Velvety Mashed Potatoes

The Quintessence of Comfort Food: Our Creamy Mashed Potatoes

There’s something inherently special about a truly perfect serving of mashed potatoes. For many, it evokes warmth, family gatherings, and the comforting embrace of home-cooked meals. At our house, these Creamy Mashed Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a tradition, a culinary cornerstone of our most cherished moments, particularly our beloved Sunday dinners.

This recipe isn’t just about mashing potatoes; it’s about crafting an experience. We aim for a divine balance: a texture that’s mostly creamy with just a hint of rustic chunkiness, infused with an abundance of buttery richness and a secret ingredient that elevates them to an unparalleled level of deliciousness. This is how we define comfort food.

Growing up, Sunday dinner was an event. It was a time when the hurried pace of the week faded, replaced by the warmth of good company and a hot, leisurely meal. Mashed potatoes were almost always on the table, a comforting presence that solidified their place in my heart as the ultimate comfort food. This particular recipe captures that nostalgia, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that truly nourishes the soul.

The world of mashed potatoes is vast and varied, with as many preferences as there are cooks. Some swear by a southern-style mash, skins-on for added texture and nutrients. Others prefer a perfectly smooth, almost whipped consistency, akin to a cloud on a plate. This recipe strikes a harmonious balance, offering a luxurious creaminess that is neither overly smooth nor too chunky, designed to appeal to nearly every palate at your table.

The Unrivaled Choice: Yukon Gold Potatoes for Mashing

The foundation of any exceptional mashed potato dish lies in selecting the right potato. For that ideal texture – tender, creamy, and with just the right amount of starch – I wholeheartedly recommend Yukon Gold potatoes. Their naturally buttery flavor and slightly waxy texture make them perfectly suited for mashing, ensuring they absorb the rich flavors without becoming gluey or overly watery.

Like many beloved creamy mashed potato recipes, this one incorporates classic dairy components: luscious melted butter, a vibrant splash of buttermilk, and a generous dollop of sour cream. These ingredients contribute depth, tang, and an undeniable richness. However, what truly sets these mashed potatoes apart, elevating them to an unforgettable level of creaminess and delectable flavor, is our special secret ingredient: cream cheese. The subtle tang and unparalleled creaminess that cream cheese brings transform an already good side dish into the most delicious companion for any Sunday dinner. Prepare for a culinary revelation!

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

Crafting these heavenly mashed potatoes requires a few key ingredients and basic kitchen supplies. For exact measurements and additional details, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Ingredients:

• Yukon gold potatoes (the star of our show!)
• Reserved liquid from boiled potatoes (crucial for texture control)
• Unsalted butter (for richness and flavor)
• Cream cheese, softened (our secret ingredient for ultimate creaminess)
• Sour cream (adds tang and moisture)
• Buttermilk (contributes a delicate tang and silky smooth texture)
• Garlic salt (a flavor enhancer)
• Onion salt (another aromatic boost)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste, for perfect seasoning)

A Potato for Every Culinary Purpose: Your Ultimate Guide

Choosing the right potato can make all the difference in a dish. Different varieties offer unique characteristics in terms of starch content, texture, and flavor, making them suitable for specific cooking methods. Here’s my comprehensive guide to selecting the best potato for whatever delicious creation you’re making:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: As highlighted, Yukon Gold potatoes are truly unparalleled for mashed or twice-baked potatoes. Their medium starch content and buttery flavor ensure they break down into a wonderfully creamy consistency when boiled, without becoming excessively starchy or gluey. They hold moisture beautifully, making them ideal for a rich, smooth mash.
• Perfect Baked Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the undisputed champions for baking. Their high starch content and thick skin bake up to a delightfully fluffy interior and a crisp, delicious exterior. They absorb butter and toppings like no other, making them perfect for a classic loaded baked potato.
• Hearty Beef Stew: For dishes like beef stew, where you want potatoes to soak up flavor yet maintain their structural integrity, baby Yukon gold or baby red potatoes are excellent choices. Their waxy texture prevents them from disintegrating during long simmering times, ensuring you have tender, flavorful chunks throughout your stew.
• Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes: Baby red potatoes, baby gold potatoes, and fingerling potatoes are perfectly sized for roasting. Their delicate skins mean no peeling is required, and they roast up beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining tender and fluffy on the inside. A simple toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs is all they need.
• Classic Potato Salad: When it comes to potato salad, especially if you prefer to keep the skins on, I always reach for petite varieties like baby red or baby gold potatoes. Their waxy composition means they boil to a tender bite without falling apart, which is crucial for a potato salad that holds its shape and texture. They also readily absorb the dressing, delivering maximum flavor in every bite.

