Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

It’s funny how some dishes just become instant family favorites, isn’t it? For us, Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes are that dish. The first time I made them, the aroma alone filled the kitchen with this irresistible, comforting scent. My kids, usually picky eaters, were practically inhaling them, and even my husband, who’s generally a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, declared them the best mashed potatoes he’d ever had. Since then, these creamy, garlic-infused clouds of potato perfection have become a staple on our dinner table, especially during holidays and special occasions. Honestly, they’re so good they elevate any meal, turning even a simple weeknight dinner into something a little bit special. If you’re looking for a side dish that’s guaranteed to impress and disappear in minutes, look no further – these Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes are about to become your new go-to!

Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes: 5 lbs, peeled and quartered. Russets are ideal for mashed potatoes because of their high starch content, which results in a light and fluffy texture when mashed.
• Garlic: 8 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is key to infusing that wonderful aromatic flavor. Mincing it ensures even distribution and maximum garlic goodness.
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted. Butter is essential for richness and flavor. Unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Heavy cream adds luxurious creaminess and richness, making the mashed potatoes incredibly decadent.
• Milk: ½ cup. Milk thins out the mashed potatoes to the perfect consistency, making them smooth and easily scoopable. You can adjust the amount based on your preferred texture.
• Fresh Chives: ¼ cup, chopped (for garnish). Chives add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish, enhancing both the taste and presentation.
• Salt: 2 teaspoons, or to taste. Salt is crucial for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to your preference.
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the garlic and butter.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Once peeled, cut the potatoes into quarters. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure even cooking, which is crucial for achieving the perfect mashed potato texture. Place the quartered potatoes into a large pot.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Cover the potatoes in the pot with cold water. The water should be about an inch above the potatoes. Adding cold water and then bringing it to a boil allows the potatoes to cook evenly from the inside out. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water – this seasons the potatoes from the inside as they cook, enhancing their flavor significantly. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer gently until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato pieces. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through the center of a potato piece without resistance. Overcooking can make the potatoes waterlogged, so check for doneness regularly.
3. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, carefully drain them in a colander. It’s important to drain them thoroughly to remove excess water. Excess water in the potatoes will make your mashed potatoes watery and less flavorful. After draining, return the potatoes to the empty pot. Placing them back in the still-warm pot will help to evaporate any remaining moisture as they cool slightly.
4. Sauté the Garlic in Butter: While the potatoes are draining, prepare the garlic butter. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Using medium-low heat is important because you want to sauté the garlic gently without burning it. Burnt garlic will become bitter and ruin the flavor of your mashed potatoes. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté the garlic for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on it and stir frequently to prevent burning. The aroma of sautéed garlic in butter is incredibly enticing and is a key component of the deliciousness of this recipe.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Now it’s time to mash the potatoes. You can use a potato ricer, a potato masher, or even an electric hand mixer for this step. A potato ricer will give you the smoothest, fluffiest mashed potatoes, as it forces the cooked potatoes through small holes, creating a very fine texture. A potato masher will give you a slightly chunkier texture, which some people prefer. If using a hand mixer, be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gluey. Mash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth, breaking up any large lumps.
6. Add Garlic Butter, Cream, and Milk: Pour the fragrant garlic butter mixture over the mashed potatoes. Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk. The warm garlic butter and cream will not only add flavor but also help to make the potatoes even creamier and easier to mash.
7. Combine and Season: Continue mashing or mixing the potatoes until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste the mashed potatoes and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that you already added salt to the boiling water, so start with the suggested amounts and adjust as needed. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – proper seasoning is what takes mashed potatoes from good to great.
8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish generously with freshly chopped chives. The chives add a pop of fresh flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while they are hot and creamy. Mashed potatoes are best served right away for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving – Servings: 8, approximate values)

• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving. Calories provide the energy your body needs. This value is an estimate and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
• Fat: Approximately 20g per serving. Fat is essential for flavor and satiety. The fat content primarily comes from the butter and heavy cream, contributing to the rich and creamy texture.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g per serving. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy in potatoes. These are mainly complex carbohydrates from the potatoes themselves.
• Protein: Approximately 4g per serving. Protein is important for muscle building and repair. Potatoes and dairy contribute a small amount of protein.
• Sodium: Approximately 300mg per serving. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a role in fluid balance. This value will depend on how much salt is added and can be adjusted to taste.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is for general guidance.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes. This includes washing, peeling, and cutting the potatoes, as well as mincing the garlic and chopping the chives. Efficient prep work makes the cooking process smoother.
• Cook Time: 25 minutes. This includes the time to boil the potatoes until tender and the time to sauté the garlic and combine all ingredients. The majority of the cook time is spent boiling the potatoes.
• Total Time: 45 minutes. From start to finish, you can have delicious Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes ready in under an hour, making them a perfect side dish for weeknight meals or special occasions.

