Want to know how to make mashed potatoes that are jam-packed full of flavour? Look no further because this mashed potatoes recipe has been polished off with parmesan, sour cream and garlic for a mouthful of flavour with every bite.

Is a great meal really complete without a great side dish? We don’t think so, which is why we’ve added this creamy mashed potato recipe to our list of favorites alongside our crispy parmesan asparagus with garlic butter , our parmesan roasted carrots and my buttery sautéed green beans . Unlike other mash potato recipes, our mash is not just made up of butter, but SOUR CREAM! Half butter, a good amount of sour cream and hot milk make the most perfect creamy mashed potatoes to go with anything for a quick and easy dinner. What to do with leftovers? What leftovers?

Mashed potatoes with melted butter in a bowl  - 1
  • Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

CREAMY MASHED POTATOES

Like our browned butter mashed potatoes with garlic parmesan and our mashed sweet potatoes , this mashed potatoes recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether it be after a hectic day at work, or a festive dinner like Easter, Christmas or Thanksgiving! With only five main ingredients, you guys will love these just as much as we do!

This creamy mash has been in our family for years. We’re not big on measuring things, so imagine how hard it was to add ingredients while measuring them at the same time to make sure I could give you guys the BEST mashed potatoes of your life.

HOW TO MAKE MASHED POTATOES

  • Make sure you start with the best potato possible. If you’re in the US, go for Yukon golds or Russet potatoes. In Australia, choose Dutch Creams, Creme Gold or Creme Royale.
  • Salted water for boiling — not adding salt to the water will yield bland tasting potatoes.
  • Softened unsalted butter — using unsalted ensures you have full control of how salty your mash comes out.
  • Sour cream — makes them EVEN CREAMIER when compared to regular potatoes.
  • Garlic — use fresh where possible.
  • Fresh shredded parmesan cheese — adds incredible flavour.
  • Hot milk — why hot milk? To ensure your potatoes are still warm after mashing.
Loading - 2 Loading - 3 A close up image of melted butter on creamy mashed potatoes - 4

HOW LONG TO BOIL POTATOES FOR MASH

Cut your potatoes into the same sized pieces to ensure they all cook evenly and at the same time. Boil potatoes in salted water until JUST fork-tender. Try not to over cook too much as they can become quite sticky or gluey when overcooked. Sauté garlic in some butter until fragrant. Drain potatoes and add in the hot milk, cooked garlic, remaining butter and sour cream. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth, adding a little extra milk if needed. You can also use an electric hand mixer to ensure a smoother consistency. Beat just enough for them to smooth out while being extra careful not to over beat as they may become gluggy.

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS

You can add almost anything and they will taste amazing. Some optional ingredients include:

Onions: green onions, shallots, red onion (again, add to the water with the potatoes and cook together). Garlic: finely chop a couple of cloves and cook with melted butter before adding them into your mash. Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, chives or rosemary. Cream cheese Bacon: crisp up some bacon bits before adding them in. Don’t forget to leave some to garnish with just before serving. Parmesan cheese

Fluffy mashed potatoes topped with green garnish and slices of melting butter in a Black bowl. - 5 Fluffy mashed potatoes topped with green garnish and slices of melting butter in a Black bowl. - 6

You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you reheat your potatoes, add one to two tablespoons of milk per cup of potatoes. Warm them up in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a pot on the stove on medium-low heat.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH MASHED POTATOES?

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort side, and they pair beautifully with just about any main dish. For a cozy Sunday dinner, serve them with my Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken —crispy skin, juicy meat, and plenty of pan juices to spoon over your mash.

If you’re in the mood for something bold, Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender with a smoky-sweet glaze that’s irresistible with creamy potatoes. For a special occasion, nothing beats Garlic Herb Prime Rib Roast or a perfectly golden Roast Turkey , both rich and decadent with mashed potatoes on the side. Don’t forget the Turkey Gravy Recipe —it ties everything together with velvety flavor.

And when you want mashed potatoes as part of a full comfort meal, my French Shepherd’s Pie (Hachis Parmentier) or my Easy Baked Scallops Gratin are the perfect way to turn them into a hearty main dish.

Karina in a white and black dress with her hair blowing back, standing in front of her cooktop, cooking salmon in a pan - 7

Get afreeeBook!

IngredientsUSMetric1x2x3x

  • ▢ 2 pounds potatoes Russet, Yukon Gold, Dutch Creams, Creme Gold, Creme Royale
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
  • ▢ 1/2 cup milk hot
  • ▢ 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened, close to room temp is best
  • ▢ 6-8 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • ▢ 1/4 cup sour cream reduced fat
  • ▢ 1/4 cup parmesan cheese fresh shredded, optional
  • ▢ 1 pinch salt to taste
  • ▢ 1 pinch pepper to taste
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped to garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Peel and cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise. Remove any spots, lumps or knots.
  • Place potatoes in a large pot (6-quart) and cover with cold, salted water by an inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat down to medium-low and allow to simmer until fork tender (about 15-20 minutes).
  • When potatoes are just about done (nearly fork-tender), heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small pan over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Drain cooked potatoes, add in the remaining butter, cooked garlic, hot milk and sour cream.
  • Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth, adding a little extra milk if needed. (OPTIONAL: Use a strong wooden spoon OR electric beaters to beat further until smooth. Be careful NOT to over beat or they will become gluey.)
  • Add in the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Zoom in image Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes - 8

