Are you ready to elevate your side dish game? This garlic mashed potatoes recipe is not just your ordinary mash; it’s a creamy, buttery delight infused with roasted garlic that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfectly fluffy and rich, these mashed potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to any main course. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive feast, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
– 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes
– 1 head of garlic
– ½ cup of unsalted butter
– ½ cup of heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Fresh chives, for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 cup): Approximately 350 calories, 25g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 4g protein. This nutritional value is based on one serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
3. Roast the garlic in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until soft.
4. Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into chunks.
5. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
6. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium heat.
7. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
8. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
9. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes.
10. Add butter and heavy cream, then mash until smooth.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chives.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for lighter options, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk. For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
Serving and Pairings
These garlic mashed potatoes pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a rich gravy. They are also a perfect side for holiday feasts alongside turkey or ham.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover garlic mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t overboil the potatoes to prevent waterlogging.
– Always use a potato masher; avoid blenders to keep the texture creamy.
– Season gradually; taste as you go to avoid oversalting.
– Make sure to roast the garlic thoroughly for the best flavor.
– Let the cooked potatoes cool slightly before mashing to maintain fluffiness.
Helpful Tips
– Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
– Roast garlic in advance to save time.
– For extra flavor, add a splash of sour cream or cream cheese.
– Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for different tastes.
– Serve immediately for the best texture, but they can be reheated well.
FAQs
Can I make garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat before serving, adding a bit of milk to maintain creaminess.
What type of potatoes are best for mashing?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their starchy content which results in a creamy texture.
How can I make these mashed potatoes vegan?
Simply substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with a plant-based milk or vegan cream for a delicious vegan version.
Can I add cheese to my garlic mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Adding grated cheese like Parmesan or cheddar can enhance the flavor and creaminess of your mashed potatoes.
What can I serve with garlic mashed potatoes?
They are versatile and can be served with meats, stews, or as part of a vegetarian plate. They complement a variety of dishes beautifully.
Conclusion
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that combines simplicity with rich flavors. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also customizable to your taste. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, these creamy delights are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 head of garlic
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
- Roast the garlic in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until soft.
- Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into chunks.
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes.
- Add butter and heavy cream, then mash until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm, garnished with fresh chives.
