Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
Adding just one little ingredient creates a flavorful garlic herb mashed potatoes dish that elevates standard mashed potatoes up a few notches without any hard work.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fast, quick, and delicious. Why can’t all recipes be like this?
If you regularly serve mashed potatoes, you’ll love this recipe. Adding garlic and herb spreadable cheese is such an easy addition that boosts the flavor of your dish.
No roasting garlic, no chopping herbs. Just toss it in with the butter and milk and mix it all up.
It’s a super easy hack that takes a standard side dish and elevates it to the next level.
While we often preach using fresh ingredients, this is a perfect substitution that makes those busy weekday meals less stressful and better tasting without adding multiple steps to a recipe.
Ingredients Needed
It can’t get much simpler than this.
- Potatoes – The star of the show, providing a hearty, comforting base. We used a mix of russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Garlic Herb Cheese Spread – Adds a burst of flavor with minimal effort (see note for alternative).
- Unsalted Butter – Brings in a rich, creamy texture.
- Whole Milk – Helps achieve a smooth, fluffy consistency. Heavy cream works well to, for an extra dash of indulgence.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the dish.
- Pepper – Adds a slight kick and rounds out the flavor profile.
With the one addition of the garlic herb cheese spread, it’s the simple ingredients only for mashed potatoes. Perfectly simple and easy!
note
If you can’t find garlic herb cheese spread, a great alternative is to mix softened cream cheese with minced garlic and a sprinkle of mixed dried herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. You could also use fresh herbs.
For exact quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.
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How To Make Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
Wrapping up, these Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are the epitome of simple elegance on a plate.
With the effortless addition of the garlic herb cheese spread, a classic side dish is transformed into a creamy delight that’s hard to resist.
There’s no fuss or frills here—just a straightforward process leading to a bowl of velvety, flavorful mashed potatoes.
The ease of preparation paired with the rich, comforting outcome makes this potato recipe a keeper. Each spoonful is a reminder that great flavor doesn’t require hard work; sometimes, it’s just about that one clever ingredient that does the magic.
So, the next time mashed potatoes are on the menu, give this recipe a shot and watch a humble dish get a gourmet makeover without breaking a sweat!
Additional Tips
These tips will ensure your Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes come out perfect every time:
- Choosing Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for a fluffy texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes yield a creamier result. Feel free to use a mix to get the best of both worlds.
- Prepping Ahead: You can peel and cube the potatoes a few hours in advance. Just keep them submerged in cold water to prevent browning. Drain and rinse before boiling.
- Warming the Milk: Warm milk blends more easily with the potatoes, resulting in a smoother texture. Heat it in the microwave or stovetop until it’s warm, not boiling.
- Smooth or Chunky: Use a potato ricer or pass them through a fine-mesh sieve for smoother mashed potatoes. Mash them with a potato masher or hand mixer for a chunkier texture.
- Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the salt! Potatoes need a good amount of salt to bring out their flavor. Start with the amount in the recipe and add more if necessary after tasting.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, use plant-based milk, and try a vegan garlic herb cream cheese spread.
- Garnishing: Fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of paprika can add a pop of color and a touch of extra flavor.
Variations
Expand the horizons with these tasty variations:
- Cheese Variations: Swap the garlic herb cheese spread for other flavored soft cheeses like chive and onion cream cheese or sharp cheddar cheese for a different taste profile. For a bolder flavor, you could also try a smoked gouda or blue cheese.
- Herb Variations: Mix in some finely chopped fresh basil and a handful of grated parmesan for an Italian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. A spoonful of horseradish or a dash of hot sauce can also liven up the dish.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Mix in cooked bacon bits, shredded cheese, and top with sour cream and chives for a loaded mashed potatoes version.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative. Follow the same steps but reduce the boiling time accordingly.
FAQs
If you can’t find garlic herb cheese spread, you can mix 6 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 minced garlic clove and a teaspoon of mixed dried herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Alternatively, a flavored Boursin cheese would work well too.
Yes, red potatoes can be used, though they yield a slightly different texture—firmer and less fluffy compared to russet or gold potatoes. They still deliver a delicious result with a slightly earthier taste.
While it’s possible to freeze mashed potatoes, they may lose some of their texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if freezing, ensure they are stored in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave, stirring in some additional milk or butter to restore creaminess.
Other Amazing Potato Recipes
Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Potatoes russet, gold, or mix. Cubed
- 6.5 oz Garlic herb cheese spread 1 package, room temperature
- 3/4 cup Whole milk warmed
- 2 tbso Butter
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Cube the potatoes into one inch cubes. Place them in a large saucepan and give them a rinse with cold water to remove some of the starch.
- Cover the potatoes by an inch of cold water and bring them to a boil until they’re fork tender, about 10 minutes.
- When they’re ready, strain the potatoes. Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer. Alternatively, you can use a hand mixer to beat them.
- Add the garlic herb cheese, butter, and milk and fold it all into the potatoes (or beat well with the hand mixer). Give it a taste and add salt and pepper to your level of preference.
- Plate the garlic herb mashed potatoes and serve. Optionally, garnish with additional butter and chopped flat leaf parsley.