Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, buttery, and loaded with rich cheese and garlic, these mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal, especially for holidays, barbecues, or family gatherings. They’re incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s how to make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold potatoes)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks (about 2-inch pieces). This will help them cook evenly.
- Add the chopped potatoes to a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
2. Cook the Garlic:
- While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden (be careful not to burn the garlic). If using garlic powder, you can skip this step and add it later with the other ingredients.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot.
- Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
4. Mix in the Creamy Ingredients:
- Add the garlic-infused butter (or garlic powder if you skipped the garlic), milk, and Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes. Stir well until the potatoes are creamy and the cheese has melted in.
- Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add More Cheese:
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add an extra pat of butter on top for a richer finish.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make it Ahead: You can make these mashed potatoes ahead of time. Just prepare the potatoes, and before adding the final cheese and butter, cover and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, reheat in the microwave or stovetop and stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Add More Flavor: For extra flavor, you can stir in sour cream or cream cheese to make the potatoes even creamier and tangier.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
These Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect blend of creamy texture, rich cheese, and flavorful garlic, making them an irresistible side dish for any occasion!