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 people add sour cream to 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!
Which is better in mashed potatoes, sour cream or cream cheese? ›
The Secret To The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
These few tricks will ensure the creamiest mashed potatoes that you will ever have. Sour Cream: The sour cream helps keep the mashed potatoes fluffy. Cream Cheese: Adding the cream cheese creates smoothness.
What does Gordon Ramsay put in his mashed potatoes? ›
Gordon Ramsay's mashed potatoes are known for their richness and flavor. He typically adds butter, heavy cream, and sometimes crème fraîche to his mashed potatoes for a creamy and indulgent texture. Additionally, he often incorporates roasted garlic or chives for extra flavor.
Why does a person crave mashed potatoes? ›
well, don't need to worry, there are several reasons why you are craving potatoes, and trust me it's normal. Generally, these cravings may be related to your diet or lifestyle. Some of the reasons may include dehydration, lack of energy, nutrient deficiency, or simply your love for potatoes.
Why do mashed potatoes make me feel better? ›
Potatoes power up feel-good serotonin.
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. Tip: Keeping the skins on your spuds will give you the biggest potassium boost.
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.
Why does sour cream make everything taste better? ›
The creamy PH balance level of Sour cream. Offsets any strong spicy or overpowering flavors of the other items. Similar to Indian food and the use of Yogurt for a similar effect. It is like salt in food.
What can I use to replace sour cream in mashed potatoes? ›
There are several good dairy options for replacing sour cream, including Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, crème fraîche, and buttermilk.
- Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt makes an excellent stand-in for sour cream. ...
- Cottage cheese. This cheese has a rich history. ...
- Crème fraîche. Crème fraîche literally means fresh cream. ...
- Buttermilk.
Let Bob Evans provide the balance, in your balanced meal. Made with real sour cream and chives, fresh real potatoes, butter, and milk, Bob Evans Sour Cream & Chives Mashed Potatoes tastes like homemade. We put extra care into making our mashed potatoes rich and creamy to deliver that homemade flavor you expect.
Avoid waxy varieties like Red Bliss and fingerling when making mashed potatoes.
What 4 types of potatoes are best for making mashed potatoes? ›
The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are a starchy varieties like russet, Idaho or Yukon gold. Starchy potatoes are best for mashed potatoes because they have a fluffy, almost airy texture that breaks down easily.
What ruins mashed potatoes? ›
Soupy, watery mashed potatoes usually happen because the cooked potatoes were cut into pieces that were too small, weren't drained well enough, or were overcooked.
What does Rachael Ray use to mash potatoes? ›
Mash potatoes with half-and-half or milk using a potato masher. Add in the cream cheese and smash until the cheese melts into the potatoes. Add chives or scallions. Season with salt and pepper, to your taste.
What is the liquid in Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes? ›
Made with fresh real potatoes, butter, and milk, Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes tastes like homemade.
Why do people love mashed potatoes? ›
Mashed potatoes are a simple and versatile dish that can be served with a wide variety of meals, from roast beef to fried chicken to vegetarian dishes.
Why are some foods called comfort food? ›
Comfort foods are called comfort foods because they're, well, comforting. Eating these foods provides emotional and physical comfort. Comfort foods stimulate the brain's reward system and make you feel good. The term comfort food first appeared in a 1966 article in the Palm Beach Post newspaper.
What is the psychology behind comfort foods? ›
But what exactly makes them so irresistible? 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 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.
