If you’re searching for the creamiest, fluffiest, and dreamiest comfort food to ever grace your dinner table, this Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new go-to side. Imagine a pillowy pile of buttery Yukon Golds, enriched with a trio of irresistible dairy—cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream—for potatoes so rich you’ll crave seconds (and maybe even thirds). Whether you’re serving a cozy weeknight meal or putting together an impressive holiday spread, these mashed potatoes are the star everyone will be talking about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of staples, each contributing its own magic to the final bowl. Fresh, quality ingredients make all the difference, lending their flavors and textures for that perfect bite every time.
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: Yukon Golds bring a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, while Russets yield fluffiness—choose your favorite or mix both!
- Unsalted butter: One stick adds rich, velvety flavor and luscious mouthfeel to every spoonful.
- Cream cheese: Just a bit creates an extra smooth, tangy base—don’t skip it if you love your potatoes ultra-creamy.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tanginess and ensures the potatoes aren’t too heavy or dense.
- Heavy cream: This gives the mash its luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth finish; swap with half and half in a pinch.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go for the perfect balance.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of garlicky warmth, without overpowering the dish.
- Chives (optional garnish): Chopped fresh chives not only look lovely but add a gentle oniony freshness.
How to Make Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot, then cover them fully with salted water. This step helps season the potatoes from within, not just on the surface. Bring it all to a lively boil over medium-high heat, then lower to medium and let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until the pieces yield easily to a fork. Fork-tender is your golden metric—it ensures you won’t end up with stubborn potato lumps later on!
Step 2: Drain and Dry
Once your potatoes are tender, carefully drain off all the water and return them straight back into the hot pot. Crank up the heat to high for about 30 quick seconds—this flash of heat dries any lingering moisture, helping prevent watery mashed potatoes. Turn off the heat and you’re set for the creamy magic ahead.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Drop in the butter, cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Now you have two options: go rustic and chunky with a hand masher or pursue silky fluffiness using an electric mixer on medium power for a few minutes. Scrape down the sides halfway through if blending. Mix until the potatoes are as smooth and airy (or as chunky!) as you like.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the steaming Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe right into a warm serving bowl, swirling to create inviting peaks and valleys. Add a flurry of chopped chives on top if you like, and get ready for the happy hum of contentment around the table. Your masterpiece is complete—dig in!
How to Serve Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly snipped chives are classic, lending a lovely green pop and gentle onion flavor. For a savory twist, sprinkle crispy bacon bits, roasted garlic cloves, or a generous grind of fresh black pepper. A final drizzle of melted butter just before serving adds that luxurious, glossy finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are wonderfully versatile, pairing flawlessly with rich gravies, classic roast meats, and savory vegetarian mains. Serve them alongside roasted turkey or chicken, juicy meatloaf, braised short ribs, or even herby lentil loaf—they soak up sauces like a dream and elevate every plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Host a mashed potato bar for your next gathering—set out toppings like shredded cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy shallots. Or pipe them into individual swirls for a charming, chef-worthy presentation. For parties, serve in miniature cups topped with a single chive sprig; the Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe make an unforgettable appetizer too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any cooled leftover mashed potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. They keep beautifully, and the flavors meld even more with time, making leftover bowls a treat.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes freeze fairly well, the texture can change slightly, especially with all those luscious dairy add-ins. If you want to freeze, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags, flatten them, and squeeze out extra air. Label and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For the creamiest results, reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up if they seem too thick. Microwaving also works—just stir every minute to heat evenly and restore that irresistible, just-made creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold or Russet?
You certainly can! Red potatoes will give you a slightly different, waxier texture with a pop of color in the skin. Just know your mash may be less fluffy, but still delicious.
Can I make the Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap in plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and coconut cream or oat milk for the cream and sour cream. The flavor will shift, but you’ll still get a lovely, creamy mash.
How do I prevent gluey or gummy mashed potatoes?
The key is not to overmix, especially if using a mixer. Mash just until smooth, and avoid using a food processor, which can break down the potatoes too much and make them sticky.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe is perfect for scaling up! Be sure to use a very large pot, and you may need to increase the mashing time or split into batches to keep everything smooth and creamy.
What can I do if my mashed potatoes are too thick?
Simply add a bit more warm heavy cream or milk, a little at a time, until you reach that soft, spoonable consistency you love. Stir gently to blend.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of perfectly made mashed potatoes, and the Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe promises to deliver comfort and joy every single time. Whether you’re celebrating a big holiday or just making dinner extra special, give this recipe a-go—you’re bound to win rave reviews and maybe even inspire a new family tradition!
Print
Best Ever Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mashing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the Best Ever Mashed Potatoes with this easy and delicious recipe. Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional garnish: chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the water, return the potatoes to the pot, add remaining ingredients, and mash to desired consistency.
- Serve: Top with chives if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- I prefer my potatoes a little chunky, but mash to your liking.
- To make ahead, prepare, refrigerate, and reheat in a slow cooker on low with milk added.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