Easy Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds potatoes Russet, Yukon Gold, Dutch Creams, Creme Gold, Creme Royale
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk hot
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened, close to room temp is best
  • 6-8 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sour cream reduced fat
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese fresh shredded, optional
  • 1 pinch salt to taste
  • 1 pinch pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped to garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Peel and cut potatoes into quarters lengthwise. Remove any spots, lumps or knots.
  • Place potatoes in a large pot (6-quart) and cover with cold, salted water by an inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat down to medium-low and allow to simmer until fork tender (about 15-20 minutes).
  • When potatoes are just about done (nearly fork-tender), heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small pan over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Drain cooked potatoes, add in the remaining butter, cooked garlic, hot milk and sour cream.
  • Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth, adding a little extra milk if needed. (OPTIONAL: Use a strong wooden spoon OR electric beaters to beat further until smooth. Be careful NOT to over beat or they will become gluey.)
  • Add in the parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Nutrition

Thank You! https://cafedelites.com/easy-creamy-mashed-potatoes/

Okay, can we all agree that Taco Tuesday is literally the best night of the week?! It’s my go-to for a fun, easy dinner that I know everyone will love. And since this year’s National Taco Day is happening on a Tuesday (Oct 7th!), we are going ALL out!

I’ve gathered my absolute best, most-loved Taco Tuesday ideas to make your next taco night a total knockout. We are not the only ones crazy about Taco Tuesday Old El Paso is declaring October 7 “ National Taco Day-Off ” and giving you a chance to win a trip to a Cowboy Ranch.

How to Make The Quickest Tacos

I know weeknights are crazy! You want an amazing Taco Tuesday, but you need it FAST. These are my secret weapons for getting delicious tacos on the table in under 30 minutes.

  • Prep Ahead: Chop your lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in the morning or the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, you just have to set them out!
  • Use Smart Shortcuts: Don’t be afraid to use pre-shredded cheese, a bag of slaw mix, or a good quality store-bought pico de gallo or guacamole to save time. You can find pico de gallo in the refrigerated section, I love the one from Trader Joe’s . It’s known for being consistently fresh, chunky, and having a great flavor. My biggest tip for any store-bought pico is to drain off any extra liquid at the bottom of the container and give it a stir. If you want to make it taste homemade, add a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice and a little chopped cilantro. It makes all the difference!
  • Cook The Meat in Batches: I love to cook a double batch of taco meat on Sunday. I use half for dinner that night and save the other half for Tuesday. It reheats in minutes and its good to store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

What to stuff in a Perfect Taco?

Building the perfect taco is an art, and it’s all about the layers! Here’s my guide to the essential components.

  • The Tortilla: Choose your base! Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, great for over-stuffed tacos these are my personal favourite, I use the Tortilla Land uncooked flour tortillas. You find them in the refrigerated section and cook them in a hot pan for about 30 seconds per side. They puff up and taste incredible. Corn tortillas offer an authentic, slightly sweet flavor and are amazing when quickly charred on a gas stove or in a hot pan. Hard Shells give you that classic, satisfying crunch.
  • The Protein: While the recipes below give you tons of options, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Pick from seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, spicy chorizo, or black beans for a great veggie option.
  • The Toppings (The Best Part!): Get creative with a taco bar! Set out bowls of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and guacamole!

Our 10 Must-Make Taco Recipes

Now that you’re armed with all the pro tips, let’s get to the recipes!

Planning a bigger fiesta? Check out my Best New Year’s Eve Appetizers for more crowd pleasing bites that pair perfectly with tacos! Or downsize for a couples romantic date night menu ideas here.

Crispy fish tacos topped with pico de gallo, cilantro, and lime wedges on a plate - 9

Crispy Fish Tacos

Beef tacos with guacamole, salsa, and lime wedges on a plate - 10

Beef Mince Tacos (Better Than Takeout)

Close-up of smash burger tacos in a blue speckled tray, filled with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, being topped with creamy sauce. - 11

Viral Smash Burger Tacos

Crispy beef birria tacos with melty cheese and a rich red chile broth for dipping—bold, cheesy, and full of flavor. - 12

Easy Birria Tacos

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Pizza Tacos on a baking tray - 13

Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken ‘Pizza’ Tacos

Korean Bulgogi Bbq Beef Tacos with lemon wedges - 14

Korean Bulgogi BBQ Beef Tacos

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos in hand - 15

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Short Rib Tacos

Close up image of finished taco salad. - 16

Easy Taco Salad

Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Taco Salad on a patter - 17

Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Taco Salad

A bowl of homemade salsa made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, Serrano peppers, jalapeños, garlic, cumin and oregano. - 18

The Only Salsa Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Pico De Gallo is a super easy to make fresh tomato salsa you can serve with anything! From tortilla chips to tacos, enchiladas or Carne Asada - 19

Pico De Gallo

Top view of The best, creamy Guacamole is so easy to make and better than anything found in a jar! Homemade Guacamole takes minutes to make and is so incredibly delicious! Perfect for a party as an appetizer OR just a simple snack! Use as a topping for your favourite fajitas, tacos and even carnitas. - 20

Best Creamy Guacamole