If you are looking for that perfect comfort food to warm your soul, the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines the velvety richness of sour cream with the robust punch of garlic, creating mashed potatoes that are irresistibly fluffy and bursting with flavor. Every spoonful is a delightful balance of creamy texture and savory taste, making it a standout side dish for any meal, from casual weeknights to festive gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, working together to create the creamy texture and garlicky depth that define this dish. Each component plays its part, from the tender red potatoes to the sharp garlic and rich sour cream, crafting a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color.
- 3 pounds red potatoes scrubbbed and quartered: Red potatoes provide a naturally creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor when mashed.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth mouthfeel without overpowering the garlic.
- 8 ounces sour cream: This ingredient brings tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the potatoes’ flavor and making them luxuriously smooth.
- ½ cup whole milk: Milk lightens the mixture and softens the potatoes, ensuring a silky consistency.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives a vibrant, aromatic kick that complements the creaminess perfectly.
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Garlic powder intensifies the garlic flavor, layering the taste for extra depth.
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt: Salt is essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Pepper adds a subtle heat that balances the richness without overshadowing the garlic.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by placing your quartered red potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water, ensuring the water is about an inch above the potatoes. This helps them cook evenly without drying out or becoming mushy.
Step 2: Boil Until Tender
Bring the water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-high and let the potatoes cook for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily, indicating they are perfectly fork-tender.
Step 3: Drain and Transfer
Drain the potatoes well to remove excess water, then immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl while still hot. This is important for achieving that creamy texture since the heat helps everything blend together smoothly.
Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the magic: butter, sour cream, whole milk, minced garlic, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. These ingredients infuse the potatoes with richness and a beautiful garlicky character that makes this recipe truly special.
Step 5: Mash to Perfection
Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, gently mash the potatoes just until creamy, leaving a few small lumps if you like a bit of rustic texture. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the potatoes gluey.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give your creamy garlic mashed potatoes a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper to suit your palate, then serve these fluffy, flavorful potatoes warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley. They add a pop of color and a subtle freshness that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy base. A light drizzle of melted butter on top right before serving adds extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or beef, and it’s equally delightful alongside sautéed green beans, glazed carrots, or crisp Brussels sprouts. The creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a soothing contrast to hearty or crisp side dishes alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crispy fried garlic bits. You can also spread them in a casserole dish, create a neat swirl on top, and bake lightly for a golden crusty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply transfer the mashed potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled promptly helps maintain their creamy texture and freshness.
Freezing
While mashed potatoes can be frozen, this recipe’s creamy texture means it may slightly change after thawing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or a small knob of butter during reheating helps revive their silky texture. You can also microwave them covered in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While red potatoes offer a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, Yukon Golds or russets also work well. Just be mindful that starchy russets might require less milk to avoid a gluey consistency.
Is it okay to use low-fat sour cream?
You can use low-fat sour cream to lighten the dish, but keep in mind it may affect the creamy richness. For the classic indulgent flavor, full-fat sour cream is best.
How can I make these mashed potatoes vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Swap the whole milk for almond or oat milk for a similar creamy consistency.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! You can make the mashed potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate them. Reheat gently with a bit of milk and butter to restore the creamy texture before serving.
Why is my mashed potatoes recipe sometimes gluey?
Overworking the potatoes, especially with a hand mixer at high speed, can release too much starch and create a gluey texture. For this recipe, mash gently until just creamy with some small lumps remaining.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that effortlessly brings joy to the table. Its rich, garlicky, and creamy texture can elevate any meal and please everyone from potato lovers to garlic enthusiasts. Once you make it, it might just become your go-to comfort food favorite too!
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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These creamy garlic mashed potatoes with sour cream are a deliciously smooth and flavorful side dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Made with red potatoes, butter, sour cream, and a blend of garlic seasonings, they offer a rich and comforting texture that pairs wonderfully with any main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
Dairy and Flavorings
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the quartered red potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water, ensuring the water level is about 1 inch above the potatoes.
- Cook Potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-high. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Drain and Transfer: Drain the cooked potatoes well and transfer them to a large mixing bowl while they are still hot to retain warmth.
- Add Ingredients: Add the butter, sour cream, whole milk, minced garlic, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the potatoes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the mixture just until creamy, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
- Season and Serve: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use red potatoes for a naturally creamy texture and nice color.
- Leave a few small lumps in the mashed potatoes for a rustic feel and better texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and seasoning to your taste preference.
- For thinner mashed potatoes, add a bit more milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- These mashed potatoes can be prepared a few hours ahead and gently reheated before serving.
