Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you love comforting, creamy potatoes with a little gourmet twist, then this Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how this recipe blends fresh herbs, roasted garlic, and creamy butter for a side dish that feels both fancy and homey. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips and little secrets to get these potatoes just right every time — it’s a fan-freaking-tastic way to elevate your usual mashed potatoes!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor while keeping the texture just right. I recommend picking fresh herbs from your grocery store or garden if possible—you’ll notice the difference!

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: I love Yukons for mashed potatoes because they’re naturally creamy and have a buttery flavor that doesn’t need much extra seasoning.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds a slightly minty, woodsy flavor that brightens the dish.
• Fresh Sage Leaves: These give an earthy, savory note that pairs perfectly with garlic and butter.
• Garlic Cloves: Whole garlic cloves simmered in cream mellow into a delicious, soft richness instead of sharp raw garlic.
• Milk: I use whole milk for creaminess—avoid skim or you’ll lose that luscious texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create that silky finish everyone loves.
• Butter: Separating the butter keeps some for cooking and some to top for that beautiful melt-on-the-plate effect.
• Pink Salt or Sea Salt: I prefer pink salt here for its subtle mineral hint, but regular sea salt works too—start with less and adjust to taste.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering from the fresh cloves.
• Fresh Parsley & Black Pepper (Optional): These are perfect finishing touches that add color and a little kick at the end.

Variations

I love mixing things up a bit with this Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s a fantastic base you can customize depending on your mood, guests, or what’s in your fridge!

• Cheesy Twist: Once, I stirred in sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and my family went crazy for how gooey and flavorful it became.
• Vegan Version: Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter and use almond or oat milk instead; the herbs and garlic still shine through beautifully.
• Extra Garlic Flavor: For garlic lovers, roasting whole heads of garlic and mashing the softened cloves in adds the most heavenly aroma and taste.
• Try Sweet Potatoes: Switching to sweet potatoes and keeping the herbs gives a sweet-savory mash that’s especially nice in colder months.

How to Make Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes. I like to cut each potato into quarters so they cook evenly and quickly—about 20 to 25 minutes in boiling water. You want them tender all the way through, so test by poking with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance.

Step 2: Simmer Herbs and Garlic in Dairy

While the potatoes are boiling, combine the milk, heavy cream, 7 tablespoons of butter, fresh thyme, sage, garlic cloves, garlic powder, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a light simmer and let it infuse for about 10 minutes. This step is a game-changer—slowly cooking the fresh garlic and herbs in the dairy lets the flavors melt together and prevents any harshness.

Step 3: Drain and Combine

Once your potatoes are soft, drain them well and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Strain the infused milk and butter mixture to remove herbs and garlic, but I personally like to toss the softened garlic straight into the potatoes for a rustic flavor burst. You can skip this if you prefer a smoother, more uniform taste.

Step 4: Mash or Blend to Perfection

I usually grab my hand mixer to whip the potatoes until creamy and smooth; it takes about 2 to 3 minutes. But if you like a bit of texture and chunkiness, a hand masher works wonderfully too. Don’t forget to taste and add any salt or pepper needed here. This is your moment to tweak to perfection!

Step 5: Serve with Love

Transfer the mashed potatoes to your serving dish and top with the last tablespoon of butter—it melts right into little golden pockets. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper for a final pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone savor every creamy, garlicky bite.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always finish my mashed potatoes with fresh chopped parsley for that fresh green pop and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper—it’s simple but elevates the look and flavor. If I’m feeling fancy, I also drizzle a little extra melted butter on top for a glossy finish that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

This garlic herb mash pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple pan-seared salmon. I especially like to serve it alongside sautéed green beans or a spinach salad to keep things balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love piping the mashed potatoes with a star tip into individual ramekins and topping each with a little extra herb butter. It feels fancy and makes your side dish the star of the table. You can also crisply fry spoonfuls into cakes for a crispy outside and creamy inside contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover mashed potatoes into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, add a small splash of milk or cream to help loosen them back up so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

This recipe actually freezes well! I portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture nice.

Reheating

I like reheating mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat with a pat of butter and a splash of cream or milk. Stir frequently to keep them creamy. The microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s the one side dish everyone asks for at holidays and weeknight dinners alike. I love that it’s simple enough to make anytime but fancy enough to impress guests. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how those garlic and herb flavors sneak into every creamy bite and make your meal truly memorable. Trust me, once you make this, mashed potatoes will never be the same again.

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