Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a creamy and comforting side dish. Loaded with gooey cheese and a hint of garlic, they make any meal feel special!
Honestly, who can resist the cheesy goodness? I love serving these with steak or just enjoying them on their own—totally irresistible! 🧄🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are great for mashing due to their starchy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could swap them with Yukon Gold potatoes, which are creamy and flavorful too.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just remember that a little goes a long way—start with 1/4 teaspoon.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a lovely tang. You can use mild cheddar for a creamier taste or even try a creamy cheese like fontina for a different flavor profile.
Milk & Cream: If you want to lighten the dish, use low-fat milk or even almond milk. For a richer taste without heavy cream, full-fat milk can work, though it may not be as decadent.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. If you need a dairy-free version, consider using vegan butter or olive oil for a different twist.
How Do I Get Creamy Mashed Potatoes Without Lumpiness?
A smooth and creamy texture is key for delicious mashed potatoes! Here are some tips to ensure you get it just right:
- Start by boiling your potatoes and garlic until tender. Proper cooking is essential—check with a fork to make sure they are easily pierced.
- Drain well! Any leftover water can make your mash gummy, so ensure it’s well-drained.
- Return the potatoes and garlic to the hot pot after draining. This step helps to evaporate any moisture, ensuring creaminess.
- Warming your milk, cream, and butter before adding them prevents the potatoes from cooling down too much, leading to a better texture.
- Use a potato masher for a rustic mash, or an electric mixer for a super smooth finish. Mix until everything is fully combined but don’t overmix, as it can lead to a gluey texture.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes peeling and chopping the potatoes and garlic, and then about 15-20 minutes cooking everything until it’s perfectly tender. Adding in a little time for mashing and mixing, you’ll have creamy, cheesy garlic mashed potatoes ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic:
Start by placing the peeled and cut potatoes along with the garlic cloves into a large pot. Fill it with enough cold water to cover the potatoes and garlic by about an inch. Don’t forget to sprinkle in a pinch of salt!
2. Boil the Mixture:
Bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the potatoes and garlic cook until they are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through the potatoes.
3. Drain the Potatoes and Garlic:
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and garlic well. To help evaporate any leftover moisture, return them to the hot pot. This little trick keeps your mashed potatoes creamy!
4. Heat the Milk Mixture:
In a small saucepan, warm the milk, heavy cream, and butter over low heat. Stir gently until the butter has melted and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
5. Mash the Potatoes:
Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes and garlic until they reach a smooth and creamy consistency. Be sure not to overmix, as this can make them gummy!
6. Combine with the Milk Mixture:
Gradually add your warm milk mixture to the mashed potatoes, mixing well until everything is fully blended together and creamy.
7. Add the Cheese:
Stir in most of the shredded cheddar cheese, saving a little to sprinkle on top for later. This adds an extra cheesy touch!
8. Season to Taste:
Generously season your mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to your liking. Tasting as you go will ensure they’re perfect!
9. Serve the Mashed Potatoes:
Spoon the cheesy garlic mashed potatoes into a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, go ahead and pop it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt and lightly brown the cheese.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your delicious mashed potatoes with the chopped fresh chives and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting dish alongside your favorite main course!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes are great for mashing due to their starchiness, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may yield different results in terms of creaminess and fluffiness.
Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time! Make them and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’d like to lighten the dish, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a combination of additional milk and butter. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for a different flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to help bring back the creamy texture.
