If you’ve ever found yourself craving a cozy, comforting side dish that’s bursting with flavor and a touch of nostalgia, this Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe has got you covered. Imagine tender, creamy potatoes infused with tangy sour cream and savory onion soup mix, topped with melty cheddar cheese and a fresh pop of green onion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want to indulge in something truly satisfying, these party potatoes will quickly become the star of your table. They are irresistibly smooth, rich, and packed with bold flavor—all in one luxurious dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple and each plays an essential role in creating that crave-worthy taste and texture. From the hearty russet potatoes to the punchy onion soup mix, every item contributes a unique element that brings the dish to life.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes: Perfect for mashing thanks to their starchy, fluffy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt for boiling: Essential for seasoning the potatoes right from the start.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and tangy brightness that defines the flavor profile.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and smooth texture without overpowering other flavors.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Helps achieve that velvety, luscious potato consistency.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix: The secret ingredient that delivers a robust onion and herb punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overshadowing the onion notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough warmth and balance.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly on top, creating a gooey, flavorful crust.
- 2 green onions thinly sliced: Fresh garnish that adds color and a sharp, oniony finish.
How to Make Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes to Perfection
Begin by placing your peeled and chunked russet potatoes into a large pot and covering them with cold water. Adding kosher salt to the water seasons the potatoes as they cook, which is key to developing flavor from the very beginning. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender—around 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t rush this step because perfectly cooked potatoes will make all the difference in texture.
Step 2: Mash with Butter and Milk
After draining your potatoes well, return them to the pot and add butter while they’re still hot. This helps the butter melt beautifully, coating each potato piece. Using a masher, work the potatoes until mostly smooth but still slightly textured to keep a bit of rustic charm. Stir in the whole milk next to create that coveted creamy consistency.
Step 3: Mix in the Flavor Bombs
This is where the magic of the Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe truly happens. Add the sour cream, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. The sour cream adds tangy richness and moisture, while the dry onion soup mix provides an intense onion-herb seasoning boost. Garlic powder rounds everything out with gentle savory notes. Mix well to combine all these flavors into a luscious, creamy blend.
Step 4: Top and Garnish
Transfer your mashed masterpiece to a serving dish and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface. The cheese will slowly melt over the warm potatoes, adding a perfect layer of gooey delight. Finally, sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions for fresh color and that unmistakable onion punch that ties the entire dish together.
How to Serve Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and texture, consider topping your party potatoes with crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions in addition to the green onions. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also add a lovely brightness. The contrast between the creamy base and crispy or fresh toppings makes each bite exciting and memorable.
Side Dishes
This Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like barbecue chicken or steak, and it’s a fantastic companion to roasted vegetables. It’s hearty enough to anchor a comfort food meal but versatile enough to fit into any gathering or holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your party potatoes by baking them in an attractive casserole dish and serving with extra cheese melted on top. You could also spoon individual servings into ramekins and sprinkle with garnishes for a charming, personalized touch—perfect for entertaining guests or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover party potatoes keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing cooled party potatoes in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your party potatoes gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to maintain that creamy consistency. Microwave reheating is quicker but can sometimes alter texture, so use it if you’re in a hurry and stir occasionally for even heat.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew sour cream, and use plant-based butter and milk substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess might vary slightly.
What can I use instead of dry onion soup mix?
If you don’t have dry onion soup mix on hand, you can mix onion powder, dried parsley, beef or vegetable bouillon powder, and a pinch of sugar to mimic its flavor. Adjust quantities to taste for the perfect balance.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe is naturally vegetarian, especially if you use a vegetarian-friendly cheese and butter. It’s a fantastic comfort food option that everyone can enjoy.
Can I add other mix-ins to the potatoes?
Definitely! Mix-ins like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted garlic bring additional dimension. Just fold them in gently at the end so the potatoes stay creamy and luscious.
How do I make this recipe ahead without losing texture?
Make the potatoes up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven with a little extra milk or cream stirred in to refresh the texture before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its rich, creamy texture combined with that iconic tangy onion flavor makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or just indulging in your own cozy moment, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s truly a delicious way to bring people together and elevate any meal.
Print
Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sour Cream and Onion Party Potatoes are a creamy and flavorful side dish featuring tender mashed russet potatoes mixed with sour cream, butter, and savory dry onion soup mix. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh green onions, this comforting American classic is perfect for gatherings and family meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt for boiling
Mash Mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot. Add the unsalted butter and mash the potatoes until mostly smooth.
- Mix in Flavors: Stir in the sour cream, whole milk, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Prepare to Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with the thinly sliced green onions and serve the potatoes warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving.
- For extra flavor, fold in crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions.
