Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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Influenced by our Eastern European heritage, my family eats a lot of potatoes. Mashed is the favorite treatment, and the dish always includes an unapologetic amount of butter, milk, and the “secret” ingredient, sour cream. The tang of these mashers pairs well with dishes like meatloaf, pot roast, and beef stew.
Special equipment: A potato ricer is invaluable when mashing spuds—it creates a consistency unattainable with a regular potato masher.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 pounds russet potatoes
- Salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Peel potatoes, cut into 1-1/2-inch chunks, and place in a large pot. Immediately add cold water to cover the potatoes by at least 2 inches and enough salt so that the water tastes like seawater.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low and simmer until potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork and just begin to fall apart, about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes in a colander and let sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in the pot used to cook the potatoes, warm the butter and 3/4 cup of the milk over medium heat until the mixture is hot and the butter has melted. Remove from heat.
- Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer and into the milk mixture. Fold in the sour cream until evenly combined and smooth, being careful not to overwork the potatoes. If the potatoes are too thick, add the remaining 1/4 cup milk and stir to combine. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
If you don't have sour cream on hand, use a creamy salad dressing for a little zip, Ranch!
Because of the sour cream, these potatoes can even be made the week ahead and frozen. The sour cream keeps them from getting mealy. I have done this for two Thanksgiving, and I swear nobody can tell the difference.
Makes it so much easier!
i remember being shocked when we emigrated to canada and i discovered people put milk in their mashed potatoes. totally flat tasting and lacking that very tang! we also add roasted garlic, then it's just pure polish heaven.
My moms been maing these for as long as I can remember, and they are always a hit. For a change up, you can add old cheddar cheese and/or spring (green) onions to the mix.
Another tip - make a day ahead of time, cover with plastic when cool and store in the fridge. Pop back in the oven 30 minutes before serving - gets a great brown crust on top, and creamy, mashed potato goodness underneath