Creamy Mashed Potatoes

There’s something about a bowl of perfectly creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes that just speaks to the soul. It’s a dish that effortlessly elevates any meal, adding warmth and comfort to the table. Today, I’m sharing my ultimate recipe for Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – a rich, flavorful twist on the classic that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Creamy Texture: The blend of heavy cream and sour cream ensures every bite is smooth and luxurious.
• Bold Garlic Flavor: Infusing the butter with garlic adds depth and richness.
• Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to make this delicious dish.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, these mashed potatoes are always a hit.

Blog Post: Ultimate Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, Dreamy Comfort Food

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There’s something about a bowl of perfectly creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes that just speaks to the soul. It’s a dish that effortlessly elevates any meal, adding warmth and comfort to the table. Today, I’m sharing my ultimate recipe for Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – a rich, flavorful twist on the classic that’s sure to become a family favorite.

What Makes These Mashed Potatoes So Special?

This recipe combines the essentials of traditional mashed potatoes with a few flavorful upgrades. Yukon Gold or russet potatoes create a soft, fluffy texture that’s perfect for mashing. Then, we infuse the butter with garlic, giving it a deep, savory aroma without overpowering the dish. And to make them extra creamy, I use both heavy cream and sour cream – the result is a smooth, velvety texture with a subtle tang.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Creamy Texture: The blend of heavy cream and sour cream ensures every bite is smooth and luxurious.
• Bold Garlic Flavor: Infusing the butter with garlic adds depth and richness.
• Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to make this delicious dish.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, these mashed potatoes are always a hit.

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Recipe: Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 300 per serving

Ingredients

• 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
• 1 stick + 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 7 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3/4 cup warm heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Potatoes: Start by placing the potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Drain well.
2. Infuse the Butter: While the potatoes cook, melt 1 stick of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and discard the garlic, leaving the infused butter behind.
3. Mash and Mix: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Pour in the infused butter, warm heavy cream, and sour cream. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy.
4. Season to Perfection: Add 1 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Add a Little Extra Butter: Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and let it melt for an extra touch of richness.
6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley if you like a pop of color and flavor.

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Tips for the Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Choose Your Potatoes Wisely:

• Russet potatoes give a fluffier, lighter texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes provide a naturally creamy, buttery consistency. Either works, but Yukon Gold tends to give a slightly richer flavor.

Cut Potatoes Evenly:

• Try to cut the potatoes into similar-sized cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and prevents some pieces from getting mushy while others remain undercooked.

Start with Cold Water:

• When boiling potatoes, add them to cold water, then bring it to a boil. This helps them cook evenly from the inside out, preventing a gummy texture.

Use Warm Ingredients:

• Warm your cream and sour cream before adding them to the potatoes. Cold dairy can cool down the potatoes and make them harder to blend smoothly.

Infuse the Butter, Don’t Fry the Garlic:

• Be gentle when heating the garlic with the butter—medium heat is best. Frying the garlic can make it bitter, so cook it just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden.

Mash Gently for the Best Texture:

• Use a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer on low speed. Over-mixing can lead to a gluey texture, so mash until just creamy and smooth.

Don’t Skip the Seasoning:

• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. Potatoes absorb salt, so adding enough seasoning makes a huge difference in flavor.

Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor:

• Fresh chives or parsley add a nice touch of color and freshness. Rosemary or thyme also work well if you want a more earthy taste.