These creamy sour cream and onion mashed potatoes are a perfect comfort food! They’re fluffy, rich, and have a delicious onion flavor that makes them special.
Who doesn’t love a side dish that can steal the spotlight? I personally can’t resist sneaking in a spoonful (or three) while serving. They pair wonderfully with anything!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my favorite for their creamy texture and flavor. Russet potatoes work well too, but they can be a bit starchier. If you want, you can mix and match potatoes to get a unique taste.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could substitute with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a hint of tang, just like sour cream.
Sour Cream: Essential for that creamy and tangy kick! Plain yogurt is a great substitute if you don’t have sour cream on hand. It’ll give the same texture and a slight tang.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter, so I can control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking to cut back on dairy, try using olive oil or vegan butter for a different flavor.
Onions: Sautéed onions really elevate the flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can use onion powder, but the fresh onions bring a wonderful aroma.
How Do You Get Perfectly Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
The key to creamy mashed potatoes is good cooking and proper mashing technique. Here are some tips to keep your potatoes fluffy and smooth:
- Start with cold water. Placing potatoes in cold water helps them cook evenly.
- Do not overcook your potatoes; check for fork tenderness around 15 minutes.
- After draining, let the potatoes sit for a minute or so to let steam escape; this helps avoid waterlogged potatoes.
- When mashing, use a gentle hand. Too much beating can turn them gummy.
- Adjust just enough milk to get that creamy texture, but don’t drown the potatoes—better to add gradually!
These simple tips will help you achieve a luxuriously creamy texture every time.
Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes), peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk (adjust as needed for desired creaminess)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Flavor:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mashed potato recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with 15-20 minutes for cooking the potatoes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for special occasions. Perfect for when you want something creamy and comforting without too much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes. They’re done when a fork can easily go through them, so poke one to check!
2. Sauté the Onions:
While your potatoes are cooking, take a small skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion (and garlic if you’re using it) to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
3. Mix Everything Together:
After draining the cooked potatoes, return them to the pot. Now, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, the sautéed onions, chopped green onions (or chives), and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Start with 1/4 cup of the milk.
4. Mash to Perfection:
Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until you reach your desired consistency. If you like them super creamy, feel free to use a hand mixer! Gradually add more milk until everything is nicely blended, and adjust for texture and creaminess.
5. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your mashed potatoes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good mix! Transfer the mashed potatoes to a beautiful serving bowl and sprinkle with extra chopped green onions or chives for garnish.
Serve these creamy, sour cream and onion mashed potatoes warm. They’re an incredible side for roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or any comfort food meal! Enjoy every creamy bite!
FAQ for Creamy Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, but you can also use Russet potatoes. They may yield a slightly different texture, but still make for delicious mashed potatoes.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, plain yogurt is a great substitute. It provides similar tanginess and creaminess. You could also try using extra cream cheese for a richer flavor!
Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time! Just make them, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little milk to restore creaminess.
How Do I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of milk, cover, and heat gently, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
