Looking for a delicious and comforting side dish? This Southern Mashed Potatoes Recipe brings the rich flavors of the South straight to your table. With creamy russet potatoes, a hint of garlic, and a touch of butter, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving that perfect side dish. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!

Why This Recipe Works

This Southern Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a standout for its simplicity and rich, buttery flavor. Here’s why it’s so special:

Russet potatoes are the star of the show. Their high starch content makes them perfect for creating that fluffy, creamy texture we all love in mashed potatoes.
Broth instead of plain water adds an extra layer of flavor. Whether you choose vegetable, beef, or chicken broth, this small swap makes a big difference.
Heavy cream or milk ensures a smooth, rich finish, while butter enhances the flavor, making every bite indulgent.
Garlic powder adds a subtle kick that elevates the traditional mashed potato flavor without overpowering it.

Ingredients for Southern Mashed Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful mashed potatoes:

3 lbs. Russet Potatoes (about 6 medium-sized potatoes), peeled, washed, and boiled
8 cups Water or Broth of your choice (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
½ stick Butter (4 tablespoons)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
½ cup Heavy Cream (or substitute with milk or half-and-half)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather the following tools:

Large pot for boiling the potatoes
Potato peeler
Potato masher or hand mixer
Large sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Southern Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes Start by peeling and cutting the russet potatoes into 3-4 pieces each. Once peeled, give the potatoes a good rinse to remove any dirt or starch. Transfer them to a large pot.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes Fill the pot with enough broth or water to cover the potatoes completely. We used about 8 cups of liquid. Set the stove to medium heat, cover the pot, and allow the potatoes to cook until they are tender and can easily be pierced with a fork. This should take around 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the potato pieces.

Step 3: Drain the Potatoes Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat and carefully drain the water or broth. Set the potatoes aside while you prepare the butter mixture.

Step 4: Melt the Butter In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over low heat. This will give the mashed potatoes a rich, buttery base. Be careful not to let the butter brown.

Step 5: Mash the Potatoes Transfer the drained potatoes into the pan with the melted butter. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. If you prefer smoother mashed potatoes, feel free to use a hand mixer.

Step 6: Add Garlic, Cream, and Seasonings Season the mashed potatoes with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring well after each addition to ensure the potatoes become creamy and smooth. Continue mixing until there are no lumps (unless you like a chunkier texture!).

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Boiling Tip: Make sure to salt the water (or broth) generously. This step seasons the potatoes from the inside out.
Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing mashed potatoes can result in a gluey texture. For fluffier mashed potatoes, gently mash them and avoid using too much force.
Adjust Cream: You can adjust the amount of cream based on your desired consistency. If you prefer a lighter texture, swap heavy cream for milk or half-and-half.
Add Extra Flavor: If you want more flavor, toss in herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a touch of grated Parmesan cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not boiling potatoes evenly: Make sure all potato pieces are of similar size to ensure even cooking.
Undercooking or overcooking: Undercooked potatoes can be difficult to mash, while overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged. Always test the potatoes with a fork to ensure they’re just tender.
Over-seasoning: While salt is essential, be cautious not to over-salt your mashed potatoes. Taste as you go to prevent over-seasoning.

Recipe Variations and Substitutes

Swap Potatoes: While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes for a richer, buttery texture.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh or dried herbs such as chives, parsley, or rosemary to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk or a non-dairy milk substitute in place of heavy cream.

How to Store and Reheat Southern Mashed Potatoes

Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, transfer the mashed potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze mashed potatoes. Scoop them into a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to help revive the creamy texture. Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a simple yet beautiful presentation, place a pat of butter on top of the mashed potatoes and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives. For a more indulgent touch, drizzle some additional heavy cream over the top just before serving. These mashed potatoes pair perfectly with roasted meats, vegetables, or your favorite Southern dishes like fried chicken or collard greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Southern mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to 1 day in advance. Simply reheat with a bit of cream or broth before serving.

Q: What type of potatoes is best for mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy, creamy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold for a slightly denser, buttery texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered this classic Southern Mashed Potatoes Recipe, why not share it with friends and family? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this one!