Traditional mashed potatoes get an extra dose of luxe flavor from sour cream.
Serves6 to 8Makes7 to 8 cupsPrep15 minutes to 25 minutesCook30 minutesWe independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Mashed potatoes are one of my top comfort foods, and I love an ultra-smooth, creamy version laden with butter and cream or milk. They’re also a blank canvas when I feel like changing it up a bit, and one of the easiest additions is some sour cream. The thick, tangy dairy is a natural in mashed potatoes, adding a subtle tangy flavor. Sour cream mashed potatoes are as easy to make as regular mashed potatoes, and you can channel some sour cream-and-onion vibes with a sprinkle of chives or scallions at the end.
Why Should You Use Sour Cream in Your Mashed Potatoes?
Sour cream adds a little bit of tangy flavor and a boost of richness to mashed potatoes. It’s a fun change from the standard milk or cream and butter combo usually flavoring mashed taters. You can even try your hand at making homemade sour cream from heavy cream!
How to Make Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
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Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Traditional mashed potatoes get an extra dose of luxe flavor from sour cream.
Prep time 15 minutes to 25 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes
Makes 7 to 8 cups
Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
- 3 pounds
russet potatoes (5 to 6 large)
- 1 tablespoon
plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more as needed
- 1 1/3 cups
whole or 2% milk
- 4 tablespoons
(1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup
full-fat sour cream
- 1 tablespoon
finely chopped fresh chives or scallion greens (optional)
Instructions
Peel and cut 3 pounds russet potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks. Place in a large saucepan or pot and add enough cold water to cover by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon of the kosher salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the potatoes are knife tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Add 1 1/3 cups whole or 2% milk, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, and the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt to the now-empty pot. Place over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted.
Pass the potatoes through a ricer into the pot, or return the potatoes to the pot and mash with a potato masher until desired consistency. Gently stir to combine. Add 1/2 cup sour cream and gently stir until combined. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives or scallion greens if desired.
Recipe Notes
Make ahead: The potatoes can be peeled and placed in the pot with the water and kosher salt and kept at room temperature for up to 4 hours before cooking.
Storage: Leftover mashed potatoes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
FAQs
This feeling of comfort has science behind it. Research has found that mashed potato, Yorkshire puddings and all of their beige counterparts are part of a carb-heavy food group that helps release serotonin.
Why do you put sour cream in mashed potatoes? ›
Sour cream adds a little bit of tangy flavor and a boost of richness to mashed potatoes. It's a fun change from the standard milk or cream and butter combo usually flavoring mashed taters. You can even try your hand at making homemade sour cream from heavy cream!
Is cream cheese or sour cream better in mashed potatoes? ›
The Secret To The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
Sour Cream: The sour cream helps keep the mashed potatoes fluffy. Cream Cheese: Adding the cream cheese creates smoothness. Type of Whisk: Using the whisk attachment for your mixer is key to getting the creamiest mashed potatoes.
How to neutralize sour cream taste? ›
If your dish tastes too sour try to add sweetness—think sugar, honey (it's healthy!), cream or even caramelized onions. You can also dilute the dish (same as you would with a dish with too much salt).
What makes a food comfort food? ›
According to research, our cravings for comfort food are deeply rooted in psychology. These foods often trigger feelings of nostalgia and emotional comfort, providing a sense of security and familiarity in times of stress or sadness.
Why do people put an egg in their mashed potatoes? ›
Adding egg yolks to a pot of mashed potatoes is an easy, dairy-free texture and taste upgrade that doesn't require any special techniques. The yolks harbor all the flavorful fats and emulsifying components and will thus effectively unify the fat and water in potatoes, translating to a smoother, uniformly creamy pot.
What to substitute for sour cream in mashed potatoes? ›
- Yogurt. Yogurt is your best substitute for sour cream. ...
- Mayonnaise. Mayo is a great sour cream substitute. ...
- Buttermilk. Buttermilk can work great as a substitute, but it's a little trickier since it's so much thinner than sour cream. ...
- Crème Fraîche. ...
- Cream Cheese. ...
- DIY Sour Cream. ...
- Kefir. ...
- Mexican Crema.
Garlic and herbs are added to boost flavor
Instead of boiling a few potatoes and mashing them plain, a lot of restaurant chefs like to apply a little more finesse. Garlic and herbs infused in butter and cream add a flavor boost without overpowering.
Why put mayo in mashed potatoes? ›
The mayonnaise gives the mashed potatoes a smooth, velvety texture, with a slightly tangy flavor. It's also slightly white in color and blends in well. It helps to thicken the mashed potatoes. It also makes the potatoes moist without an overpowering mayo taste.
What's better for mashed potatoes, milk or heavy cream? ›
The best Creamy Mashed Potatoes consists of perfectly cooked russet potatoes, melted butter, heavy cream and a touch of tartness like crème fraîche.
Sweetness balances out all types of sour flavors, so if something makes your mouth pucker, a dash of sugar may help!
How do you make sour cream taste better? ›
Add chopped fresh cilantro leaves and lime juice to plain sour cream for a fresh zesty flavor.
What flavor cancels out sour? ›
Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal.
Why do mashed potatoes make me feel good? ›
You've probably noticed that you feel calmer and more content after digging into a yummy baked potato or plate of home fries. And researchers may have figured out why: Potatoes boast rich stores of tryptophan and potassium — nutrients your brain and digestive tract use to produce the mood-steadying hormone serotonin.
Why does a person crave mashed potatoes? ›
Chances are high that your body is running low on energy. If this is true, it is natural that your mind or body starts to crave potatoes. This vegetable is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and even protein which is why they make a fulfilling meal.
Why do fans yell mashed potatoes? ›
This shout might be the worst of all. Mashed potato came from one golfer wanting his mum to spot him on TV.
Why are mashed potatoes healthy? ›
In addition to starch, potatoes contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They're rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because the vitamin C prevented scurvy.
