Creamy Garlic and Butter Mashed Potatoes is a classic and essential side dish on the Thanksgiving table. Its smooth texture, enriched with the aroma of garlic and the richness of butter, makes it the perfect accompaniment to turkey and other festive dishes. Here’s an easy and delicious recipe, along with tips to achieve perfect mashed potatoes and serving suggestions.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold, creamer, or Russet)
• About 1 1/3 cups heavy cream (start with less and add more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon chopped herbs (chives, parsley, or green onions)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

1. Cook the potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Boil in water until soft (about 10 minutes). Drain well and mash until smooth.
2. Make garlic butter: In a pan, melt butter with oil and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Reserve 1 tablespoon of this garlic butter.
3. Add cream: Warm the cream in the pan with garlic butter (don’t boil). Mix well.
4. Combine: Pour the garlic cream into the mashed potatoes and stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with less cream and add more if you want it creamier.
5. Serve: Put the mashed potatoes in a bowl, drizzle with the reserved garlic butter, sprinkle with herbs, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic and Butter Mashed Potatoes

• Choose quality potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes give the best creamy texture.
• Don’t overcook: Cook until just tender; overcooked potatoes can become watery.
• Warm your liquids: Warming the milk and cream helps produce a smoother, more homogeneous mash.
• Use a masher or ricer: Avoid electric mixers to prevent a gummy texture; a masher or ricer yields the best results.
• Adjust ingredients: Add more milk for a looser consistency or less for a thicker mash.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic and Butter Mashed Potatoes

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Stuffing or dressing
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Rich gravy for dipping or pouring over

For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh chopped chives or a drizzle of melted butter.