Powell Family Cooking

  • Recipe Index
  • Summer Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Summer Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Summer Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
×
You are here: Home / Recipes / Sides

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

📋 Modified: Feb 15, 2025 Published: Jul 25, 2024 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Be the friend who shares good food.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • SMS
Jump to Recipe

These mashed potatoes with sour cream are the ultimate creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned side dish. The sour cream adds a subtle tang, making them extra rich and smooth.

When our family wants an easy and satisfying meal, we pair these with our Southern Meatloaf, Slow Cooker Chuck Roast, or our Instant Pot Missisippi Roast.

Mashed potatoes in a black bowl with a melted butter pat and parsley.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

Homemade mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that has been a staple in many cultures. By adding sour cream, you have a dish that is creamy, tangy, and delicious.

If you like this potato dish recipe, you may also love our Creamy Three Cheese Scalloped Potatoes, Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, or our Instant Pot Baby Red Potatoes.

Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Sour Cream Mashed Potato Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Crispy Potato Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Creamy Texture: The combination of butter and sour cream creates a rich, creamy consistency. If you’re looking for another rich and satisfying dish, try our Beef Stroganoff (No Mushrooms)—traditionally served over pasta but just as delicious spooned over these buttery mashed potatoes!
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Sour Cream Mashed Potato Ingredients

A labeled photo of all the ingredients needed to make mashed potatoes with sour cream.
  • Russet Potatoes: Perfect for mashing due to their starchy texture. Leftover russets? Make these Irish Pub Nachos.
  • Whole Milk: Adds a creamy texture; warm it before adding.
  • Unsalted Butter: Softened to mix easily; provides richness.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a tangy flavor and extra creaminess.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
  • Garlic (optional): For an additional layer of flavor.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Whole Milk: Substitute with half and half for a rich flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier version.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

An image of the cooked potato chunks draining in a strainer.

STEP 1: Cook the Potatoes

Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.

An image of the potatoes riced.

STEP 2: Rice the Potatoes

Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Using a potato ricer, process the potatoes back into the pot.

An image of the potatoes with all of the combined ingredients.

STEP 3: Add Butter, Milk, and Sour Cream

Add the softened butter first, then sour cream to the riced potatoes. Stir until melted and incorporated. Gradually add the warmed milk, stirring continuously until the potatoes reach the desired creamy consistency.

The potatoes are in a black bowl with parsley and butter pat ready to serve.

STEP 4: Season and Serve

Stir in the kosher salt and black pepper. If using, add the minced garlic for extra flavor. Mix well. Serve warm.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Start with cold, salted water when boiling potatoes for even cooking.
✔️ DO Add softened butter first before any liquid to create a rich, creamy texture.
✔️ DO Make sure the milk and butter are warmed before adding them to the potatoes.
✔️ DO Use a potato ricer or hand masher for the smoothest consistency.
❌ DON’T use a blender or food processor—this overworks the starches and makes the potatoes gluey.

Storage

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Recipe FAQs

What does adding sour cream do to mashed potatoes?

Adding sour cream to mashed potatoes makes them creamier and adds a slight tanginess, which enhances the overall flavor and richness of the dish.

Can you make mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them?

Yes, you can make mashed potatoes ahead of time. Allow them to cool completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How do you keep mashed potatoes from getting gummy?

To avoid gummy mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher, ensure the milk and butter are warmed before adding, and avoid overmixing the potatoes.

Mashed potatoes in a black bowl with a melted butter pat and parsley.

Crispy Potato Recipes You'll Love ♥️

  • Cowboy Potatoes close up in cast iron skillet with wooden spoon.
    Cowboy Potatoes
  • Deep fried sweet potato chips feature image close up in bowl on top of a paper towel.
    Deep Fried Sweet Potato Chips
  • air fryer sweet potato fries close up with garlic aioli feature image
    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
  • Cooked air fryer potato wedges on air fryer tray with seasoning.
    Easy Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Did You Like This Creamy Mashed Potato Recipe?

  • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think sour cream potatoes are amazing!

📖 Recipe

Mashed potatoes in a black bowl with a melted butter pat and parsley.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

Jami Powell
These mashed potatoes with sour cream are the ultimate creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned side dish. The sour cream adds a subtle tang, making them extra rich and smooth. Ready in 30 minutes, this foolproof recipe is perfect for weeknight meals, holiday dinners, or meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 6
Calories 202 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Potato ricer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups

Ingredients
  

  • 6 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced in large chunks
  • ½ cup whole milk warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)

Garnish

  • dried parsley and a drizzle of olive oil or butter optional

Instructions
 

  • Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  • Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Using a potato ricer, process the potatoes back into the pot.
  • Add the softened butter and sour cream to the riced potatoes and stir until melted and incorporated. Gradually add the warmed milk, stirring continuously until the potatoes reach the desired creamy consistency.
  • Stir in the kosher salt and black pepper. If using, add the minced garlic for extra flavor. Mix well. Serve warm.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

Notes

Storage Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze Freezing is not recommended.
Reheat When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Substitutions
  • Whole Milk: Substitute with half and half for a rich flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier version.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.
Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition

Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 409mgPotassium: 937mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 98IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

Other Related Recipes

  • An Italian white bean salad in a wooden salad bowl with garnish.
    Italian White Bean Salad with Parmesan Vinaigrette
  • Creamy lemon orzo pasta in a white bowl with dill, feta, and lemon as garnish.
    Creamy Lemon Orzo Pasta with Feta
  • Cajun dirty rice with green onion garnish in a black bowl.
    Cajun Dirty Rice + Video
  • Cauliflower bites in white bowl with garnish and a side of garlic aioli.
    Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Be the friend who shares good food.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • SMS

Comments

No Comments

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Professional image of the Powell family sitting on a rock at the beach.

This is us. ♥️
We began this journey together in 2020, not really knowing which direction to take. Much has changed over the years, but we remain dedicated to this endeavor. We hope you continue to visit.

More about us →

Summer Recipes

  • Panzanella salad on a white platter topped with burrata cheese, basil, and seasoning.
    Burrata Panzanella Platter with Heirloom Tomatoes
  • Quinoa cucumber salad with chickpeas, feta, and herbs in a decorative wooden bowl.
    Quinoa Cucumber Salad with Chickpeas, Feta, and Herbs
  • Fresh fruit salad tossed in a glass bowl and ready to serve.
    Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
  • Crunchy cucumber salad with garnish in a white bowl.
    Crunchy Cucumber Salad with Peanut Dressing
  • Pulled pork bbq with juices in white bowl with a large silver fork and cloth towel.
    Best Instant Pot Pulled Pork
  • Elote corn dip in molcajete bowl with garnish and chips.
    Creamy Elote Corn Dip (Mexican Street Corn Salad)
See more Summer →

Popular Recipes

  • A feature image of the scallop recipe with the linguine being twirled around a fork.
    Easy Bay Scallop Pasta Recipe (Lemon & Garlic Sauce)
  • Beef stroganoff without mushrooms feature image close up in skillet
    Creamy Beef Stroganoff without Mushrooms
  • garbanzo bean soup recipe with chorizo feature image close up
    Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup with Chorizo
  • Feature image of fried grouper cheeks on a wire rack.
    Grouper Cheeks Recipe (Fried to Perfection)!
  • Bacon and Green Beans on a plate.
    Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
  • Sartin's signature deep fried bbq blue crabs copycat recipe feature image close up of fried crabs on platter on back deck next to a glass of white wine
    Sartin’s Signature Deep Fried BBQ Blue Crabs: Copycat Recipe

Footer

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Mailing List

  • Subscribe

Contact

  • Email

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Powell Family Cooking, LLC

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.