream go in?

Fold it in at the end once you’re done mashing. Keeps the potatoes fluffy but still adds that creamy goodness.

→ Why put them back in the pot after draining?

Residual heat dries out extra moisture before mashing, so they don’t turn watery. Makes all the difference!

Conclusion

These ultra-creamy mashed potatoes mix smooth textures with buttery richness and mild garlic hints. A versatile choice for your dinner table or holiday spreads.

Best Mashed Potatoes

Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes with mild garlic. Add sour cream if you'd like. A go-to side for any meal or gathering.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 garlic cloves, peeled.
02 3 pounds of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks.
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), plus a little extra for serving.
04 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, with some for the boiling water.
05 1 cup whole milk.
06 Freshly ground black pepper, as much as you like.
07 Optional: 1/4 to 1/2 cup sour cream.
08 Chopped chives to sprinkle on top.

Instructions

Step 01

Fill a big pot with enough cold water to cover garlic and potatoes by an inch. Sprinkle in salt, bring it to a boil, then lower to medium. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until they're soft.

Step 02

Pour off the water and keep the potatoes and garlic in the pot.

Step 03

Combine garlic and potatoes and start mashing them roughly. Stir in butter, milk, salt, and some pepper. Keep mashing until the texture feels right to you.

Step 04

Mix in sour cream if you're using it. Adjust the flavors and serve with a bit of butter and some chopped chives on top.

Notes

  1. Feel free to use a mix of different potatoes.
  2. Sour cream is completely optional.
  3. A great side dish for Thanksgiving.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large pot.
  • A tool to mash potatoes.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 4 g