Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a simple yet versatile dish, perfect for both everyday meals and holiday feasts. This recipe is easy enough for beginners, and the techniques learned can be adapted for other culinary creations.

Ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Gold Potatoes (or your preferred potato variety)
• Minced Garlic
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Salt
• Butter (salted or unsalted, cubed and at room temperature for better melting)
• Pepper

Choosing the Best Potatoes

While any potato can be mashed, different varieties offer unique textures and flavors. Here's a breakdown:

• Gold Potatoes: These are a popular choice due to their golden color, rich flavor, and creamy texture. They are also quite starchy, resulting in a fluffy mash.
• Russet Potatoes: A good and often more budget-friendly alternative. They also produce a fluffy mash.
• Red Potatoes: While usable, red potatoes will yield a denser, less fluffy mashed potato compared to white or gold varieties.

How to Boil Potatoes for Mashing

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
2. Boil Water: Fill a large stockpot with water and bring it to a rolling boil on the stovetop.
3. Cube the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Peeling is optional; leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but it's a matter of personal preference. Remove any blemishes or undesirable parts.
4. Boil Until Tender: Add the cubed potatoes to the boiling water. Cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork or a wooden spoon can easily mash them against the side of the pot.
5. Drain: Carefully pour the boiling water and potatoes into a strainer or colander to drain excess water.

Making Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Return to Pot or Mixer: Place the drained potatoes back into the stockpot or transfer them to a large mixing bowl suitable for use with a stand mixer or electric hand mixer.
2. Add Butter, Garlic, Salt, and Pepper: Add the cubed butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
3. Mix: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, begin mixing the potatoes. The butter should melt from the heat of the potatoes.
4. Incorporate Heavy Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream while continuing to mix. Add slowly, as too much cream can result in runny mashed potatoes.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the potatoes are not as fluffy as desired, add more heavy cream or butter until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!

Storing Leftover Mashed Potatoes

• Refrigeration: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Freezing: Mashed potatoes can be frozen for longer storage. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen mashed potatoes can be stored for up to six months. Using a vacuum sealer is ideal for preventing freezer burn.

Creative Uses for Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Don't let leftover mashed potatoes go to waste! Here are some delicious ways to repurpose them:

• Shepherd's Pie: Use mashed potatoes as a topping for a savory meat filling.
• Mashed Potato Bowls: Create a loaded mashed potato bowl with toppings like fried chicken, corn, gravy, and cheese.
• Shepherd's Pie Variations: Experiment with different meats and vegetables in Shepherd's Pie.
• Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Mix in cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives for a decadent side dish.
• Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: Bake mashed potatoes with cheese and other toppings for a comforting casserole.