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Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

December 19, 2024

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4.98 from 39 votes

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SOUR CREAM MASHED POTATOES PINTEREST IMAGE.

These Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream are the most delicious mashed potatoes you will ever have. They’re light, creamy, buttery & easy to make with the help of your stand mixer. No hand mashing required!

Overhead shot of bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter, next to bowl of sour cream.

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May I present you with the most perfect of mashed potatoes?

Light, creamy, buttery and tangy – All the great things you want in a bowl of mashed potatoes. But another bonus? There’s no hand mashing required.

These are always a requirement for our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners!

Overhead shot of bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter, next to bowl of sour cream.

Table of Contents

  • The 🌟magical🌟 tip
  • Which potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
  • Ingredients needed
  • How to make them
  • Variations
  • How to make ahead & reheat
  • What to serve with them
  • Full Recipe

The 🌟magical🌟 tip

The key here begins with boiling your potatoes in salted chicken broth.

You know how you salt your pasta water? This is kind of the same idea. The broth will impart a flavor to the potatoes from the outset and give you that extra flavor that mashed potatoes can sometimes lack.

It’s *magic*.

PS – This parmesan broth is also an amazing option!

After the potatoes are cooked, I like to use my stand mixer to get them really smooth. Starting first with the paddle mixer attachment and then moving to the whip. You can also use a handheld mixer. Or, you can go old fashioned, and use a good old potato masher if you don’t have an electronic one.

Which potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?

  • I prefer to use Yukon Gold potatoes for my mashed potatoes. I find them buttery and delicious. However, Russet potatoes are another great variety that produces fluffy mashed potatoes. You can also use baby red potatoes.

I prefer smooth mashed potatoes, so I peel them. However, if you like your potatoes with a bit more texture, you can definitely leave on the potato skins.

Ingredients needed

  • Potatoes – I prefer Yukon golds. See above for more info.
  • Chicken Broth – Or, use some homemade bone broth. This is what flavors the potatoes from the get go. It gives them such an amazing flavor!
  • Milk + Butter – The base of any great mashed potato recipe.
  • Sour Cream – Full-fat sour cream gives a bit of tang, and really heightens the creaminess of these potatoes.
  • Salt + Pepper
  • Chives – For topping. These are optional. You can also top with green onions.

How to make them

  • Cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces and add them to a large pot with the chicken broth. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and about 2 tablespoons of salt.
  • Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan, until the butter is melted. Keep warm.
  • When the potatoes are fork tender, drain them in a colander.
  • Place hot potatoes in the bowl of a stand mixer and use the paddle attachment to mix until smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Slowly add in milk/butter mixture and sour cream.
  • Turn up speed and beat for about 30 seconds, or until milk is absorbed.
  • Gradually turn up speed and mix for 1 minute longer.
  • Switch to the whipping attachment (looks like a whisk) and beat for about 1 minute, or until fluffy.
  • Season to taste, with salt and pepper.
  • Serve the potatoes topped with extra butter (if desired) and chopped chives.
Cubed potatoes in dutch oven before boiling.
Cooked cubed potatoes in collander.

I always forget how simple it is to actually make these potatoes!

You can peel the potatoes if you like them really smooth. But, if you’re short on time, just go ahead and leave the skins on. Then, just let them cook away while you work on your main dish.

They’re perfect served alongside this Easy Roasted Chicken, Instant Pot Pork Chops or Slow Cooker Osso Buco.

Don’t have a stand mixer? You can also use a hand mixer to make these mashed potatoes. Or, simply use a hand masher. They won’t get as fluffy, but they will still be absolutely delicious!

Side view of bowl of mashed potatoes next to bowl of sour cream.

Variations

Want to add in even more flavor? Try one of these flavor twists:

  • Add some roasted garlic to your potatoes before mixing them.
  • Boil your potatoes in this parmesan broth instead of chicken broth.
  • When you potatoes are finished cooking, stir in some crispy crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, or parmesan cheese.
  • Try swapping in cream cheese for the sour cream to make the potatoes less tangy, and more rich + creamy.
  • Add in your favorite fresh herbs like parsley, basil or fresh chives.

