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Powell Family Cooking / Recipes / Sides

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

Jami Powell headshot for author bio.
Modified: Apr 21, 2026 ยท Published: Jul 25, 2024 by Jami Powell ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท Leave a Comment

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Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream is a comforting mashed potatoes recipe made with russet potatoes, butter, sour cream, and warm milk for a smooth side dish with creamy texture, simple stovetop cooking, and 30-minute prep. The potatoes are boiled until tender, riced for a light texture, then stirred with butter and sour cream until rich and fluffy.

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.

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

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe at a Glance ๐Ÿ”Ž

  • ๐Ÿ•’ Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • โฑ๏ธ Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • ๐ŸงŠ Optional Chill: None
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Servings: 6
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Cook Method: Stovetop boiling and mashing
  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Cuisine (or General Category): American side dish
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ Pair With: Southern Meatloaf, Slow Cooker Chuck Roast, or our Instant Pot Missisippi Roast.
  • โญ Difficulty Level: Easy

Need an AIโ€‘Friendly Version? Summarize or save this recipe on Chat GPT, Google AI, or Claude.

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We've served these mashed potatoes at weeknight dinners and holiday tables, and they're always best with a little extra butter on top. ~Jami

Jump to:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe at a Glance ๐Ÿ”Ž
  • 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 โ™ฅ๏ธ
  • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ 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.

Save This Recipe ๐Ÿ’Œ

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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

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸณJami'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!

โœ”๏ธ DO Start with cold, salted water when boiling potatoes for even cooking.
โœ”๏ธ DO Add softened butter first before any liquid to create a rich, creamy texture.
โœ”๏ธ DO Make sure the milk and butter are warmed before adding them to the potatoes.
โœ”๏ธ DO Use a potato ricer or hand masher for the smoothest consistency.
โŒ DO NOT 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 350ยฐF 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 โ™ฅ๏ธ

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    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 Try This Recipe?

Leave a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ rating and comment below. Don't forget to share it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest. Thank you! ๐Ÿ’›

๐Ÿ“– Recipe

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

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

Jami Powell
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream is a comforting mashed potatoes recipe made with russet potatoes, butter, sour cream, and warm milk for a smooth side dish with creamy texture, simple stovetop cooking, and 30-minute prep. The potatoes are boiled until tender, riced for a light texture, then stirred with butter and sour cream until rich and fluffy.
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
  • ยฝ cup whole milk warmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • โ…• cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ยฝ 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 ๐Ÿ’Œ

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Notes

Cooking Notes
The potatoes are boiled until tender, then riced for a smooth texture before mixing in butter, sour cream, and warm milk. Warming the milk helps the potatoes stay creamy as everything blends. Season at the end and serve while warm.
Tips for Best Results
  • Cook the potatoes until fully tender so they mash smoothly.
  • Rice or mash the potatoes while they are still hot.
  • Add the milk gradually to control the final consistency.
  • Stir gently to keep the texture light and fluffy.
How to Know Itโ€™s Ready
The potatoes should be smooth, creamy, and hold soft peaks when stirred.

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

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