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Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Easy Best Side Dish

creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes - featured image

Rich, velvety mashed potatoes made with Yukon Golds, softened garlic, fresh herbs, and warm dairy for a comforting, gummy-free side dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 12 inch chunks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 45 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (mix of chives and parsley), chopped
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 2 oz cream cheese for extra tang and stability

Instructions

  1. Peel potatoes and cut into even 1-2 inch chunks to ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  4. Drain potatoes in a colander and let them steam dry for a minute. Return to the hot pot (off heat) and let sit for 2-3 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
  5. While potatoes cook, warm milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic to the melting butter and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant (do not brown). Remove from heat.
  6. Rice or mash the hot potatoes back into the pot until smooth. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Gradually pour the warm milk and garlic butter mixture into the potatoes, starting with half. Fold gently with a wooden spoon.
  8. Add the remaining liquid as needed to reach desired consistency. Fold in chopped fresh herbs.
  9. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Always start potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking. Do not skip the step of letting potatoes dry in the hot pot after draining, as this prevents watery mash. Warm the milk and butter before adding to prevent the starch from seizing. Softening the garlic in butter removes the raw bite. Avoid using blenders or food processors as they release too much starch and create a gummy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, side dish, comfort food, weeknight dinner, Yukon Gold potatoes, herb mashed potatoes