How to make ahead & reheat

Mashed potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them tightly wrapped in a serving dish. To reheat, bake them covered with tin foil in a 325-degree oven for 50 minutes.

To reheat in the microwave, cover the potatoes with plastic wrap, and poke about 5 holes in the plastic wrap. Microwave at 75% power for about 12 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Overhead shot of bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter.

More creamy side dish recipes

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What to serve with them

  • Boston Market Meatloaf
  • Onion Gravy
  • Mushroom Chicken
  • Instant Pot Beef Stew
  • Marinated Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic
  • Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
  • Air Fryer Meatloaf
  • Classic Steak Diane
  • Slow Cooker Osso Buco
  • More → 20+ Main Dishes to Serve with Mashed Potatoes

More potato recipes

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  • More → 35+ BEST Potato Recipes

Did you try this mashed potatoes with sour cream recipe?

If you loved these sour cream mashed potatoes I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on  Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

PS – You can also make these Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot.

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Overhead shot of bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter, next to bowl of sour cream.

Full Recipe

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

These Easy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream are the most delicious mashed potatoes you will ever have. They're light, creamy, buttery and tangy and easy to make with the help of your stand mixer – No hand mashing required!
4.98 from 39 votes
Print Pin
Serves 6 servings
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Large Pot

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (peeled if desired)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Chives (for topping)

Instructions

  • Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large pot with the chicken broth. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and add about 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the potatoes fall apart easily when pierced with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan, until the butter is melted. Keep warm.
  • As soon as the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander.
  • Place hot potatoes in mixing bowl and mix until smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Slowly add in milk/butter mixture and sour cream.
  • Turn up speed and beat for about 30 seconds, or until milk is absorbed. Gradually turn up speed and mix for 1 minute longer.
  • Switch to whipping attachment and beat for about 1 minute, or until fluffy.
  • Serve warm topped with extra butter (if desired) and chopped chives.

Notes

Variations
Want to add in even more flavor? Try one of these flavor twists:
  • Add some roasted garlic to your potatoes before mixing them.
  • Boil your potatoes in this parmesan broth instead of chicken broth.
  • When you potatoes are finished cooking, stir in some crispy crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, or parmesan cheese.
  • Try swapping in cream cheese for the sour cream to make the potatoes less tangy, and more rich + creamy.
  • Add in your favorite fresh herbs like parsley, basil or fresh chives.
How to make ahead & reheat
Mashed potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them tightly wrapped in a serving dish. To reheat, bake them covered with tin foil in a 325-degree oven for 50 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 2677mg | Potassium: 1106mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 31.5mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 7.5mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

This post was originally published in 2014. It was updated in 2022. The mashed potatoes with sour cream recipe remains the same. It’s definitely a keeper!

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4.98 from 39 votes (37 ratings without comment)

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38 responses

  1. Thalia @ butter and brioche
    November 16, 2014

    I regularly make mashed potato to accompany dinner but never have added sour cream before. Definitely will be doing so next time I make some!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 17, 2014

      It really does add extra creaminess and great flavor!

      Reply
  2. sara @ FoodieAnonymous
    November 16, 2014

    These look delicious! I am in charge of the mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner this year. I may just have to try out this recipe!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 17, 2014

      I hope you do Sara! Let me know how it turns out 🙂

      Reply
  3. Marie Garza
    February 13, 2016

    It look delicious

    Reply
  4. Kristen Chidsey
    November 4, 2016

    Erin, such a simple dish, yet so perfect. I think you nailed the proportions in this perfectly!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 4, 2016

      Thanks so much Kristen!

      Reply
  5. Taylor
    November 4, 2016

    My mom makes a mean potato casserole with sour cream. I can’t eat my mashed potatoes any other way now – your version looks so velvety and luxurious!!!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 4, 2016

      Oooohhhh – That casserole sounds amazing too Taylor! Yum!

      Reply
  6. Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
    November 4, 2016

    Erin, you make mashed potatoes look so elegant! Gorgeous photos! And I love mashed potatoes with sour cream (well, dairy-free sour cream for me). YUM.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 4, 2016

      Thanks Marlynn! That means a lot coming from you!

