Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream Recipes for Creamy Perfection

Updated On: October 14, 2025

Mashed potatoes with sour cream is a classic comfort food that transforms the humble potato into a rich, creamy side dish perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving up a cozy family dinner or preparing a festive holiday feast, this recipe brings out the best in potatoes by adding tangy sour cream that adds a luscious depth of flavor.

The smooth texture and subtle zest make it a crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients and simple steps.

In this blog post, you’ll discover how to make perfect mashed potatoes with sour cream every time, along with some handy tips to customize them to your liking. If you adore comforting, flavorful recipes, this will quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mashed potatoes with sour cream recipe is beloved for its creamy texture and tangy richness that elevates ordinary mashed potatoes to a gourmet level. The sour cream perfectly balances the buttery potatoes, creating a mellow yet flavorful dish.

Not only is it incredibly simple to prepare, but it also pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of mains, from roasted chicken to grilled vegetables. Its versatility means it can be dressed up with herbs or kept classic for a timeless taste.

Additionally, this recipe uses common pantry staples, so you can whip it up any night of the week without hassle. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these mashed potatoes will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling potatoes
  • Potato masher or potato ricer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander for draining potatoes
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks about 2 inches each. This ensures they cook evenly.
  2. Boil the potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Drain and dry: Drain the potatoes well in a colander. Return them to the hot pot and place over low heat for 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture. This helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
  4. Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and lump-free.
  5. Add butter and sour cream: Stir in the softened butter and sour cream while the potatoes are still warm. Mix gently until fully incorporated and creamy.
  6. Incorporate milk: Slowly add the warm milk or cream, stirring continuously until you reach your desired consistency. You may not need all the milk, so add gradually.
  7. Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning carefully to enhance the flavors.
  8. Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes—they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture.

If you want to boost the flavor, try adding roasted garlic or caramelized onions to the mash. For a healthier twist, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, which adds tanginess and protein without too much fat.

You can also experiment by mixing in shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled bacon for a loaded mashed potato experience. For vegan alternatives, check out Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food for inspiration on dairy-free creamy potato dishes.

For a lighter version, swap the butter for olive oil and use low-fat sour cream. Remember, the key to perfect mashed potatoes is not overworking them to avoid gluey texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per serving)
Calories 220 kcal
Carbohydrates 30 g
Protein 4 g
Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Sodium 380 mg
Fiber 3 g

Serving Suggestions

This mashed potatoes with sour cream recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. It also complements vegetarian mains such as grilled portobello mushrooms or lentil loaf.

For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted carrots. If you love hearty comfort food, try this recipe with a rich gravy or mushroom sauce.

Looking for more delicious vegetarian side dishes? Check out these recipes:

Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipes

If you love the basic mashed potatoes with sour cream, why not try some delightful variations? Here are three tasty recipes that put a delicious twist on this classic:

Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

This version infuses the potatoes with roasted garlic and fresh herbs, adding an aromatic layer of flavor.

  • Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes, 1 cup sour cream, 4 cloves roasted garlic (mashed), 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Follow the basic mashed potato recipe, stirring in the roasted garlic and parsley along with the sour cream and butter. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

For cheese lovers, this recipe adds shredded sharp cheddar for a creamy, cheesy indulgence.

  • Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 4 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup milk, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: After mashing the potatoes with butter and sour cream, fold in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Serve warm.

Spicy Jalapeño Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

Add a little heat to your mashed potatoes with diced jalapeños and a touch of smoked paprika.

  • Ingredients: 2 pounds potatoes, 1 cup sour cream, 1-2 jalapeños (deseeded and finely chopped), 3 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Prepare mashed potatoes as usual, stirring in jalapeños and smoked paprika with the sour cream and butter. Adjust spice level as desired.

Each variation offers a unique flavor profile that complements the creamy tang of sour cream beautifully. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite!

Conclusion

Mashed potatoes with sour cream are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and joy to the dining table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers creamy, flavorful results every time.

Whether you stick to the classic or explore the exciting variations, these mashed potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.

Perfect for everyday meals or special occasions, they pair well with numerous dishes, making them a versatile side that never goes out of style. If you’re looking for more delicious, easy-to-make recipes, be sure to explore our collection, including Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more delightful ideas.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness that only mashed potatoes with sour cream can offer!

📖 Recipe Card: Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

Description: Creamy mashed potatoes enhanced with tangy sour cream for extra flavor. A perfect side dish for any meal.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
  2. Add salt to the water and bring to a boil.
  3. Cook potatoes until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
  4. Drain potatoes and return to pot.
  5. Mash potatoes until smooth.
  6. Stir in butter, sour cream, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  7. Mix until creamy and well combined.
  8. Garnish with chopped chives before serving if desired.

Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 29 g

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Marta K

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