Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Dreamy Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe For Comfort

Creamy herb and garlic mashed potatoes dance with vibrant flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Soft potatoes blend seamlessly with fresh aromatic ingredients.

Fragrant herbs bring unexpected depth to this classic comfort dish.

garlic adds a warm, inviting punch that transforms simple spuds into something magical.

Smooth textures mingle with sharp herbal notes for an unforgettable side.

Nothing beats a comforting bowl of rich, velvety goodness that feels like a warm hug on your plate.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable bite of this irresistible recipe.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Mashed Potatoes

Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Starchy white potatoes that create a creamy and smooth texture for the mashed dish.
Herbs and Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Parsley: Fresh herbs and aromatics that add depth of flavor and a bright, fresh touch to the mashed potatoes.
Dairy and Seasoning:
  • Butter, Milk (or Cream), Salt, Pepper: Ingredients that enhance richness, creaminess, and bring out the overall flavor of the mashed potatoes.

How to Make Perfect Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potato Chunks

Wash the potatoes thoroughly.

Use a sharp peeler to remove the skin completely.

Carefully slice the potatoes into uniform chunks that will cook evenly, aiming for roughly 1-inch pieces.

Step 2: Boil Potatoes to Perfection

Place potato chunks in a large pot of cold water.

Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

Cook the potatoes until they’re fork-tender, which typically takes 15-20 minutes.

The potatoes should easily break apart when pierced.

Step 3: Create Fragrant Garlic Butter

Heat a small skillet over medium-low temperature.

Melt the butter slowly, allowing it to become smooth and silky.

Add finely minced garlic and sauté until the kitchen fills with a rich, aromatic scent.

The garlic should turn light golden but not brown.

Step 4: Mash Potatoes Smoothly

Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Return potatoes to the pot.

Use a potato masher or electric mixer to break down the potatoes, creating a creamy consistency.

Work carefully to avoid overworking the potatoes.

Step 5: Blend Flavor Ingredients

Incorporate the garlic butter into the mashed potatoes.

Pour in milk or cream gradually while continuing to mix.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley throughout the mixture.

Stir until all ingredients are fully combined and the texture is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Add salt and black pepper to taste.

Gently fold the seasonings into the potatoes.

Transfer to a serving dish.

Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Serve immediately while the potatoes are warm and fluffy.

Secrets to Creamy and Flavorful Mashed Potatoes

  • Cut potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Use a potato masher for a rustic feel or an electric mixer for ultra-smooth potatoes, adjusting liquid to prevent watery results.
  • Sauté garlic in butter before adding to potatoes to enhance its nutty, caramelized taste and release more aromatic compounds.
  • Serve potatoes immediately while hot to maintain creamy consistency and prevent them from becoming dense or gluey.
  • Swap milk with chicken broth, vegetable stock, or plant-based milk for different dietary needs without compromising rich, creamy texture.

Proper Storage and Reheating of Mashed Potatoes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the mashed potatoes tightly to prevent them from absorbing other food odors.
  • Transfer cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air and seal. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • Place potatoes in a saucepan. Add milk or cream to prevent drying. Stir continuously over low heat until warm and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.

What Goes Well with Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Elevate Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Perfect Pairings:
  • Complement with Roasted Meats: Pair these creamy potatoes with juicy roasted chicken, tender beef roast, or succulent lamb chops for a hearty and satisfying meal that brings out the herb and garlic flavors.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to cut through the richness of the potatoes, enhancing the garlic and herb notes while providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Balance with Green Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans to add color, nutrition, and a light texture that complements the creamy potato dish.
  • Enhance with Gravy: Drizzle rich brown gravy over the mashed potatoes to add depth of flavor and create a classic comfort food combination that warms the soul.

Variations to Spice Up Your Mashed Potatoes

  • Vegan Creamy Herb Potatoes: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead of dairy. Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor and creaminess.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version. Steam cauliflower until tender, then mash with garlic and herbs. Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for added richness.
  • Roasted Garlic Upgrade: Swap raw minced garlic with roasted whole garlic cloves for a deeper, sweeter flavor profile. Roast garlic bulbs in the oven until soft and caramelized before mashing into the potatoes.
  • Spicy Herb Blend: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick. Add chopped chives or green onions for extra freshness. Mix in smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone.

FAQs

  • What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a high starch content, which creates a fluffy and creamy texture when mashed.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

  • How can I prevent lumpy mashed potatoes?

Ensure potatoes are cut into even chunks, boiled until fork-tender, and thoroughly mashed with a potato masher or mixer. Avoid overmixing to prevent a gluey texture.

  • Can I prepare these mashed potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can make them ahead and reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creamy consistency.

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Essentials

  • Versatile dish allows easy personalization by adjusting herbs, milk type, or adding extra seasonings to match your taste preferences.
  • Classic mashed potato recipe guaranteed to be a hit at family dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and weeknight meals, appealing to both kids and adults.
  • Requires minimal preparation time and uses straightforward cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting delicious results without complicated steps.
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Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy herb and garlic mashed potatoes deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rustic flavors with silky smooth texture. Rich potato clouds seasoned with fragrant herbs promise delightful warmth you’ll savor with each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk or cream

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Seasonings:

  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Carefully peel russet potatoes and slice into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Place potato chunks in a large pot of cold, generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil, cooking for approximately 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. While potatoes simmer, prepare a delicate garlic infusion by gently melting butter in a small skillet and sautéing finely minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden.
  4. Thoroughly drain potatoes in a colander, allowing excess moisture to evaporate, then return to the warm pot.
  5. Mash potatoes using a potato ricer or handheld masher, creating a smooth, lump-free texture.
  6. Gradually incorporate the fragrant garlic butter, introducing milk or cream to achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley throughout the mixture, folding gently to distribute herbs evenly.
  8. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  9. Transfer to a warm serving dish, garnish with additional parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamier, richer texture that holds shape better than starchy varieties.
  • Warm milk or cream before adding to prevent cooling down the potatoes and ensure a smoother, more velvety consistency.
  • Rinse potatoes after chopping to remove excess starch, helping create fluffier mashed potatoes with less gumminess.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt or replace cream with low-fat milk to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 363
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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