PERFECT FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER! Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, creamy bowl of buttery garlic mashed potatoes with cream cheese.

This dish is a perfect side for almost any meal, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast.

Adding cream cheese to your mashed potatoes takes the creaminess to a whole new level, while garlic provides that savory punch we all love.

The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish

In this blog post, I'll walk you through a simple yet delicious recipe, along with tips and tricks to make sure your mashed potatoes turn out fluffy, flavorful, and unforgettable.

Why Cream Cheese?

You might be wondering why we’re adding cream cheese to mashed potatoes. The answer is simple: cream cheese adds a rich and velvety texture that regular mashed potatoes often lack.

It also adds a slight tang that complements the buttery flavor, making the dish extra indulgent. Plus, it helps keep the potatoes smooth and prevents them from becoming too dry.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make the perfect garlic mashed potatoes with cream cheese:

• 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
• 4 tablespoons of butter (preferably unsalted)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup of milk or heavy cream
• 4-5 cloves of garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Follow these simple steps to create a side dish that everyone will rave about:

1. Boil the potatoes: Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into chunks of similar size to ensure they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Sauté the garlic: While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step helps bring out the natural sweetness of the garlic and infuses the butter with flavor.
3. Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or a fork to break them up. For an even creamier texture, you can also use a hand mixer or a ricer.
4. Add the cream cheese and butter: With the potatoes still warm, add the softened cream cheese and the butter-garlic mixture. Stir until the cream cheese and butter are fully melted and incorporated into the potatoes.
5. Add milk or cream: Slowly pour in the milk or heavy cream while mashing and stirring, until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. If you prefer thicker mashed potatoes, use less liquid; for a lighter, fluffier texture, add a little more.
6. Season to taste: Finally, season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste as you go, because the right amount of seasoning can make all the difference!
7. Garnish and serve: For a touch of color and extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top of your mashed potatoes before serving.

Tips for the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Choose the right potatoes: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery flavor, while Russets break down easily, giving you that fluffy texture.
• Don’t overmix: Be careful not to overwork your potatoes, especially if using a hand mixer. Overmixing can cause the starch in the potatoes to become gummy, resulting in a dense and heavy texture. Mash just until smooth.
• Use softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature so it melts evenly into the potatoes. If it's too cold, you might end up with lumps of cream cheese instead of a smooth, creamy mixture.
• Infuse the butter with garlic: Sautéing the garlic in butter before adding it to the potatoes gives the dish a more complex flavor. Raw garlic can sometimes be too harsh, but gently cooking it mellows out the flavor and brings a delicious warmth to the dish.

How to Serve Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with just about anything. Here are some ideas on what to serve with your garlic mashed potatoes:

• Roast chicken or turkey: The creaminess of the mashed potatoes complements the savory flavors of roasted poultry perfectly.
• Grilled steak or pork chops: The buttery, garlicky richness of the potatoes is a great match for hearty, grilled meats.
• Vegetable sides: Pair your mashed potatoes with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a well-balanced meal.

Pro Tip: If you’re serving these mashed potatoes as part of a holiday meal, make them ahead of time and reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the oven. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating will help restore their creamy texture.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover mashed potatoes, don’t worry—they store well and are just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

1. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the potatoes seem a little dry, stir in a splash of milk, cream, or even a little butter to bring back the creamy texture.
3. Freeze for later: Mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat with a little extra cream or milk.

Buttery garlic mashed potatoes with cream cheese are the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and savory flavors.

They’re easy to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just looking for a comforting side dish.

With the addition of cream cheese, these mashed potatoes become irresistibly smooth and flavorful, while the garlic adds a burst of savory goodness. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Have any secret ingredients or tips for making mashed potatoes even better? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make this classic dish your own!

Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Mashed Potatoes

Source: Natashas Kitchen

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