Grandma Lyn's Famous Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to Thanksgiving, there are a few staple dishes that truly make the holiday meal feel complete. And for me, mashed potatoes top that list every single year. But these aren’t just any mashed potatoes. They’re my Grandma’s mashed potatoes, filled with all the goodness and love you’d expect from a cherished family recipe. They’re fluffy, creamy, and so full of flavor that every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. Trust me, I’ve never met a single person who hasn’t fallen in love with these potatoes from the very first taste.
What makes these mashed potatoes so special? It’s the perfect combination of simple yet indulgent ingredients, each one adding a layer of creaminess and richness. You won’t find complicated techniques or fancy flavors here—just comfort food done right. So, if you’re looking to impress your guests (or just treat yourself) this Thanksgiving, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Thanksgiving 2021 - Grandma Lyn, my mother, & I ❤️
The Ingredients You’ll Need:
5 lb bag of russet potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, which results in a fluffy texture.
1 cup of sour cream: This adds tang and richness, giving the potatoes a velvety finish.
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature: Softened cream cheese melts smoothly, adding an extra creamy and slightly tangy flavor.
1/2 stick of butter: For that unmistakable buttery taste that makes mashed potatoes irresistible.
2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
1/4 tsp garlic powder: A subtle hint of garlic that enhances the savory goodness.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds a touch of luxurious creaminess, making the texture even more decadent.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Peel and Prep the Potatoes
Start by peeling the entire 5-pound bag of russet potatoes. Make sure to remove all the skin for a smooth and lump-free texture. Once peeled, rinse the potatoes under cold water to wash away any excess starch.
2. Boil Until Fork-Tender
Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot and fill it with enough water to fully cover the potatoes. This ensures even cooking. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once the water starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender. This should take around 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the potato chunks.
Pro Tip: To check for doneness, simply poke a potato with a fork. If it slides in easily, they’re ready to go.
3. Drain and Add the Goodness
Once the potatoes are soft and cooked through, drain the water completely. Transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl or keep them in the same pot if you prefer less cleanup. Immediately add the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, and butter. The heat from the potatoes will melt everything together beautifully.
4. Mash to Perfection
Using an electric mixer, beat the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the potatoes gluey. You want them to be fluffy but still rich and thick. Once mixed, season with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder, adjusting to taste.
5. Bake for a Golden Finish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the mashed potatoes to an 8x10 baking dish, spreading them evenly. If you’d like, you can add a few small dots of butter on top for extra flavor. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the potatoes are warmed through.
Serve and Enjoy!
When you pull these mashed potatoes out of the oven, they’ll be warm, creamy, and oh-so-inviting. Serve them alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes and watch as everyone goes back for seconds (or even thirds). They pair perfectly with roasted turkey, gravy, or a generous dollop of cranberry sauce.
These mashed potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a beloved tradition in my family. Each bite reminds me of gathering around the table, sharing stories, and creating memories. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your holiday meal as it has to mine. Enjoy, and happy Thanksgiving!
Grandma Lyn's Famous Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the entire 5-pound bag of russet potatoes, making sure to remove all the skin for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot and fill with enough water to fully submerge them.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender, about 20-30 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly once they are soft.
- In a large bowl or in the same pot (for less cleanup), add the softened butter, cream cheese, and sour cream to the hot potatoes. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and well-combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to an 8x10 baking dish, spreading them evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is slightly golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
