The Best Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with rich butter, sour cream, and onion flavor, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and cut them into quarters.
- Place the potatoes in cold water in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender; drain.
- In a large bowl, mash the potatoes with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the sour cream, light cream, 5 tablespoons of butter, skim milk, and onion powder to the mashed potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes into a greased baking dish.
- Dot with the remaining butter.
- Bake immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
- When ready to serve, bake uncovered at 400°F until heated through and lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra creamy texture, consider using half-and-half instead of light cream. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made mashed potatoes as a base and simply enhance them with sour cream and seasonings. Remember to adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add roasted garlic for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats or can be served alongside a creamy egg and vegetable casserole for a comforting meal. Consider garnishing with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch. They also make a delightful side dish for festive occasions or family gatherings, complementing American recipes perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, add a splash of milk or cream, and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Mashed Potatoes contains roughly 763 calories, with 14g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (49% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes up to 48 hours in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of transferring them to a greased baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake them uncovered until heated through and lightly browned.
What type of potatoes should I use for the best results?
Russet potatoes are ideal for making mashed potatoes because they have a high starch content, resulting in a fluffy texture. However, Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a creamier consistency. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they can lead to a gummy texture.
Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure they are cooled completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).