Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn regular mashed potatoes into something spectacular, this Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe is what you’ve been missing. I absolutely love how these potatoes come out super creamy, packed with fresh herbs and that subtle punch of garlic that never overpowers. Whether you’re making a holiday feast or just craving a cozy side dish, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (trust me, my family goes crazy for this one!).

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe works together to give the perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and texture. When shopping, grab fresh herbs to really bring out those bright, earthy notes.

• Yukon Gold potatoes: I love Yukon Gold because they mash beautifully—creamy but not gluey—and they soak up buttery goodness.
• Fresh thyme: Adds subtle woodsy, floral notes that uplift the flavor.
• Fresh sage leaves: A classic herb that pairs amazingly with garlic and butter in potatoes.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic roasted gently in milk infuses the potatoes with mellow, rich garlic flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk keeps the potatoes lush and creamy without being too heavy.
• Heavy cream: Adds extra richness for a silky texture you’ll adore.
• Butter: Using it both during cooking and as a finishing touch lifts the entire dish.
• Pink salt or sea salt: I use pink salt for a mild salty hint, but sea salt works great too—start light and season to taste.
• Garlic powder: This is the secret little booster that adds a background garlic warmth without overpowering.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds freshness and color just before serving.
• Black pepper (optional): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat to balance the creaminess.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to adjust herbs and dairy to suit your preferences or dietary needs—you’ll find small tweaks really make it your own.

• Dairy-Free Variation: I once swapped milk and cream with coconut milk and vegan butter—resulting in a surprisingly rich mash, perfect for friends with dairy sensitivities.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have thyme or sage, try rosemary or chives; I discovered rosemary adds a lovely piney kick that pairs great with the garlic.
• Roasted Garlic: For deeper flavor, you can roast the garlic before infusing, which brings a sweeter, mellower garlic taste.
• Chunky Style: Prefer mashed potatoes that have some bite? Skip the hand mixer and just gently mash for a rustic texture.

How to Make Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes and cutting them into quarters. This helps them cook evenly and faster. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil before adding the potatoes—this seals in flavor a bit better. Boil them for about 20-25 minutes, until they’re completely tender and no longer firm when pierced with a fork. I always test a few pieces just to be sure—they should practically melt under your fork.

Step 2: Infuse the Milk, Butter, Herbs, and Garlic

While potatoes are bubbling away, grab a small saucepan and add the milk, cream, 7 tablespoons of butter, fresh thyme sprigs, sage leaves, the peeled garlic cloves, garlic powder, and salt. Bring this to a gentle simmer—not a full boil—and let it infuse for about 10 minutes until the garlic softens and the herbs really release their essence into the rich dairy mix.

Step 3: Drain and Mash the Potatoes

Drain your potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Strain your infused milk mixture to remove herbs, then pour the warm flavorful liquid over the potatoes. This is where the magic happens—toss in the now tender garlic from the infusion if you want that extra burst of garlic goodness. Then, with a hand mixer, blend the potatoes until creamy and smooth. If you like a heartier texture, you can use a hand masher instead. Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the mashed potatoes into your favorite serving bowl and place that last tablespoon of butter right on top—watch it melt deliciously as you serve. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper for a pop of color and a fresh bite.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my mashed potatoes with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch—the color lifts the whole presentation. Sometimes I like a few extra thyme leaves or even a sprinkle of chives for a mild onion edge. A crack or two of fresh black pepper adds a faint kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs like a dream with roasted chicken, garlic butter steak, or even a hearty vegetable stew. Whenever I make a holiday roast, these potatoes steal the show next to the gravy and green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served the mashed potatoes in a pretty ramekin sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs and fresh herbs for a crisp top layer. Another time, I swirled the mash on a platter and drizzled a bit of browned butter and herb oil around the edges—guests loved the elegant look and taste boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container once they cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. These mashed potatoes reheat beautifully and don’t lose their creamy texture when warmed gently.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these mashed potatoes a couple of times, and while the texture softens slightly, reheating with a splash of milk or cream helps bring them back to life. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is gently warming the potatoes on low in a saucepan with a little extra cream or milk, stirring frequently to keep them silky and smooth. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between, but the stovetop gives better control.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen repertoire. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple meals into memorable ones because it’s comforting, flavorful, and straightforward. I love sharing it with friends and family who always tell me it’s the best mashed potatoes they’ve ever had. I promise you, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to too. So, grab those potatoes, gather those fresh herbs, and let’s make some magic happen!

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