Our Very Best Mashed Potatoes

Vegetarian
Gluten Free
Health score
4%
Our Very Best Mashed Potatoes
55 min.
10
306kcal

Suggestions

Warm, creamy, and bursting with the perfect balance of garlic, thyme, and black pepper, our "Our Very Best Mashed Potatoes" recipe is a must-try for any comfort food enthusiast. This vegetarian and gluten-free side dish serves up to ten people, making it an ideal addition to your holiday table or a cozy family dinner. With a caloric breakdown that leans towards healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, these mashed potatoes are not only delicious but also satisfying.

The star of this recipe is the Yukon Gold potatoes, which are peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces for even cooking. To infuse a subtle, aromatic flavor, six large garlic cloves are added to the mix, ensuring a hint of garlic in every bite. The potatoes and garlic are boiled until tender, then mashed using a potato ricer or food mill for an ultra-smooth texture.

A unique twist that sets these mashed potatoes apart is the infusion of whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and fresh thyme, which is heated together before being incorporated into the mashed potatoes. This creates a rich, creamy consistency that's hard to resist. Sour cream adds a tangy element that complements the overall taste profile, while a judicious amount of freshly ground black pepper adds a delightful kick.

The recipe allows for some flexibility, as the mashed potatoes can be prepared up to two hours in advance or even chilled for up to eight hours. Simply reheat with a bit of the reserved milk mixture to achieve that just-made consistency. Topped with an extra dollop of unsalted butter and a sprinkle of black pepper, these mashed potatoes are sure to be the talk of your meal.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, our "Our Very Best Mashed Potatoes" recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make and guaranteed to impress. So why wait? Dive into this comforting, flavor-packed side dish and elevate your next meal.

Ingredients

  • lb yukon gold potatoes peeled cut into 2" pieces
  • large garlic clove peeled
  • Tbsp kosher salt divided plus more
  • 1.3 cups milk whole
  •  thyme sprigs 
  • 0.8 cup butter unsalted divided ()
  • 0.8 tsp pepper black freshly ground plus more
  • 0.5 cup cream sour

Equipment

  • bowl
  • sauce pan
  • knife
  • pot
  • stove
  • potato ricer

Directions

  1. Cover 4 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 2" pieces, 6 large garlic cloves, peeled, and 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt with cold water in a large pot. Bring to a low boil on the stovetop over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer (do not boil) until potatoes are very tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife but not falling apart, 20–25 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat 1¼ cups whole milk, 4 thyme sprigs, and ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium, stirring, until butter is melted.
  3. Remove from heat; set aside.
  4. Drain boiled potatoes and garlic; return to pot. Toss over low heat until moisture evaporates, 1–2 minutes. Using potato ricer or food mill, immediately press potatoes and garlic into a large bowl (do not let cool).
  5. Discard thyme from warm milk mixture and gradually stir into hot potatoes, reserving about ½ cup if you plan to make in advance (see Do Ahead). Season with 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt and ¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Fold in ½ cup sour cream and stir with a spoon until incorporated and very smooth (do not overmix or potatoes will become gummy). Taste and adjust seasonings.
  6. Serve topped with remaining 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter and more pepper.
  7. Do Ahead: Mashed potatoes can be made 2 hours ahead; cover and store at room temperature. Or chill, covered, up to 8 hours; reheat over medium with reserved ½ cup milk mixture, rewarmed to melt butter.
  8. Editor's note: This recipe was first printed November 201
  9. Head this way for more comfort food favorites →

Nutrition Facts

Calories306kcal
Protein6.69%
Fat49.36%
Carbs43.95%

Properties

Glycemic Index
22.88
Glycemic Load
23.95
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
11.493043526359%

Flavonoids

Apigenin
0.01mg
Luteolin
0.18mg
Kaempferol
1.46mg
Myricetin
0.03mg
Quercetin
1.3mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:306.31kcal
15.32%
Fat:17.2g
26.46%
Saturated Fat:10.53g
65.79%
Carbohydrates:34.45g
11.48%
Net Carbohydrates:30.33g
11.03%
Sugar:3.3g
3.67%
Cholesterol:47.05mg
15.68%
Sodium:725.93mg
31.56%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:5.24g
10.49%
Vitamin C:37.05mg
44.91%
Vitamin B6:0.58mg
29.16%
Potassium:839.85mg
24%
Manganese:0.34mg
16.93%
Fiber:4.12g
16.49%
Phosphorus:150.46mg
15.05%
Magnesium:48.25mg
12.06%
Vitamin A:570.13IU
11.4%
Vitamin B1:0.17mg
11.29%
Copper:0.21mg
10.56%
Vitamin B3:1.98mg
9.92%
Iron:1.55mg
8.6%
Calcium:80.96mg
8.1%
Folate:30.49µg
7.62%
Vitamin B2:0.13mg
7.61%
Vitamin B5:0.72mg
7.23%
Vitamin K:5.18µg
4.93%
Zinc:0.74mg
4.91%
Vitamin D:0.59µg
3.94%
Vitamin B12:0.22µg
3.63%
Vitamin E:0.48mg
3.17%
Selenium:1.98µg
2.83%
Source:Epicurious