Homemade Mashed Potatoes

These Homemade Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, making them the ideal side dish for any meal. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, sour cream, and half & half, they offer a rich texture and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients

• 3.5 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 4 large potatoes, each around 0.85 lbs.)
• 3.5 teaspoons salt (plus more to taste)
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup half & half
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dairy:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the half & half and sour cream. Set the mixture aside and allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring it isn’t cold when added to the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   Peel the potatoes and rinse them quickly to remove any dirt. Slice them into ¾-inch thick pieces and place them in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with cold water to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Cook the Potatoes:
   Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Avoid boiling rapidly, as this could cause the potatoes to break apart. Once the water reaches a soft boil, add 3.5 teaspoons of salt.
   Continue cooking for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are very fork-tender. Don’t undercook, or the mashed potatoes may turn out lumpy. Turn off the heat.
4. Drain and Steam the Potatoes:
   Drain the potatoes and let them sit in the pot for 5 minutes to allow the excess steam to escape. This will help create fluffier mashed potatoes.
5. Mash the Potatoes:
   Add the butter to the potatoes and let it melt. Drizzle ¾ of the half & half/sour cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with black pepper.
   Use a potato masher (not a mixer) to mash the potatoes until they’re soft and creamy. Avoid over-mashing, as this can make the texture gluey. If you prefer creamier potatoes, add the remaining dairy mixture and mash again.
6. Taste and Season:
   Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
7. Serve:
   Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and enjoy!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smooth & Creamy: Yukon Gold potatoes offer a naturally creamy texture, making them perfect for rich, velvety mashed potatoes.
• Perfectly Seasoned: The combination of sour cream, half & half, and butter ensures a flavor-packed, creamy dish that pairs with almost any meal.
• Simple & Classic: This straightforward recipe provides the perfect mashed potatoes every time with minimal ingredients.

Tips

• Avoid Over-Mashing: Using a potato masher helps maintain a light and fluffy texture. Avoid using an electric mixer, which can result in gummy potatoes.
• Warm Dairy: Make sure the sour cream and half & half are at room temperature before adding them to the potatoes. Cold dairy can cause the potatoes to seize up.
• Let the Potatoes Steam: Allowing the potatoes to sit for a few minutes after draining helps evaporate excess moisture, resulting in fluffier mashed potatoes.

Variations and Substitutions

• Herbed Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheese such as cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter and sour cream with plant-based versions (vegan butter and dairy-free sour cream) to make this dish dairy-free.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a garlicky flavor, add roasted garlic or sauté fresh garlic in butter before mixing it into the potatoes.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: While Yukon Gold potatoes provide the best texture and flavor for mashed potatoes, you can also use Russet potatoes. However, they may require more butter or cream to achieve the same smooth texture.

Q: How can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them gently over low heat, adding extra butter or cream if needed to bring them back to a creamy consistency.

Q: Why should I let the potatoes sit in the pot after draining?
A: Allowing the potatoes to steam in the hot pot helps to release excess moisture, which results in fluffier mashed potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Roasted Meats: Mashed potatoes are a great side dish for roasted chicken, turkey, or steak.
• Gravy: Serve your mashed potatoes with homemade gravy for a traditional touch.
• Veggie Side: Pair with sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

---