Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes
Light, buttery, and irresistibly smooth mashed potatoes, made with love and the secret touch only Grandma knew.
Why This Recipe is Timeless
- Foolproof Method: Simple, reliable, and perfect every time.
- Unbeatable Texture: Ricing and hand-mashing create smooth, non-gluey potatoes.
- Pure, Comforting Flavor: Just potato, butter, and cream.
- Feels Like Home: More than food—it’s nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 3 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, for the boiling water
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ to 1 cup warm whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: a pat of butter for the top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut into uniform 1.5-inch chunks.
- Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tablespoon kosher salt.
- Bring water to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer, cook 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes. Return empty pot to warm stove, add potatoes back and let steam off excess moisture for 1-2 minutes.
- Rice or mash potatoes while hot until smooth.
- Add softened butter and sour cream, stir gently. Gradually add warm milk to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and white pepper.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, add a pat of butter on top and sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley.
Grandma’s Pro-Tips for Perfection
- Start in cold water to ensure even cooking.
- Warm your milk and butter to avoid gummy potatoes.
- The sour cream adds tang, creaminess, and stability.
- Avoid blenders or food processors—they make gluey potatoes.
- Keep them warm in a heatproof bowl over simmering water if serving later.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare completely, transfer to buttered dish, dot with butter, cover, refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.
- Why are my mashed potatoes gummy?
- Overmixing breaks down starch cells. Mash gently and avoid blenders.
- What’s the best potato to use?
- Russets for fluffiest texture; Yukon Gold for richer, buttery flavor.
- My potatoes are too thin/runny. How can I fix them?
- Cook additional potato chunks, rice them, and stir into the batch to thicken.