These Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes Recipe is your ticket to the creamiest, fluffiest, most flavorful side dish. Butter, warm milk, and full-fat sour cream create the perfect balance of rich, smooth, and tangy flavor. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but worthy of a spot on your holiday table.
Updated August 2025: This post has been updated with new tips, FAQs, and clearer instructions. It was originally posted on May 22, 2024.
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As a lifelong home cook sharing modern comfort food since 2013, I can say these potatoes are a crowd-pleaser every time. If you love mashed potatoes, don't miss my Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Mayonnaise or serve them with Southern Meatloaf for a comforting, soul-satisfying meal.
Before You Cook, Read This
- Use the right potatoes: Yukon Golds for buttery richness, Russets for fluffiness.
- Don't over-mix: A hand masher keeps them rustic, a mixer makes them smoother-but too much mixing = gluey potatoes.
- Warm ingredients: Softened butter and warmed milk blend better and keep potatoes creamy.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Potatoes - 2 pounds, Yukon Gold, Russet, or a 50/50 mix.
- Sour Cream - Use full-fat for the best flavor.
- Butter - Softened or melted, salted or unsalted.
- Milk - Whole milk or heavy cream.
- Salt & Pepper - Season to taste, start with kosher salt and black pepper.
👉🏾 See the full recipe card below for exact quantities and step-by-step instructions.
📖 Recipe
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 large pot or saucepan
- 1 stand mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup butter, softened or melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Peel the 2 pounds of potatoes using a sharp knife to chop them into even size cubes, about ½ to 1 inch. Use a large pot and add the potato cube pieces. Rinse them in water until the water is no longer cloudy and runs clear.
- Cover potatoes with cold water to ensure they cook evenly, avoiding hard centers. Place on the stovetop over medium heat and allow them to come to a boil. Continue boiling until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes
- Add the boiled potatoes to a stand mixer bowl with the whisk attachment, or a large bowl with a handheld mixer.
- Add the ½ cup softened butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Using a mixer, mix on medium speed until the potatoes no longer have any large chunks.
- Adjust the mixer to low speed, add the ½ cup sour cream and ½ cup milk, and continue mixing until they have a creamy texture.
- Serve immediately while still warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Salt the water generously before boiling for maximum flavor.
- Check potatoes often; once fork-tender, they're ready. Overboiling makes them watery.
- Mash until smooth, but avoid over-mixing to prevent a gummy texture.
- If the mash feels stiff, add a splash of warm milk until creamy.
Expert Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes
- Salt the water generously, about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt per 2 pounds, for well-seasoned potatoes.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash more milk as needed.
- Don't let potatoes sit in water too long after boiling, or they may get waterlogged.
- Garnish with chives, parsley, or a pat of butter for restaurant-style presentation.
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Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Portion into freezer bags (flatten to freeze evenly). Freeze up to 1 month.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring often. Add milk as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Microwave: Heat at 50% power until warmed through.
- Oven: Bake at 350 °F until hot, stirring halfway.
- Slow Cooker: Warm on low until heated through.
FAQs
Yes! Prep a day before, store covered, and reheat in the oven with a little extra butter or milk.
Yes! Greek yogurt gives a similar tangy flavor, though it's less rich.
Yukon Gold for creamy, Russet for fluffy. A mix of both gives the best results.
What to Serve with Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Pair them with:
- Southern Fried Chicken
- Southern Meatloaf
- Cornbread Dressing
- Hamburger Steak & Gravy
- Crockpot Beef Stew
If you try this recipe, don't forget to rate it and tag @simplylakita on Instagram so I can see your mashed potato magic!
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!
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