How to Serve

Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide variety of dishes. Their creamy texture and rich garlic butter flavor make them a perfect complement to both simple and elaborate meals. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• As a Classic Side Dish:
  • Roasted Chicken or Turkey: Mashed potatoes are a quintessential pairing with roasted poultry. The creamy potatoes beautifully complement the savory, crispy skin of roasted chicken or turkey.
  • Steak or Roast Beef: The rich flavor of garlic butter mashed potatoes stands up perfectly to hearty beef dishes. Serve alongside a juicy steak or tender roast beef for a comforting and satisfying meal.
  • Pork Chops or Tenderloin: Garlic butter mashed potatoes are also fantastic with pork. They add a touch of elegance to simple pork chops or a more refined pork tenderloin.
  • Meatloaf or Shepherd’s Pie: For classic comfort food, mashed potatoes are a must. They are the perfect topping for shepherd’s pie or a delicious side to a hearty meatloaf.
• With Gravy:
  • Classic Gravy: Drench your mashed potatoes in a rich, homemade gravy. Whether it’s chicken gravy, beef gravy, or mushroom gravy, it adds another layer of flavor and moisture.
  • Red Wine Reduction: For a more sophisticated touch, try serving them with a red wine reduction. The rich, savory sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
• As a Topping:
  • Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie: As mentioned, mashed potatoes are the traditional topping for these savory pies. The creamy topping contrasts wonderfully with the hearty meat and vegetable filling.
  • Casseroles: Use Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes as a topping for casseroles like tuna casserole, broccoli cheese casserole, or chicken pot pie. It adds a comforting and flavorful crust.
• Creative Serving Ideas:
  • Mashed Potato Bowls: Create a mashed potato bowl bar! Serve mashed potatoes as a base and offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chili, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and more. Let everyone customize their own bowl.
  • Alongside Vegetarian Dishes: Mashed potatoes are not just for meat dishes! They pair wonderfully with vegetarian options like lentil stew, roasted vegetables (especially Brussels sprouts or asparagus), or mushroom stroganoff.
  • Holiday Meals: Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes are an excellent addition to holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. They’re a crowd-pleaser and a welcome alternative to plain mashed potatoes.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: For the fluffiest mashed potatoes, opt for high-starch potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. Russets are very starchy and yield light, airy mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds are slightly less starchy and have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them a good all-around choice. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they contain less starch and more moisture, resulting in denser, sometimes gluey mashed potatoes.
2. Start with Cold Water: Always start boiling your potatoes in cold water. This allows the potatoes to heat up gradually along with the water, ensuring they cook evenly throughout. If you start with hot water, the outside of the potatoes will cook faster than the inside, leading to unevenly cooked potatoes – the outside might be mushy while the inside is still hard.
3. Salt the Boiling Water Generously: Seasoning the potatoes while they cook is crucial for flavor. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water – about 1-2 tablespoons per pot. This seasons the potatoes from the inside out, making them much more flavorful than just salting them at the end. Think of it like seasoning pasta water – it makes a significant difference.
4. Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: While you want the potatoes to be fork-tender, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked potatoes can absorb too much water, making them waterlogged and less flavorful. Check for doneness around the 15-minute mark and test frequently until a fork easily pierces through.
5. Warm Your Dairy: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, warm your heavy cream and milk before adding them to the mashed potatoes. Cold dairy can lower the temperature of the potatoes and make them less fluffy. Warming the dairy helps maintain the temperature and ensures a smoother, creamier texture. You can gently warm the cream and milk in a saucepan or in the microwave.
6. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing mashed potatoes, especially if using an electric mixer, can release too much starch, resulting in gluey or gummy mashed potatoes. Mash or mix just until everything is combined and smooth. If using a hand mixer, use it sparingly and on a low speed. A potato ricer or a hand masher are less likely to cause overmixing.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your mashed potatoes before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might need to add more salt, pepper, or even a touch more garlic butter to achieve the perfect flavor balance. Taste throughout the process, especially after adding the dairy and butter, and make adjustments to your liking.
8. Keep Warm Properly: If you’re not serving the mashed potatoes immediately, keep them warm properly to maintain their texture and temperature. You can keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, in a double boiler, or in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir them occasionally and add a splash of milk or cream if they start to dry out. Avoid keeping them warm for too long as they can lose some of their creamy texture over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can! While Russet potatoes are highly recommended for their fluffy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice. They have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. For a slightly different texture, you could even try using a mix of Russets and Yukon Golds. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red potatoes or new potatoes, as they will result in denser, less fluffy mashed potatoes.

2. Can I make Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare mashed potatoes ahead of time, but they are best served fresh. For the best texture, make them no more than a few hours in advance. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little milk or cream to restore their creamy consistency. You can also reheat them in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

3. Can I freeze Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes?

Freezing mashed potatoes is not ideal as they can sometimes become grainy upon thawing due to the high starch content. However, if you must freeze them, let them cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. To thaw, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently as described above, adding extra liquid to restore creaminess. Be aware that the texture might be slightly altered after freezing.

4. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream to reduce the richness and calorie content. However, heavy cream contributes significantly to the creamy texture and richness of the mashed potatoes. Using only milk will result in less decadent mashed potatoes. You can also use half-and-half for a middle-ground option. For a richer flavor even with milk, consider using whole milk instead of skim or low-fat milk.

5. How can I make these mashed potatoes even more garlicky?

If you love a strong garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of garlic to 10-12 cloves or even more, depending on your preference. Another way to intensify the garlic flavor is to roast the garlic cloves before sautéing them. Roasted garlic has a sweeter, mellower, yet still intensely garlicky flavor. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra boost.

6. Can I add cheese to these mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Cheese can add another layer of flavor and creaminess. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Gruyere, or your favorite cheese after mashing the potatoes and adding the garlic butter and cream. For a smoother cheese incorporation, add the cheese while the potatoes are still warm so it melts easily.

7. What if my mashed potatoes are too thick?

If your mashed potatoes are too thick, gradually add more warm milk or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition to ensure it’s evenly incorporated. You can also add a bit of warm chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile and to thin them out.

8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes, with substitutions! To make this recipe dairy-free and vegan, use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy butter, and substitute plant-based milk like oat milk, soy milk, or almond milk for the heavy cream and milk. Ensure your chosen plant-based milk is unsweetened and unflavored. There are also vegan heavy cream alternatives available in many grocery stores that can mimic the richness of dairy heavy cream. The garlic and potatoes themselves are naturally vegan, so with these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes.

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