Description
This Christmas Mashed Potatoes recipe shares seven secrets for achieving creamy, perfectly smooth mashed potatoes that are a comforting holiday classic. Featuring tender boiled potatoes enriched with butter, milk, and sour cream, and finished with a garnish of fresh chives, this dish is ideal for festive family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
Dairy & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and chop potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes carefully and chopping them into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Boil potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water and boil them until they are tender when pierced with a fork, usually about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes: Drain the hot water from the potatoes using a colander and return the drained potatoes back into the warm pot.
- Add butter and milk: Add the butter and milk to the hot potatoes, allowing the butter to melt and incorporate smoothly with the milk.
- Mash potatoes: Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes thoroughly until smooth and creamy in texture.
- Stir in sour cream and seasonings: Fold in the sour cream along with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to combine all the flavors without overworking.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and garnish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and subtle onion flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Warm the milk before adding to prevent cooling down the potatoes.
- Do not overmix to avoid gummy mashed potatoes.
- Sour cream adds richness and a slight tanginess that enhances the flavor.
- Chives add a fresh, mild onion flavor and attractive garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, mashed potatoes recipe, festive potato dish
