Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

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Fluffy, velvety, and loaded with flavor—these Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this mash hits the spot every time. The subtle richness of roasted garlic paired with the freshness of herbs brings a gourmet feel to a classic staple.

Perfectly balanced between creamy and textured, these mashed potatoes are anything but boring. They hold their own beside roasted meats, shine under a ladle of gravy, and even work beautifully as a base for hearty stews. Once you try them, they’ll be your go-to version for years to come.

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What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

For the creamiest mashed potatoes, Yukon Golds are a solid choice. Their naturally buttery flavor and smooth texture mash up beautifully without needing loads of cream. Russets work well too, offering a lighter, fluffier consistency. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes—they tend to stay firm and don’t absorb the cream and butter as easily.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

• Yukon Gold Potatoes – These potatoes offer a rich flavor and creamy texture ideal for mashing.
• Garlic Cloves – Roasted or sautéed, garlic infuses warmth and depth into the dish.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds luxurious richness and helps with a silky texture.
• Heavy Cream – Brings creaminess and a hint of indulgence.
• Fresh Herbs (like parsley and chives) – Brighten the flavor and add a touch of color.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
• Olive Oil (optional for roasting garlic) – Helps mellow the garlic and create a soft, spreadable texture.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into even chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly and makes mashing easier.

Step 2: Boil Until Fork-Tender

Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15–20 minutes or until a fork slides in easily.

Step 3: Roast or Sauté the Garlic

While the potatoes are boiling, roast whole garlic cloves wrapped in foil with a drizzle of olive oil at 400°F for 30 minutes—or sauté minced garlic in a little butter until golden and fragrant.

Step 4: Drain and Steam Dry

Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit uncovered for 2–3 minutes. This helps evaporate excess moisture, giving you fluffier mash.

Step 5: Mash with Cream and Butter

Mash the potatoes with butter and warm heavy cream. Add the roasted or sautéed garlic and continue mashing until smooth and creamy. Use a hand masher for texture or a ricer for ultimate smoothness.

Step 6: Stir in Herbs and Season

Fold in chopped fresh herbs like parsley and chives. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the cream or butter if needed for your preferred consistency.

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How to Serve and Store These Mashed Potatoes

Serve these creamy garlic and herb mashed potatoes fresh and warm—right off the stovetop. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, pot roast, or any grilled meat. A sprinkle of extra herbs and a pat of butter on top just before serving adds that extra touch.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream. The flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be rich and comforting.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make them a day ahead and reheat slowly with added cream or milk. A slow cooker on low works great for warming them up evenly.

Do I need to roast the garlic?

Roasting brings out a sweet, mellow flavor in garlic. You can skip it and use sautéed garlic instead, but the depth of flavor won’t be the same.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Parsley, chives, and thyme are top picks. You can also experiment with rosemary or tarragon for a more distinctive twist.

How do I keep them from getting gluey?

Avoid overmixing, especially with a food processor or electric mixer. Mash by hand for best texture, and always start with dry, steamed potatoes.

Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

Yes, but it’s best if they contain a good amount of butter and cream to help retain the texture. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If these Creamy Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes made it to your favorites list, you’ll want to try these too:

• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes for a tangy, melty twist on the classic.
• Scalloped Corn Casserole that brings a creamy and slightly sweet note to your table.
• Delicious Corned Beef Hash perfect for brunch or hearty dinners.
• Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread to soak up every bit of gravy.
• One Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans for a complete meal packed with rustic flavor.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it for every holiday or comfort food craving.

And I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you stick with Yukon Golds or try something else? Maybe tossed in a pinch of rosemary?

Leave a comment or ask a question below—let’s swap tips and tricks to keep making dinner more delicious together.

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