Perfect Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
The recipe for perfect Mashed Potatoes and Gravy is right here! Creamy, buttery potatoes are mixed with a little sour cream and a secret ingredient! This recipe uses turkey gravy seasoning mix so you can make perfect mashed potatoes without drippings. This is a rich, and flavorful gravy and comes together in about 2 minutes!
What readers are saying...
“Absolutely delicious! What a great recipe!“
– SANDRA
Mashed potatoes any day…
Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete with a big helping of mashed potatoes! Am I right?! But the beauty of this mashed potatoes and gravy recipe is you don’t have to wait for the holidays! Since we aren’t using pan drippings to make the gravy, you can enjoy mashed potatoes as a side dish for an easy weeknight meal like these pork chops or this delicious baked chicken. Pass the potatoes, please!
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious mashed potatoes and gravy recipe:
INGREDIENT NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
Potatoes: I find regular old russet potatoes make the best, most traditional, creamy mashed potatoes. But you can use whatever type of potato you like. Yukon gold potatoes also work well.
Gravy Mix: If you are cooking a turkey breast in the air fryer (or a smaller turkey), you may not have tons of drippings to make your gravy. Using a turkey gravy seasoning mix is a GODSEND! (we love McCormick’s brand) You have delicious, rich gravy in about 2 minutes…one less thing to worry about!
Seasoned Salt: This is my secret weapon! Seasoned salt is a blend of salt, paprika, onion, garlic, and other spices to make the perfect blend for seasoning up your taters.
Half and Half: You can also substitute heavy cream or whole milk.
Sour Cream: You can substitute Greek yogurt.
Having a small Thanksgiving gathering? Grab your complete menu here: Stress-free Thanksgiving Menu for a Small Gathering.
HOW TO MAKE EASY MASHED POTATOES AND GRAVY: STEP-BY-STEP
Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with exact ingredients will be in the recipe card below!
Step 1: Boil your potatoes until fork tender, then drain. With a potato masher, mash JUST the potatoes for 2-3 minutes to release all of the steam (this ensures no glue-like potatoes and keeps them super creamy and smooth).
Step 2: Add in your butter, sour cream, half and half, and spices!
Step 3: Mash potatoes until all ingredients are incorporated and potatoes are mashed to your desired texture (you may have to switch over to a wooden spoon toward the end). Add more half and half, if needed.
Step 4: Transfer potatoes to a serving bowl. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine your turkey gravy seasoning mix with water, and heat for about 2 minutes until warm and slightly thickened. Serve over potatoes and turkey.
EXPERT TIPS
- Cut potatoes: Cut your raw potatoes into smaller (bite-sized) pieces for quicker cooking.
- Get the steam out! Don’t skip the step of mashing the potatoes-only to get all the steam out! It’s important for smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Use a mixer: If you want super smooth mashed potatoes, use an electric mixer – stand mixer or hand mixer (it’s not necessary, though).
- Add fresh herbs: Add extra flavor to your gravy by adding about 1/2 teaspoon of freshly chopped thyme, sage, or rosemary.
Casey’s Top Tip: Don’t wait for the water to come to a boil before adding your potatoes! Add the potatoes directly to the pot with cold water, then bring to a boil. If you plunge the cold potatoes into boiling water, the outside will cook before the inside and the potatoes will start to fall apart. This method ensures even cooking and creamy, smooth potatoes!
STORAGE & REHEATING
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of milk to thin out the cold potatoes.
SERVE THESE MASHED POTATOES WITH…
I hope you love this perfect Mashed Potatoes and Gravy recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Perfect Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Ingredients
For the potatoes
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, about 5-6 medium potatoes
- 1 cup half and half
- 8 tbsp salted butter, softened one stick
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- fresh chives for garnish, chopped optional
For the gravy
- 1 package McCormick® Turkey Gravy Seasoning Mix or your favorite gravy mix!
- 1 cup water can also use half and half
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Cut potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Add potatoes to a large pot, then add water to cover the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat then simmer potatoes for 8-10 minutes until fork tender.
- Release Steam: When the potatoes are done, drain and return to the pot. With a potato masher, mash potatoes for 2-3 minutes to release heat and steam. This is an important step to ensure smooth, creamy potatoes!
- Add: Add the half and half, butter, sour cream, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Continue mashing potatoes for another minute more until they reach your desired consistency. Add a few more splashes of half and half, if needed. You can also use a stand or hand mixer to make this easier.
- Make the Gravy: Transfer potatoes to a serving dish and keep warm (I like popping them into a warm oven). Then, make the gravy. In a small saucepan, combine gravy seasoning mix with water (or half and half). Over medium heat, whisk until heated through and slightly thickened (about 1-2 minutes). Serve over mashed potatoes.
Absolutely delicious! What a great recipe!