Mastering the Art of Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the ultimate creamy mashed potatoes is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for consistently perfect results that will impress every time:

• Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. Once peeled, cut them into uniform 1-1/2 inch cubes. Consistency in size is key here, as it ensures all the potato pieces cook evenly. Transfer these cubes to a large pot. Pour in enough cold water to completely cover the potatoes by about one inch. Placing them in cold water and bringing it to a boil helps them cook more evenly from the outside in. Bring the pot to a vigorous boil over high heat.
• Cook to Perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and allow the potatoes to simmer gently for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. The goal is fork-tender potatoes – they should yield easily when poked with a fork, but still hold their shape. Exercise caution not to overcook them, as this can lead to waterlogged or gluey mashed potatoes. Before draining, carefully remove and reserve one cup of the starchy cooking liquid. This liquid is invaluable for achieving the perfect consistency later. Drain the remaining boiled potatoes into a colander, allowing all excess water to escape.
• Initial Mashing: Immediately transfer the hot, drained potatoes back into the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the reserved 1 cup of hot potato liquid. Using the paddle attachment, beat the potatoes on low speed for about 2 minutes. During this initial stage, the potatoes will begin to break down and incorporate the liquid, starting the mashing process. The heat from the potatoes is crucial for proper mashing and absorption of flavors.

Quick tip! If you don’t have access to an electric mixer, don’t fret! You can still achieve wonderfully creamy mashed potatoes. Simply mash them by hand using a sturdy potato masher until mostly smooth, or opt for a handheld mixer for a similar result. The key is to mash them while they are still piping hot.

• Incorporate Richness and Flavor: At this stage, add the melted unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic salt, and onion salt to the bowl with the partially mashed potatoes. Mix on low speed, just until all the ingredients are combined and no dry pockets remain. This gentle mixing ensures even distribution of all the wonderful flavors.
• Achieve Ultimate Creaminess: Once combined, increase the mixer speed to medium and continue beating for approximately one minute. This will further break down the potatoes and thoroughly incorporate the dairy and seasonings, resulting in that signature creamy texture. Remember, the potatoes do not need to be perfectly smooth; a slight rustic texture can add to their homemade charm. Avoid over-mixing, as this can activate too much starch and lead to a gluey consistency.

Elevate Your Sunday Dinner: More Family Favorites

No Sunday dinner is complete without a full spread of mouth-watering dishes. These creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of main courses and other sides. Here are some of my all-time favorite family recipes that will help you pull out all the stops for a memorable meal everyone will talk about:

• Roasted Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken: Don’t let the exquisite presentation of this roasted chicken intimidate you. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and delivers incredible flavor. The aromatic lemon, garlic, and rosemary infuse the chicken, creating a tender, juicy, and incredibly fragrant main course that complements our creamy mashed potatoes perfectly.
• Vibrant Broccoli Salad: For a refreshing contrast, this Broccoli Salad is a winner. Crispy, crunchy, subtly sweet, and a touch salty, it delivers big on texture and flavor! It’s so satisfying and delicious that it has been known to convert even the most reluctant veggie eater into a broccoli lover. Its straightforward preparation makes it an impressive yet effortless addition to any feast.
• Heaven-Sent Angel Biscuits: One bite of these divinely delicious creations, and you’ll instantly understand why they are called Angel Biscuits. Light, fluffy, and perfectly buttery, they truly taste heaven-sent! They’re the ideal accompaniment to soak up all that delicious gravy and mashed potato goodness.
• SuSu’s Sour Cream Pound Cake: Save the best for last with this classic dessert. SuSu’s Sour Cream Pound Cake is moist, dense, and rich, pairing beautifully with seasonal fresh fruits for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s a timeless recipe that’s sure to become a cherished family favorite, bringing a sweet and satisfying end to your memorable Sunday dinner.