These Fluffy Mashed Potatoes are flavorful, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. They're the ultimate dinner side dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
You're going to love how creamy and fluffy these mashed potatoes are! I love to make them with Yukon gold or yellow potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Instead of butter, this recipe uses low-fat sour cream and chicken broth to add a delicious tang and depth of flavor.
This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients in no time. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving some comfort food. Customize them to your liking by adding your favorite herbs or toppings.
It's the perfect side dish for any meal, whether a holiday feast or a simple weeknight meal. If you love potato recipes, try these Garlic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes or these Crispy Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Need a dairy-free version? Try these Almond Milk Mashed Potatoes.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks. These potatoes work best for this recipe because they're creamy and flavorful.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred to add flavor without making the mashed potatoes too salty. You can also use vegetable broth or milk if you prefer.
- Sour Cream: Low-fat sour cream adds tang and creaminess to the mashed potatoes. You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or butter if you don't have sour cream.
- Salt and Pepper: Adding salt to the water while boiling the potatoes gives them an added depth of flavor. Then season with salt and pepper to serve.
*The full ingredient list with amounts is in the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Boil the potatoes. Place the potato chunks in a large pot. Fill with enough cold water to just cover the potatoes. Be sure to use cold water for even cooking. Season with salt. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer. Cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until they're soft enough to pierce with a fork without any resistance. Remove from heat.
- Drain and mash. Once they're soft, drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add in the sour cream, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, mash until smooth (or your desired consistency).
- Serve. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Top with your favorite mashed potato toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes
Want to take your mashed potatoes to the next level? Here are some expert tips to ensure your mashed potatoes are the creamiest, fluffiest, and most delicious you've ever had.
- Choose the right type of potatoes. Yukon gold or yellow potatoes are the best option for delicious and fluffy mashed potatoes. You could use russets, which are very starchy and will also be very fluffy, but they don't have as much flavor. Read more about choosing the best potatoes for mashed potatoes.
- Don't overcook the potatoes. Overcooked potatoes can become gummy and gluey, so be sure to check them for doneness frequently while cooking.
- Mash the potatoes thoroughly. Be sure to mash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any lumps or chunks. You can use a potato masher, fork, or even a ricer, being careful not to overmix. Avoid using a mixer or food processor, as they will be more whipped than fluffy.
- Season to taste. Be sure to taste the potatoes and add salt and pepper to your liking. You can add other seasonings like garlic powder, herbs, or grated cheese.
- Add liquid in small amounts. When adding liquid to the mashed potatoes, start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency. You don't want the potatoes to become too runny.
Variations
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add minced garlic or roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for a delicious garlic flavor.
- Herb Mashed Potatoes: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for an extra pop of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
I love to enjoy these mashed potatoes any day of the week or with a holiday meal. You can serve them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter alongside an easy roast turkey or chicken. They also pair well with juicy steak or pork chops. Serve them with cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian option.
Favorite Mashed Potato Toppings
- Chopped fresh herbs, like chives or parsley
- Dollop of sour cream
- Pat of butter
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- Stir in chopped/mashed roasted garlic
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Warm gravy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Yes, you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time. For holiday meals, you can make them ahead of time and keep them warm in the crockpot for a few hours. Or you can reheat them on the stovetop. Just add a little extra liquid, like broth or milk, when reheating to prevent them from becoming dry.
If you don't have a potato masher, you can use a fork or a sturdy whisk to mash the potatoes.
Yes, you can use milk instead of chicken broth if you prefer. However, this will make the mashed potatoes creamier but less flavorful.
More Side Dish Recipes
We have plenty of favorite side dish recipes for your next meal! Check out some of these easy recipes.
- Honey Thyme Roasted Rainbow Carrots
- Sautéed Sweet Potatoes
- Homemade Stuffing with French Bread
- Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Carrots and Green Beans
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Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: American
Description
These are the best Fluffy Mashed Potatoes you can make. They're super easy, creamy and made with only 4 ingredients. Just season them with salt, pepper, and top with your favorite fresh herbs. You are going to love these!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon gold or yellow potatoes, peeled and cut (1-inch) chunks
- ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream
- salt and pepper
- fresh herbs for serving, like chopped chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place the potato chunks in a large pot. Fill with enough cold water to cover the potatoes. Season with salt. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potato chunks are soft enough to pierce with a fork without any resistance. Remove from heat.
- Drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add the sour cream, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Mash until smooth (or your desired consistency).
- Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Top with your favorite mashed potato toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Don't overcook the potatoes. Check them for doneness frequently while cooking. Overcooked potatoes can become gummy and gluey.
Nutritional Values (per serving) are approximates only.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 335.4 mg
- Fat: 1.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.2 g
- Fiber: 5.7 g
- Protein: 7.1 g
- Cholesterol: 2.1 mg
Keywords: mashed potatoes, side dish, holiday recipe, holiday side dish, potatoes
Made this with milk instead of broth, added garlic, chives, and a pad of butter, and I love it! These instructions for cutting & boiling the potatoes are spot on for fluffy mashed potatoes. I also discovered that changing the amount of salt just a little can result in a big difference in flavor!
★★★★★