Happy almost Thanksgiving! It’s about damn time that I share a mashed potato recipe, right? I have zero clue why it didn’t occur to me until now to share the recipe I’ve been using for the past three years. Sorry! But these Perfect Garlic Mashed Potatoes are sure to be your favorite side dish this year.
But I’m sharing it now! Hopefully that makes up for lost time. I mean, I’ve shared green beans, dressing or stuffing, squash…
I have a few very simple tricks to mashed potatoes.
First off, if you are making these WITH a turkey, throw extra bulbs of garlic in the pan to roast with the turkey; that way you can use those roasted garlic cloves in this recipe. Extra flavor! BUT if you aren’t and you are just bringing the spuds, I’ve got you covered too.
Steam your potatoes WITH your garlic cloves. Yup, all together. I swear that just infuses the flavor even further.
And instead of milk or cream, use chicken broth. Or turkey broth. But use broth! It is packed with flavor and will add a little something special here.
Also! Cream cheese. WHAT?! Yes. I add cream cheese to my mashed potatoes to make them ultra creamy and so tasty, but you can’t tell what added that flavor! They don’t taste like cream cheese. And they certainly don’t taste like typical cheddar mashed potatoes. I swear, you’ll never go back after you try it this way.
And then, a hint of fresh herbs. I love thyme and rosemary, but sage added in there too would be ultra. The herbs aren’t overpowering, and really they are just enhancing the flavors you added by using broth. Trust me here.
These Perfect Garlic Mashed Potatoes are going to be the perfect compliment to your holiday dinner (or your Tuesday chicken dinner). They won’t overpower the other flavors on your plate, but they’re certainly going to be your favorite side!
Perfect Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Recipe by Melissa @ Treats With A Twist
Makes 6 side servings
INGREDIENTS
4 large baking potatoes
4 large garlic cloves*
6 Tbs. unsalted butter
6 ounces cream cheese
½ cup low sodium chicken broth*
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1 tsp. fresh minced rosemary
Kosher salt
METHOD
Peel (doesn’t have to be perfect) your potatoes and make sure they’re clean. Chop the potatoes into large chunks.
In a large steamer basket in a large pot, combine the chunks of potatoes and the peeled garlic cloves. Steam until fork tender (about 20 minutes).
Transfer the steamed potatoes and garlic cloves to your stand mixer bowl with the paddle attachment ready. Add the butter, cream cheese and chicken broth and slowly turn on the mixer. Let the mixer cream the potatoes and goodies until they become creamy and well combined. If it is still way too thick, add a tiny bit more chicken broth.
Add the herbs and a heavy pinch (or a couple teaspoons) of salt. Taste and adjust until the salt level is right. Serve and enjoy!
NOTES
*If I’m making these with a turkey, I will usually use drippings from the turkey instead of broth and roasted garlic cloves that have been roasting with the turkey. A lot of garlic cloves.
You can also make these in a large bowl with a masher or wooden spoon, but the stand mixer pulls them together in seconds! It’s the best. I even used a mini KitchenAid and it was plenty big enough for this recipe.
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