Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: The Best Thanksgiving Side Dish

Elevate your holiday meal with these creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes, a perfect side dish for any gathering.

This recipe, inspired by Harvest Recipes, will quickly become a family favorite. It’s designed for simplicity and incredible flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Discover how easy it is to create a side dish that’s rich, garlicky, and packed with fresh herbaceous notes. These mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and will add a touch of homemade comfort to any meal.

Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Elevate your holiday meal with these creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes, a perfect side dish for any gathering. This recipe, inspired by Harvest Recipes, will quickly become a family favorite. It’s designed for simplicity and incredible flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions. Discover how easy it is to create a side dish that’s rich, garlicky, and packed with fresh herbaceous notes. These mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and will add a touch of homemade comfort to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup whole milk, warmed

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling and quartering your Yukon Gold potatoes. Place the potato pieces in a large pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This seasons the potatoes from the inside out.

2. Boil the Potatoes: Bring the pot of salted water and potatoes to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without resistance.

3. Drain Thoroughly: Carefully drain the cooked potatoes in a colander. Allow them to sit in the colander for a minute or two, letting any excess steam escape. This step is crucial for preventing watery mashed potatoes.

4. Mash with Flavor: Return the drained potatoes to the empty hot pot. Add the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, warmed whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Using a potato masher, begin to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. For extra creamy potatoes, you can use a hand mixer on low speed, but be careful not to overmix.

5. Stir in Fresh Herbs: Once the potatoes are mashed and creamy, gently fold in the finely chopped fresh parsley and chives. Stir just until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. Overmixing at this stage can break down the herbs and reduce their vibrant color and flavor.

6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more butter or milk to achieve your perfect flavor and consistency. Serve immediately while hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: side dish
• Method: boiling, mashing
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: mashed potatoes, garlic, herbs, side dish, comfort food, holiday, easy, creamy, potato, vegetarian

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe for Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes is a true winner because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for home cooks who want to impress their family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender potatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs creates a side dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare. This recipe is ideal for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or any time you want a comforting and delicious potato dish. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables and fresh flavors to your family’s plate in a way that everyone will enjoy.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh produce that are easy to find at any grocery store.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the potatoes, Yukon Golds are highly recommended as they have a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them ideal for mashing. However, Russet potatoes can also be used; they will yield a fluffier mash. When it comes to dairy, whole milk provides the richest texture, but 2% milk can be substituted if preferred. For the herbs, feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste or experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or thyme. Using fresh herbs is key to the vibrant flavor of this dish, so avoid dried herbs if possible.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

Preparing these delicious Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes is surprisingly quick, making them an excellent choice for a busy schedule.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

This timeline accounts for peeling and chopping the potatoes, mincing the garlic, and the actual cooking and mashing process. It’s a realistic estimate for a smooth cooking experience from start to finish.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling and quartering your Yukon Gold potatoes. Place the potato pieces in a large pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This seasons the potatoes from the inside out.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Bring the pot of salted water and potatoes to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without resistance.
3. Drain Thoroughly: Carefully drain the cooked potatoes in a colander. Allow them to sit in the colander for a minute or two, letting any excess steam escape. This step is crucial for preventing watery mashed potatoes.
4. Mash with Flavor: Return the drained potatoes to the empty hot pot. Add the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, warmed whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Using a potato masher, begin to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. For extra creamy potatoes, you can use a hand mixer on low speed, but be careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in Fresh Herbs: Once the potatoes are mashed and creamy, gently fold in the finely chopped fresh parsley and chives. Stir just until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. Overmixing at this stage can break down the herbs and reduce their vibrant color and flavor.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more butter or milk to achieve your perfect flavor and consistency. Serve immediately while hot.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of garlic slightly or use garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic if your children are sensitive to strong flavors. Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream during the mashing process can also make them extra appealing to younger palates.

For a richer, more decadent version, consider stirring in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with the milk. If you’re serving these for a party or buffet, keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting, stirring occasionally. You can also offer a small bowl of extra chopped fresh chives or a pat of compound herb butter on the side for guests to customize their serving. These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, steak, meatloaf, or any holiday roast. They also make a fantastic base for a shepherd’s pie.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help you achieve perfect Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes every time.

One frequent mistake is over-boiling the potatoes. If potatoes absorb too much water, they become watery and gluey when mashed. To avoid this, ensure your potatoes are cooked until just fork-tender, not falling apart, and drain them thoroughly. Allowing them to steam dry in the colander for a minute or two also helps.

Another common issue is using cold dairy. Adding cold milk or butter directly to hot potatoes can cool them down too quickly and make them harder to incorporate smoothly, sometimes resulting in lumpy potatoes. Always warm your milk slightly and ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the creamiest results.

Over-mashing is a big no-no. Potatoes contain starch, and when over-mashed, especially with a food processor or an electric mixer on high speed, they can release too much starch, leading to a gummy, gluey texture rather than light and fluffy. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer on low speed, mashing just until smooth.

Finally, skimping on seasoning can leave your mashed potatoes bland. Don’t forget to salt the water when boiling the potatoes, and always taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end. The fresh herbs are also key to the vibrant flavor, so don’t skip them!

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored and even made ahead with a few simple tricks to maintain their delicious texture.

To store leftovers, allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For reheating, the best method is gently on the stovetop. Place the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream and a small pat of butter. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, but be careful not to overheat, which can dry them out.

If you plan to make them ahead for a party or holiday meal, prepare the mashed potatoes up to the point of adding the fresh herbs. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop with a little extra milk or butter, then stir in the fresh herbs just before serving for the best flavor and vibrant color. This prevents the herbs from losing their freshness during storage and reheating.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use different types of potatoes? While Yukon Golds are recommended for their creamy texture, you can use Russet potatoes for a fluffier mash. Red potatoes can also work, but they might result in a slightly waxier texture.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh? Fresh herbs are highly recommended for the best flavor and aroma in this dish. If you must use dried, use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute plant-based milk (like unsweetened almond or oat milk) and vegan butter for the dairy ingredients. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey? The key is not to over-mash. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer on low speed, and stop as soon as they are

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.