Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, striking the perfect balance between creamy textures and rich flavors. Imagine a bowl of velvety potatoes infused with garlicky goodness, topped with a pat of butter melting slowly, and perhaps even a sprinkle of chives for that fresh touch. These mashed potatoes are not just side dishes; they are culinary treasures that elevate any meal, invoking smiles and satisfied belly rubs from everyone at the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)

Perhaps you’ve had that moment after a long day–the craving for something warm and utterly satisfying. This dish fits the bill every time. Unlike the preservative-laden options from store shelves or the average cafe, these creamy garlic mashed potatoes make for a restaurant-style experience right at home, inviting you to relish every spoonful. Ready to impress your family or friends? Let’s gather those ingredients and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking, you’ll have these mashed potatoes ready to serve in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic paste, mascarpone cheese, and sour cream creates a flavor explosion that’s creamy and savory.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These mashed potatoes light up any table with their luscious texture and garnished chives.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or even a cozy Sunday brunch with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can substitute dairy ingredients to create a delicious vegan alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes: These potatoes are creamy with a buttery flavor, perfect for mashing. You could substitute with russets if you prefer, but Yukon Golds offer a superior taste.
3/4 cup whole milk (or milk of choice), lightly warmed: The warmth helps to keep your potatoes creamy and smooth. Almond or oat milk can be good non-dairy alternatives.
1/3 cup sour cream or crème fraîche: Adding a tangy richness that takes your mashed potatoes to the next level. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Use quality butter for that extra touch of flavor, or swap with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
4 ounces mascarpone cheese: This luxurious cheese adds an irresistible creaminess. If you can’t find mascarpone, you might use cream cheese, but the flavor will slightly differ.
3 tablespoons Boursin® garlic & fine herbs cheese (optional): For garlic lovers, this cheese adds another dimension. If unavailable, simply increase the amount of garlic paste!
1 tablespoon garlic paste: This ingredient infuses a rich garlic flavor; feel free to use fresh minced garlic if you prefer a stronger kick.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your mashed potatoes.
1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives (for garnish, optional): Chives not only lend a pop of color but also add a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut the 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into rough quarters. If you fancy a more rustic feel, you can leave a bit of the skin on, just make sure to wash them well.

Cook the Potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes into a large Dutch oven or stock pot and cover them with cool water. Toss in a few pinches of kosher salt. Set the pot over medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork glides in easily.

Drain and Rice the Potatoes: Once cooked, drain the potatoes using a colander. For a fluffy texture, use a potato ricer or food mill for the next step. Working in batches, press the potato chunks through the ricer right back into the warm pot.

Combine Ingredients: After ricing all the potatoes, add in the 3/4 cup of warmed milk, 1/3 cup of sour cream or crème fraîche, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 4 ounces of mascarpone cheese, 3 tablespoons of Boursin cheese (if using), and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste. Stir everything together until well-combined and creamy. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to add a splash more of milk for desired creaminess.

Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a lovely serving bowl. Drizzle with melted butter, add a few cracks of black pepper, and garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired. Enjoy these creamy garlic mashed potatoes as a side that’s sure to please for any occasion!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. If you want to freeze the potatoes, pack them in a suitable freezer container for up to 3 months; just note that texture might change slightly, so reintroducing some milk while reheating will help refresh them.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid watery potatoes by ensuring they’re drained thoroughly during the cooking process.
Allow your ingredients like butter and sour cream to come to room temperature for the best melting and mixing.
Use a potato ricer instead of a masher for the fluffiest texture; it makes all the difference.
If you prefer, you can make the garlic mashed potatoes a day ahead of time and warm them gently before serving.
Don’t shy away from adding roasted garlic for an even richer flavor.

These Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. They’re easy to whip up, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Feel free to make it your own, perhaps throwing in some roasted garlic or a sprinkle of parmesan for flavor variations. Enjoy this decadent treat at your next dinner gathering!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these mashed potatoes a day in advance. Simply store them in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, gently warm on the stove, adding a little milk if needed to refresh the creaminess.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with crème fraîche, Greek yogurt, or a thick non-dairy yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Each choice offers a slightly different taste, so pick one that suits your preferences!

How do I make these mashed potatoes vegan?

To transform this recipe into a vegan dish, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, the milk with almond or oat milk, and replace sour cream with a plant-based yogurt. You might want to skip the mascarpone or choose a non-dairy cream cheese for added richness.

Can I add more garlic?

If you crave a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to increase the amount of garlic paste or even add some roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow taste. Just remember, more isn’t always merrier, so add gradually and taste as you go!