Description

This recipe for perfect mashed potatoes yields creamy, fluffy potatoes with a rich texture from the addition of crème fraîche or sour cream. The mashed potatoes are cooked gently to retain their delicate flavor and achieve a smooth, buttery finish, ideal as a comforting side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

3.3 lbs floury potatoes, cut into even chunks

Dairy

½ cup skim milk
1 tbsp butter
4 tbsp crème fraîche or sour cream

Seasoning

Salt, a pinch
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Boil the potatoes: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the peeled and evenly chopped potatoes and boil for about 15 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain and dry: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander, then return them to the saucepan. Place the pan over very low heat and cook for 2 minutes to evaporate any residual water and dry out the potatoes completely. This step helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
Heat milk and butter: While the potatoes are drying, gently heat the skim milk and butter together in a small pan until the butter melts and the mixture is warm.
Mash the potatoes: Pour the warm milk and butter mixture over the potatoes. Remove the pan from heat and mash the potatoes using a hand mixer or potato masher until smooth and lump-free.
Add crème fraîche and season: Stir in the crème fraîche or sour cream with a wooden spoon until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Serve warm: Serve the mashed potatoes immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Using floury potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper gives the best fluffy texture.
Drying the potatoes before mashing helps avoid watery mash.
You can substitute crème fraîche with sour cream or full-fat yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
Use a potato masher or hand mixer, but avoid over-mixing which can make potatoes gluey.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: British

Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, perfect mashed potatoes, easy side dish, potato recipe, stovetop mashed potatoes