Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Elevate your side dish game with this Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe. Perfect for holiday dinners or everyday meals, these mashed potatoes are made with roasted garlic, Yukon Gold potatoes, and a touch of heavy cream for extra richness. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and rosemary takes the flavor to the next level. Follow our simple steps to achieve smooth, creamy potatoes every time. This recipe is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and sure to become a family favorite.

Here’s How You Make It

1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the tip of a head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring the oil covers the cuts. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and caramelized.
2. Cook the Potatoes: Place 3 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of heavy cream, and the roasted garlic cloves (squeezed out of their skins). Cover the pot to let the butter melt. Mash the potatoes with a handheld potato masher until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with additional butter and chopped fresh herbs.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic with creamy Yukon gold potatoes, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. Roasting the garlic enhances its sweetness, making it a delightful addition to the mashed potatoes. Using Yukon golds ensures a buttery, smooth consistency that elevates this classic side dish.

Cooking Potatoes on the Stovetop

For stovetop cooking, place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Season the water with salt to enhance the flavor. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and proceed with mashing as described in the recipe.

Cooking Potatoes in the Instant Pot

To cook potatoes in the Instant Pot, place peeled and chopped potatoes in the pot and add 1 cup of water. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the potato pieces. Once cooking is complete, quick-release the pressure. Drain the potatoes and follow the recipe instructions for mashing.

How Many Potatoes Should You Make Per Person for Mashed Potatoes?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for about ½ pound of potatoes per person. For instance, if you’re serving 6 people, 3 pounds of potatoes should suffice, allowing for generous portions and potential leftovers.

Expert Tips

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture, but you can also use Russet potatoes for a fluffier result.
• Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the potatoes, as this can lead to a gummy texture. Mash just until smooth.
• Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream and butter to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to help restore creaminess.

Let me know if you need further adjustments or additional information!