Mashed Red Potatoes
These Mashed Red Potatoes are the perfect blend of creaminess and flavor, making them a beloved comfort food for any occasion. Whether you serve them at holiday gatherings or as a delightful addition to weeknight dinners, these potatoes are sure to impress. The aromatic garlic adds a unique twist that elevates this classic side dish, making it a favorite among family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe makes cooking stress-free.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and sour cream results in an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great for holidays, barbecues, or casual dinners—these mashed red potatoes fit any meal.
- Creamy Texture: Using red potatoes gives a velvety consistency that pairs perfectly with any main dish.
- Customizable: Adjust the garlic or add toppings like cheese or gravy for your own twist!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Potato masher or electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly and accommodating all ingredients.
- Potato masher: Helps achieve the desired texture without over-mixing the potatoes.
- Colander: Used for draining excess water from the boiled potatoes effectively.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Mashed Red Potatoes, gather the following ingredients:
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- 2 1/2 pounds red potatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup warm milk, or heavy cream
- 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled (more or less as desired)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Mashed Red Potatoes
Step 1: Boil Potatoes
In a large pot of water, stir in 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil over medium heat. Place 2 1/2 pounds of quartered red potatoes along with 2-3 garlic cloves in the pot. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a fork inserts easily into the potatoes. Drain them well and return them to the pot to let steam evaporate.
Step 2: Mash
Add 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup milk into the pot with the drained potatoes. Use a potato masher to mash everything together until smooth. For an extra creamy texture, consider using an electric mixer instead. If you prefer even creamier mashed potatoes, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
Step 3: Serve
Season your mashed red potatoes with kosher salt and ground black pepper according to your taste. Serve while warm. Enjoy them plain or top them with gravy or melted cheese for an indulgent treat!
How to Serve Mashed Red Potatoes
Mashed red potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with many meals. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Gravy
- Rich Brown Gravy: Pour warm brown gravy over the mashed potatoes for a comforting touch.
- Creamy Mushroom Gravy: For an earthy flavor, serve with mushroom gravy that complements the potatoes’ creaminess.
With Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar on top for a melty, flavorful addition.
- Parmesan Cheese: A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and gourmet touch.
As a Base
- Under Roast Chicken: Serve mashed red potatoes as a base for juicy roast chicken to soak up all the delicious juices.
- With Meatloaf: Pair your mashed potatoes with meatloaf for a classic comfort food experience.
Topped with Greens
- Chopped Chives: Add fresh chopped chives for a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
- Sautéed Spinach: Top with lightly sautéed spinach for added nutrition and a pop of green.
How to Perfect Mashed Red Potatoes
For truly delicious mashed red potatoes, follow these simple tips. Each step can enhance the texture and flavor of this beloved side dish.
- Choose the right potatoes: Use fresh, firm red potatoes for the best taste and texture in your mash.
- Don’t skimp on salt: Adding salt to the boiling water enhances the flavor of the potatoes while cooking.
- Mash while hot: Mash the potatoes immediately after draining them for the creamiest consistency.
- Adjust creaminess to taste: If you prefer extra creamy mashed potatoes, feel free to add more milk or heavy cream gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Mix in garlic early: For even flavor distribution, add peeled garlic cloves when boiling the potatoes.
- Serve immediately: Mashed red potatoes are best enjoyed warm, so serve them right after preparation.
Best Side Dishes for Mashed Red Potatoes
Mashed red potatoes make an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some great side dishes that complement them beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies in olive oil and roast until tender; they add color and health benefits.
- Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds provide crunch and freshness.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed in honey offer a delightful contrast to savory mashed red potatoes.
- Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn brings sweetness and is perfect for summer barbecues alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess of the mashed dish.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans pair well with mashed potatoes, making it a hearty meal option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making mashed red potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the Wrong Potatoes: Not all potatoes are created equal. Red potatoes are waxy and hold their shape better, making them ideal for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Not Boiling Enough: Under-cooking the potatoes can lead to a chunky texture. Ensure they are fork-tender before draining.
- Skipping the Steaming Step: Allowing the potatoes to steam for a few minutes after boiling helps remove excess moisture, resulting in creamier mashed red potatoes.
- Over-Mashing: Using an electric mixer can make the potatoes gummy. Stick to a potato masher for a fluffy texture.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Adding salt and pepper at the end is essential. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover mashed red potatoes in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Mashed Red Potatoes
- Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Mashed Red Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place mashed potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently, until hot.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make creamy mashed red potatoes?
To achieve creamy mashed red potatoes, use warm milk or heavy cream when mashing, and ensure you don’t over-mash them.
Can I add cheese to my mashed red potatoes?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese like cheddar or cream cheese can enhance flavor and create a delightful twist on traditional mashed red potatoes.
What can I serve with mashed red potatoes?
Mashed red potatoes pair well with meats like roasted chicken, beef stew, or as part of holiday meals alongside turkey or ham.
How do I store leftover mashed red potatoes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Mashed red potatoes are a comforting side dish that everyone loves. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them perfect for any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can customize this recipe by adding herbs, cheese, or even bacon bits for extra flavor. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dish!
Mashed Red Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Mashed Red Potatoes, a comforting side dish that elevates any meal. This recipe showcases the perfect balance of buttery flavor and aromatic garlic, making it a favorite at holiday tables and casual weeknight dinners alike. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a velvety mash that pairs beautifully with your favorite mains. Customize it with cheese or toppings for an extra twist, and enjoy the delightful taste that brings family and friends together.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds red potatoes
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup warm milk or heavy cream
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes: In a large pot, add water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then add quartered red potatoes and garlic cloves. Cook for 20-30 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
- Mash: Return drained potatoes to the pot. Add melted butter, sour cream, and milk. Mash until smooth; consider using an electric mixer for extra creaminess.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve warm, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling/Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
