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Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Best Easy Side Dish

creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes - featured image

These creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish, featuring Yukon Gold potatoes simmered with garlic-infused cream and fresh herbs. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for cooking water
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Peel 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into uniform 2-inch chunks. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Combine 1 cup heavy cream and 6 smashed garlic cloves in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until small bubbles appear, then reduce to low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Place potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  4. Drain potatoes in a colander and let sit for 2-3 minutes to steam dry.
  5. Return drained potatoes to the pot (off heat) and mash with a potato masher or put through a ricer.
  6. Pour the warm garlic cream through a fine-mesh strainer into the pot, catching the garlic cloves. Mash the softened garlic cloves and stir back into the potatoes. Add 1/2 cup butter pieces and stir until melted. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. If using, stir in optional sour cream.
  7. Fold in chopped parsley, chives, and thyme leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, use a ricer. Avoid over-mashing to prevent gluey potatoes. Warm the cream and butter before adding to the potatoes. Salt the cooking water generously. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy mashed potatoes, garlic herb mashed potatoes, easy side dish, comfort food, Yukon Gold potatoes, holiday side dish