When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the rich and creamy taste of garlic and herb mashed potatoes, especially when loaded with extra butter. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or just craving a cozy side dish, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With Yukon Gold potatoes, a touch of parmesan, and the perfect blend of garlic and herbs, this dish will become a staple at your dinner table.
Why Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes Deserve a Spot on Your Table
Mashed potatoes are a classic, but this garlic and herb version takes the dish to a whole new level. By incorporating fresh herbs, garlic, and a decadent cream sauce, these mashed potatoes are transformed into a flavorful, luxurious side dish. The added butter gives them a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 pounds, peeled, cleaned, and chopped
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups, for boiling the potatoes
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon, minced
- Sour Cream: ½ cup
- Garlic and Herb Cheese: 4 ounces
- Whole Milk: ½ cup
- Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon, finely chopped
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated
- AP Seasoning: To taste (a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder)
- Extra Butter: For finishing
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
1. Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling, cleaning, and chopping your Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks. Yukon Golds are ideal because they have a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, which adds richness to the final dish.
Next, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with chicken broth. The chicken broth not only helps cook the potatoes but also infuses them with a deeper flavor. Bring the pot to a boil, and let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Create the Garlic and Herb Cream Sauce
While the potatoes are boiling, it’s time to make the sauce that will set these mashed potatoes apart from the rest.
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Next, stir in the sour cream and garlic and herb cheese, allowing them to melt into the butter and garlic mixture. Once fully combined, pour in the whole milk and sprinkle in your fresh thyme. Season the sauce with a dash of your AP seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder) and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This sauce should be thick, creamy, and loaded with flavor.
3. Incorporate Parmesan for Extra Depth
To give these mashed potatoes an extra level of richness, add freshly grated parmesan cheese into the cream sauce. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth that perfectly complements the garlic and herbs. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, making sure to taste as you go. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Mash the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or a fork, begin mashing the potatoes to your desired consistency. Some prefer their mashed potatoes smooth, while others enjoy a few lumps for texture—it’s up to you!
As you mash, slowly pour in your garlic and herb cream sauce, continuing to mix until the potatoes reach the perfect creamy consistency. If you find the potatoes too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk.
5. Add the Finishing Touch: Extra Butter
For the ultimate indulgence, add a generous dollop of extra butter on top of the mashed potatoes just before serving. The heat from the potatoes will melt the butter, creating a velvety finish that’s hard to resist.
As the saying goes, “We’re here for a good time, not a long time,” so why not treat yourself to a little extra butter? It’s the key to achieving that rich, restaurant-quality texture.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Mashed Potatoes
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are naturally creamier and hold up better than russets, giving you a richer result.
- Don’t Overmix: While it’s tempting to use a mixer, overworking the potatoes can make them gluey. Stick to hand mashing for the best texture.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you love garlic, don’t be afraid to add a bit more.
- Serve Immediately: Mashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to make them ahead, keep them warm in a slow cooker on low heat.
Why Extra Butter Makes All the Difference
There’s a reason why this recipe calls for extra butter—it simply makes everything better! The extra butter adds a glossy finish and luxurious mouthfeel to the mashed potatoes, making them even more indulgent. Don’t skimp on this step if you want to take your potatoes to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make these mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and reheat them gently over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk and a little more butter to restore their creamy texture.
Q: Can I substitute the garlic and herb cheese?
A: Absolutely! If you can’t find garlic and herb cheese, you can use plain cream cheese and add extra fresh garlic and herbs to your sauce. It’s an easy way to customize the flavor to your liking.
Q: What can I serve with garlic and herb mashed potatoes?
A: These mashed potatoes pair perfectly with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. They also work wonderfully as a side dish for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter with a dairy-free alternative and using coconut milk or almond milk in place of whole milk. Be sure to choose a dairy-free cheese as well.
A Side Dish Worth Savoring
Garlic and herb mashed potatoes with extra butter are more than just a side dish—they’re a statement. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion like Thanksgiving or just as a weeknight indulgence, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and irresistible richness, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Now, it’s your turn to head to the kitchen and make it happen. Don’t forget to top it off with a little extra butter, because, after all, life is too short not to enjoy every bite!
