Dinner

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes with Horseradish Recipe

Byluca Carter October 6, 2026October 6, 2026

Introduction

Sour cream mashed potatoes are a creamy, tangy twist on a classic comfort food favorite. This recipe combines Yukon gold potatoes with rich sour cream and a hint of horseradish for an extra flavor boost. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, these mashed potatoes are sure to please any crowd.

A large bowl filled with smooth mashed potatoes, creamy pale yellow in color, with a swirl pattern on top creating soft peaks and valleys. On the center peak sits a square of bright yellow melting butter, while melted butter pools gently in other swirls of the mash. Small green chopped chives are scattered evenly over the surface along with a sprinkle of coarse black pepper. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is white and sits on a dark brown cloth with a white marbled texture surface beneath and some small dishes containing more chopped chives and creamy powder around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into quarters)
2 and 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided, more to taste)

1/2 cup (113ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (113ml) heavy cream

1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
1 cup (227g) sour cream (room temperature)

2 to 3 tablespoons horseradish (more or less, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Melted butter (for topping, optional)

Chopped chives (for topping, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water, making sure the water is about 1 inch above the potatoes. Add 2 teaspoons of the salt.
Step 2: Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.

Step 3: About 5 minutes before the potatoes finish cooking, combine the milk, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until the butter is fully melted, then keep warm until needed.
Step 4: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Pour in the warm milk and butter mixture along with the sour cream. Use a potato masher to mash until smooth, avoiding over-mashing to prevent gluey texture.
Step 5: Stir in the horseradish, mixing just until combined.

Step 6: Season with the remaining salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm, topped with melted butter and chopped chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder horseradish flavor, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
Using Yukon gold potatoes gives a naturally creamy texture; Russets can be used for a fluffier mash.

For extra richness, substitute some sour cream with cream cheese.
Chives add a fresh herbal note, but green onions or parsley also work well as toppings.

Storage

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess as needed.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes spread in one thick layer with smooth swirls and soft peaks, topped with a small square of melting yellow butter in the center, scattered finely chopped green chives, and a drizzle of golden melted butter pooling lightly in the grooves. The mashed potatoes have a pale off-white color with a smooth and soft texture. A silver spoon rests on the right edge of the bowl, which is set on a white marbled surface along with small dishes of green chives and grated cheese nearby. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance and keep them warm in a low oven or reheat just before serving. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat as described above.

Can I use regular cream instead of heavy cream?

Regular cream or half-and-half can be used, but the mashed potatoes may be slightly less creamy and rich. Adjust the amount of butter or sour cream to compensate if desired.