Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This classic mashed potatoes recipe delivers creamy, buttery, and perfectly smooth mashed potatoes with a subtle hint of garlic and a touch of fresh chives, making it the perfect comfort food side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Garlic
- 3 pounds potatoes (russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or a mix), peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3 garlic cloves
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, plus more for serving)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ to ½ cup sour cream (optional)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt (plus more for the cooking water)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes along with the garlic cloves into a large pot. Cover them with cold water, ensuring the water level is about 1 inch above the potatoes. Season the water with 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Cook Until Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and allow the potatoes and garlic to gently boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Then drain the water and return the potatoes and garlic to the pot.
- Mash and Add Ingredients: Begin mashing the potatoes and garlic using a potato masher. When partially mashed, add the butter, milk, sea salt, and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Continue mashing until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Optional Sour Cream: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in the sour cream if you choose to use it. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Top with additional butter and garnish with chopped fresh chives for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- For best texture, use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, or a mix of both.
- Adding garlic cloves while boiling infuses a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Sour cream is optional but adds extra creaminess and a slight tang.
- Be careful not to overmix to avoid gluey mashed potatoes; use gentle mashing for a fluffy texture.
- You can adjust the milk quantity for thinner or thicker mashed potatoes.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture, or keep warm on very low heat before serving.
Keywords: mashed potatoes, classic recipe, creamy mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, side dish, comfort food, butter, sour cream, chives
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/best-mashed-potatoes-recipe/