      Reply
  7. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
    November 4, 2016

    I love the idea of boiling potatoes in salted chicken broth. Why didn’t I think of that? These look like the perfect Thanksgiving side or a special treat for a Tuesday!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 4, 2016

      Thanks Karen – These are definitely easy enough to make on a Tuesday! I always think of mashed potatoes as a “feat”, but really, these are simple!

      Reply
  8. Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama
    November 6, 2016

    I love the creaminess of mashed potatoes with some alternative dairy instead of milk. I use yogurt in mine. It makes them a little tangy and extra creamy – but without as much fat as sour cream. Plus, we always have yogurt in the house, so I don’t end up with a half-used container of sour cream that I won’t use up later.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 7, 2016

      Great suggestion Catherine – I swap yogurt for sour cream quite often too. It’s hard to tell the difference sometimes!

      Reply
  9. carissa perez
    December 6, 2016

    I wonder why I’ve never heard of boiling potatoes in chicken broth. That sounds genius!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 7, 2016

      It gives them such great flavor right from the start Carissa – I don’t make them any other way now!

      Reply
  10. Katrin
    December 6, 2016

    What a great idea to add sour cream! A nice departure from masses of butter…

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 7, 2016

      Thanks Katrin!

      Reply
  11. Marisa Franca@ All Our Way
    December 9, 2016

    Yum!! Love mashed potatoes and I think that the sour cream would make me fall in love with them all the more. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  12. Amanda
    December 11, 2016

    Using chicken broth makes a difference. The flavor is better, but no one can identify what the “secret ingredient” is.!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 12, 2016

      I totally agree Amanda – It’s kind of like flavoring the potatoes from the inside out!

      Reply
  13. Crystalini
    April 20, 2017

    I love the idea of cooking the potatos in broth, but I have a question. I’m a vegetarian, so do you think I could use vegetable broth without it being an issue? 🙂

    Reply
    1. Crystalini
      April 20, 2017

      Oops. Potatoes.* Also, one more question. If I wanted to make this for someone who prefers nut milk in their recipes, what would you recommend?

      Reply
      1. Erin
        April 25, 2017

        As far as nut milk Crystalini, I would maybe try substituting in some cashew milk for that creamy flavor. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Erin
      April 25, 2017

      Yes – You could definitely use vegetable broth in place of the chicken stock. It would be amazing as well 🙂

      Reply
  14. cookie casey
    November 19, 2018

    Can these potatos be made the day before?
    cookiekc405@gmail.com

    Reply
    1. Erin
      December 4, 2018

      Hi – You can definitely make the day before! I would reheat them in the oven or microwave.

      Reply
  15. Joanna
    November 21, 2018

    I am in charge of the mashed potatoes this year for our Thanksgiving Feast. What are your thoughts on keeping them warm in the crock pot as I transport them over to my brother’s house and then attempt to keep them warm for our dinner?

    Reply
  16. Alice
    June 16, 2020

    Can you make these ahead of time and reheat in oven later

    Reply
    1. Erin
      June 24, 2020

      You sure can Alice! I would reheat at 350 for about 30 minutes.

      Reply
  17. Son
    July 30, 2020

    I’m a bit confused, do you add water and broth when boiling the potatoes? Or just 2 cups of broth?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      July 30, 2020

      Hi – You will add both the broth and enough water to just cover the potatoes. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of your pot, etc. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  18. Shernatra Brown
    August 8, 2020

    my family loves homemade mash potatoes i can not wait to try theses!!!!!

    Reply
  19. Devin
    April 9, 2022

    4 stars
    WARNING: Directions unclear!!!!! My boyfriend has been panicking and thinking that I’m going to break up with him because the potatoes were very runny for a bit. Please, Erin, PLEASE edit and put in the directions that the potatoes really need to boil down and simmer. He was freaking out that they were way too watery, but now they turned out great! You never steer us wrong Erin, and in fact your short ribs made me cry! So please, help us out, and let the world know that the ratio of these potatoes WILL APPEAR very watery at first.
    Thank you!
    Much love,
    Devin + Mario

    Reply
  20. Char Fulleman
    November 24, 2022

    Can I make this recipe a few hours ahead and reheat in the oven?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      November 29, 2022

      Hi Char – You can! I would reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes.

      Reply
  21. Brenda
    June 27, 2024

    5 stars
    What am I filling out

    Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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