If you love crowd-pleasing comfort food with a flavorful twist, you’re going to fall for Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes! This dish is pure creamy heaven, loaded with all the tang and savory goodness of a classic sour cream and onion combo, but upgraded into a fluffy, cheesy potato masterpiece. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any night you crave something cozy, these potatoes are every bit as irresistible as they sound.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items for truly amazing Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes—just a handful of essentials that work together to make each bite creamy, savory, and totally satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for maximum flavor!
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds): These starchy potatoes break down into the fluffiest base you could hope for in mashed potatoes.
- Kosher salt (1 tablespoon, for boiling): Always salt your cooking water—just like pasta, it flavors the potatoes from within.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds that signature tangy richness, making your potatoes silky instead of heavy.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melts into the potatoes for buttery notes and smooth texture.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Provides added creaminess and helps the potatoes blend extra smooth.
- Dry onion soup mix (1 packet, 1 ounce): The secret weapon! This mix infuses your potatoes with deep savory onion flavor without extra work.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle hint of garlic brings out the best in the onion notes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough for gentle warmth and balance.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Every party potato needs gooey cheddar cheese on top for color and richness.
- Green onions, thinly sliced (2, for garnish): A pop of fresh onion taste and a little color on your serving platter.
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the russet potatoes into generous chunks—about two-inch pieces work perfectly. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add the tablespoon of kosher salt. Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like pure comfort already!
Step 2: Drain and Mash
Once the potatoes are buttery-soft, drain them well and return them to the pot. Add in your unsalted butter right away—let that residual heat melt the butter all over as you start mashing. You can use a classic potato masher or a sturdy fork, aiming for mostly smooth with just a touch of rustic texture.
Step 3: Stir in the Flavor Makers
Now the real party begins! Add in the sour cream, whole milk, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and ultra-creamy, making sure that no pockets of soup mix remain. The mixture will become fragrant and rich with savory goodness.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Carefully scoop the mashed mixture into a serving dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese right over the top while the potatoes are still warm, so it starts to melt into a gooey blanket. Finally, shower everything with sliced green onions for freshness, color, and an unmistakable nod to the sour cream and onion theme. And just like that, your Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes are ready for their big debut!
How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes
Garnishes
You can dress up this dish with extra sliced green onions, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, or even some freshly cracked black pepper for a little flair. The cool bite of green onion on top adds both a pop of color and a perfectly balanced finish, while the melted cheese gives that wow factor every time you lift the lid.
Side Dishes
Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes shine alongside everything from roasted chicken and grilled steak to veggie-packed salads or a simple green bean almondine. On a holiday table, they’re right at home next to glazed ham or braised brisket—honestly, anything that loves potatoes will pair perfectly with them!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make them extra festive, try scooping generous mounds into individual ramekins and topping them with extra cheddar before a quick broil. Or, pipe the mashed potatoes into swirls for a fun touch at a buffet. For a casual potluck, you can leave them right in the pot and let folks help themselves family-style—these potatoes are always a hit, no matter the setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. Just make sure to cool the potatoes to room temperature first before sealing them up to keep the texture the best it can be.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these mashed potatoes for even speedier meal prep. Scoop into a freezer-safe container and lay a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface before closing. They’ll keep for up to a month, and the sour cream helps prevent them from becoming grainy after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes, simply warm them in a covered baking dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and steamy, or use a microwave-safe dish for faster results. If they seem a bit thick, stir in a splash of milk before reheating to restore maximum creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes ahead for a potluck?
Absolutely! Assemble them the night before, store covered in the fridge, and reheat in the oven before serving. Wait to add green onions until just before serving for the freshest look and taste.
Is there a substitute for russet potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic substitute—they add a naturally buttery flavor and a golden hue. You could also mix in some red potatoes for extra texture, though russets offer the fluffiest base.
What if I don’t have dry onion soup mix?
No soup mix? No problem! You can sauté finely chopped onion and a little garlic in butter, then blend it into the potatoes with a couple teaspoons of dried onion flakes and a sprinkle of bouillon for depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It usually is, but double-check the ingredients in your dry onion soup mix, as some brands may contain wheat or gluten additives. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Can I add extra ingredients?
Go for it! Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or even fresh chives mix in beautifully. You can also fold in steamed broccoli or roasted garlic for some fun flavor twists. Just make sure whatever you add is cooked and chopped small to blend seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still on the fence, take this as your sign: make a batch of Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes the next time you want to wow your family or friends. They’re comforting, craveable, and guaranteed to be the first bowl emptied! Give them a try—you might just start a new tradition.
