Description

This Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a smooth and luscious side dish perfect for any meal. Made with tender russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, rich butter, creamy milk or heavy cream, and optional sour cream for extra richness, these mashed potatoes are seasoned simply with salt and pepper and garnished with fresh herbs for a flavorful, comforting addition to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Dairy & Seasonings

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Garnish

Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the potatoes: Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot, covering them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season.
Cook the potatoes: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for 15-20 minutes until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Drain the potatoes: Drain the water from the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
Mash the potatoes: Add the cubed butter, milk (or heavy cream), salt, and black pepper to the pot. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Add sour cream: Stir in sour cream for extra creaminess if desired. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or cream as needed to reach your preferred texture.
Season to taste: Taste the mashed potatoes and add additional salt and pepper as necessary to enhance flavor.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the mashed potatoes with fresh chopped chives or parsley, then serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

For even creamier mashed potatoes, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Russet potatoes produce fluffier mashed potatoes, while Yukon Gold yields a creamier texture.
Optional sour cream adds tang and extra richness but can be omitted for a classic version.
Fresh herbs like chives or parsley provide a bright, fresh garnish.
Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or a hand mixer for ultra-smooth potatoes.
Do not overmix if using a hand mixer to avoid gummy texture.