the Best homemade creamy mashed potatoes an easy recipe
Mashed potatoes are a timeless, easy-to-make side dish that adds a touch of comfort to any meal.
Perfect for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or casual gatherings, this creamy and delicious recipe pairs beautifully with roast meats, barbecues, and more.
Whether you’re hosting a festive celebration or preparing a cozy family dinner, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit.
Mashed Potatoes the best Go-To Side Dish
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish to complement a variety of meats.
They pair perfectly with mustard-glazed chicken legs, roast leg of lamb, turkey, capon, or tender lamb shanks.
This simple homemade recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful texture that’s easy to customize to your taste.
This classic side dish is versatile and can be seasoned or enriched in countless ways to suit any meal.
Perfectly creamy, delicious, and easy to prepare, these mashed potatoes are sure to elevate your dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Mashed Potato Recipe
Here are a few reasons why these garlic-infused mashed potatoes will win you over:
- A classic with a twist. The garlic adds a rich, earthy depth that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Simple to make. Just cook the potatoes, mash them with butter, cream, and garlic, then season to taste.
- Wonderfully versatile. Serve them as a side dish to your main course or even enjoy them as a comforting snack.
- The ultimate comfort food. Garlic mashed potatoes are a timeless dish that brings back memories of family dinners and holiday gatherings.
The Ingredients you need for mashed potatoes
- 500 gr potatoes
- water for boiling
- salt
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 portions of Kiri cheese (optional, it will add a creamy texture and enhance the flavor)
- 1/2 glass of milk (adjust to your preferred consistency)
Which Potatoes Are Best for Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are those with a high starch content. Starchy potatoes break down easily and create a smooth, creamy texture. Here are a few great varieties to use:
- Bintje: A classic choice for mash. Its neutral flavor makes it perfect for absorbing added seasonings.
- Yukon Gold: Slightly sweet with a naturally buttery flavor, these potatoes give your mash a light and fluffy texture.
- Russet Burbank: Known for their high starch content, they produce a rich, dense, and creamy mash.
Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
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- Avoid waxy potatoes (like Red or New Potatoes) as they are low in starch and can turn gluey when mashed.
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- A mix of Russets and Yukon Gold can offer the perfect balance of fluffiness and creaminess.
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- Always start boiling your potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking.
How to Make Homemade Mashed Potatoes (Easy & Creamy Recipe)
Follow these simple steps for the perfect creamy mashed potatoes every time: Prepare the potatoes
- Peel the potatoes, rinse them well, and cut them into large even-sized cubes.
- This ensures they cook evenly and prevents a lumpy mash.
Cook the potatoes
- Place the potato cubes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and season with salt, black pepper, a bay leaf, and one garlic clove for extra flavor.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain and remove flavorings
- Remove the bay leaf, then drain the potatoes.
- Keep some of the cooking water aside—you may need it later to adjust the texture.
Mash the potatoes
- Use a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer (avoid using a blender, as it makes the mash gummy).
Add richness
- Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Gradually add butter, grated cheese, and warm milk in small amounts.
- Mix gently between additions to avoid making the mash too runny.
Adjust the consistency
- Whip until smooth and creamy.
- If the mash is too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking water until you reach the desired creaminess.
Serve and garnish
- Serve the mashed potatoes hot, topped with a rich gravy made from roasted meat drippings, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor and presentation.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Tips for Mashed Potatoes
Preparing in Advance
- Keep Warm for a Few Hours: After making the mashed potatoes, you can keep them warm for up to two hours using a slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
- Day-Ahead Prep: If preparing the potatoes the day before, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until reheating.
Reheating Methods
- In the Oven:
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a baking dish.
- Stir in a splash of milk to maintain a creamy texture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even heating.
- In the Microwave:
- Place the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish.
- Heat on high power, stopping to stir occasionally.
- Add warm milk as needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Pro Tip:
Mashed potatoes can dry out during storage and reheating. To refresh their texture, always add a little warm milk or a knob of butter and mix until smooth before serving.
Homemade creamy mashed potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions
Description
Easy to make homemade mashed potatoes recipe, the perfect side dish that adds a touch of comfort to any meal, it pairs beautifully with roast meats, barbecues
Ingredients
- 500 gr potatoes
- water for boiling
- salt
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 portions of Kiri cheese optional, it will add a creamy texture and enhance the flavor
- 1/2 glass of milk adjust to your preferred consistency
Instructions
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Peel the potatoes, wash them thoroughly, and cut them into large cubes.
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Place the potato cubes in a pot and cover them with cold water.
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Add salt, a pinch of black pepper, the bay leaf, and the garlic clove for extra flavor.
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Bring the water to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes.
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Test the potatoes with a fork—they should be tender enough for the fork to slide in easily.
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Remove the bay leaf and drain the potatoes.
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Save a cup of the cooking water—it can be used later to adjust the texture of the mash.
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Use a food mill, potato masher, or an electric whisk (not a hand mixer, as it can make the mash gluey).
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Place the drained potatoes in a large bowl and begin mashing until smooth.
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Gradually add small amounts of butter, optional Kiri cheese, and milk.
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Mix gently after each addition to avoid over-softening the mash.
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If the mash is too firm, add a little of the reserved cooking water, one spoonful at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess.
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Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish.
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Top with a drizzle of roast meat cooking juices, a knob of butter, or a splash of olive oil for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: side dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220 kcal
