Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic
Perfect creamy mashed potatoes with garlic - a classic Thanksgiving sides recipe ready in 40 minutes.
Equipment
- large pot
- colander
- potato masher
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into 1/2-inch cubes, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream warmed
- 1/4 cup whole milk warmed
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt or more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or more to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the peeled and cut Yukon Gold potatoes into a large pot. Add the 4 smashed garlic cloves. Cover the potatoes and garlic with cold water by about 1 inch.
- Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced.
- Carefully drain the cooked potatoes and garlic using a colander. Return the potatoes and garlic to the empty pot. Place the pot back on the warm burner (turned off) for 1 to 2 minutes, shaking gently, to allow any residual moisture to evaporate.
- Add the 1/2 cup of room-temperature, cubed unsalted butter to the hot potatoes and garlic. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until the butter is fully incorporated and the potatoes are mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining.
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of warmed heavy cream and 1/4 cup of warmed whole milk. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Continue to mash gently until the liquids are fully absorbed and the potatoes are creamy and fluffy.
- Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh chives, if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Avoid over-mashing, which can make the potatoes gummy. Garnish with fresh chives for extra flavor.