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    Home » Side Dishes

    Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes

    Published: May 20, 2022 · Modified: Sep 1, 2022 by Kelli Avila · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Your favorite potato chip flavor has been transformed into mashed potatoes! Made with simple ingredients, these Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes taste exactly how you would expect and they're incredibly easy to make.

    Sour cream and onion mashed potatoes.

    We all know and love that classic potato chip flavor, and it got me thinking: recreating the sour cream and onion flavor combination in a dinner side dish isn't that far-fetched since they're both made with potatoes!

    This quick-to-make side dish is so good and pairs well with meat main course, but really what doesn't go with mashed potatoes? Plus, it only requires a few ingredients to bring it all together.

    So let's get to making it! The text below offers some tips for making it, or you can scroll down to the bottom for the complete recipe.

    • potatoes in a pot for mashed potatoes
    • Mashing potatoes in a pot.

    Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

    Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe. The full recipe with quantities is listed below this text in the recipe card. If substitutions are available for this recipe, they'll be listed here. If you don't see a substitution you are looking for, please leave a comment below.

    • potatoes (russet or yellow potatoes work the best here)
    • sour cream (you'll want to go with the full-fat version for the best mashed potatoes)
    • butter
    • onion + garlic powder
    • chives (don't skip on these, they add a great additional fresh onion flavor)
    • salt + pepper
    Creamy mashed potatoes in a pot.

    Let's Talk Mashed Potato Consistency

    Mashed potato consistency is all about what your preference is.

    Like it completely smooth? Then you should probably use a potato ricer instead of a handheld masher.

    If you like them creamy, but not overworked, use a handheld masher (which is my preference). I don't mind a few bits of potato left in my mashed potatoes because it adds an additional textural component, so I always hand mash, and just until they are creamy enough.

    Whichever way you mash them, do not overwork them. Overworking mashed potatoes will lead them to turn gummy and sticky, with a terrible mouthfeel. That means don't use any sort of electric device (such as a stand mixer or blender) to mash them.

    The recipe instructions call for setting aside some of the potato cooking water. This is to add to the mashed potatoes to thin them out to your desired consistency. Normally milk does this job, but since this recipe calls for a significant amount of dairy already in the form of sour cream, we've skipped the added milk and just used the potato cooking water. Think of it like adding pasta water to thin out your pasta sauce. It's the same concept!

    To Peel or Not to Peel

    This choice is totally up to you. Leaving the peels on the potatoes has its benefits, like the added texture and, of course, the ease of not having to peel the potatoes.

    But peeling them means creamier potatoes. So choose your own adventure here!

    A plate of chicken with sour cream and onion mashed potatoes.

    Storing and Reheating

    Mashed potatoes keep well for about 3 days in the refrigerator. Store them in an air-tight container. These glass pyrex storage containers are perfect for storing and reheating!

    You can reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave, or in the toaster/oven. If you are reheating them in the toaster/oven, cover them with foil to keep the moisture inside. Reheat at roughly 400 degrees for 10 minutes or so, until warmed through.

    More Side Dish Recipes

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    • Balsamic Roasted Green Beans

    Making the recipe? Be sure to leave a comment with a star review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I'll get back to you as quickly as I can!

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    Full Recipe

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    Sour cream and onion mashed potatoes.

    Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes

    ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆ No reviews
    • Author: Kelli Avila
    • Prep Time: 00:10
    • Cook Time: 00:20
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: Stovetop
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    Description

    Your favorite potato chip flavor transformed into mashed potatoes! These Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes made with simple ingredients totally taste exactly how you would expect and are simple to make.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2.5 lbs. russet or creamy yellow potatoes, washed, peeled and cut to 1” pieces
    • Water to cover about 1-2” over
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ cup chives, sliced
    • Reserved potato water

    Instructions

    1. Place prepared potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water about 1-2″ above. Bring to a boil and then lower to medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of starchy potato water.
    2. Drain potatoes in a colander.
    3. Place the potatoes back in the saucepan and add in the salt, sour cream, butter, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper and chives and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Add potato water as needed to reach your desired consistency (I usually add about ½ cup). Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or black pepper, if desired.
    4. Serve immediately with additional butter and chives!

    Notes

    You can leave your potatoes unpeeled if you prefer.

    Starchy potato water is used to thin out the mashed potatoes instead of milk. This is because the recipe already calls for 1 cup of sour cream, which is a significant amount of dairy and fat, so any additional milk is unnecessary and may make the potatoes feel too heavy.

    Keywords: Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes

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    Kelli Avila, professional cook and baker standing in a kitchen.

    Hi, I'm so glad you are here!

    I'm Kelli, the creator of Everyday Family Eats, this space where I share easy and quick recipes the whole family will love! I'm a former professional cook and baker, and full-time working mom, who is passionate about creating approachable dinner ideas that allow the whole family to gather at the table and enjoy a meal together.

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