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Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes - Fluffy, Creamy & Delicious!

These Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food recipe—rich, smooth, and irresistibly fluffy. Learn the foolproof techniques and ingredient combinations that guarantee restaurant-quality results every time, right from your own kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes peeled and chunked
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half warmed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves optional, boiled with potatoes
  • Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Place peeled, chunked potatoes and optional garlic cloves in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Drain thoroughly, then return to the hot pot for 2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
  3. Mash using a potato ricer or masher for desired texture—avoid blenders or mixers to prevent gluey potatoes.
  4. Stir in room-temperature butter first, then gradually add warm milk until smooth. Gently fold in sour cream for extra creaminess.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with more warm milk if needed.
  6. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with butter and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

For lighter mashed potatoes, replace half the potatoes with steamed cauliflower. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or as a base for shepherd’s pie.