Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream – The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. And when you add a rich swirl of sour cream, the result is a luscious, velvety side that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, prepping for Thanksgiving, or building the ultimate Christmas supper spread, this Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are everything you want in a side dish:

Fluffy and smooth thanks to perfectly boiled potatoes and a hand masher or mixer.
Rich and tangy from the addition of sour cream and butter.
Easy to make ahead, keeping your holiday cooking stress-free.
Versatile enough to pair with roasted chicken, holiday ham, turkey, or meatloaf.

Let’s dive into the details so you can bring this classic side to your next meal!

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes Every Time

Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet for the creamiest texture.
Warm your dairy ingredients (butter, milk, sour cream) slightly before adding them to avoid cooling down the potatoes.
Avoid overmixing if using an electric mixer—too much mixing can make the texture gluey.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can make these mashed potatoes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk and a pat of butter to revive the creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

These creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for:

Roast chicken or turkey
Holiday ham
Braised beef or pot roast
Vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or roasted mushrooms
Gravy or mushroom sauce on top

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe

Ingredients List:

3 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes. Peel them and cut into cubes.
1/2 cup whole milk
8 tablespoons of softened butter (the whole stick)
1/2 cup of sour cream
Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

Put the peeled and cut potatoes into a large pot. Fill the pot up with just enough water to submerge the potatoes. Set the stove to medium high heat. Cook until the potatoes are soft enough to pierce easily with a fork, which is about 20 – 25 minutes.
Drain the potatoes with a strainer to remove all the liquid. Put the potatoes back into the pot and cover, allowing them to further cook in the steam for an additional 5 minutes.
In a small sauce pan, heat up the milk on low heat.
Add half the milk to the potato pot, along with softened butter and sour cream. Start mashing until you get your desired consistency.
If the mash is too thick, add a bit more milk until you get your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper and serve. Provide your guests with extra sides of butter or sour cream for additional toppings.

Complimentary Side Dishes to Serve Along with Mashed Potatoes

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream recipe brings a tangy twist to a timeless classic. It’s rich without being too heavy and always a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or holiday gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made mashed potatoes without sour cream!