Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

$To make Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, you need a few simple items. Here’s the list: - 2 pounds large Yukon Gold potatoes - 4 cloves garlic - ½ cup unsalted butter - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy dish. Yukon Gold potatoes are great because they have a buttery flavor. The garlic adds a nice kick, while the Parmesan brings a lovely sharpness. The butter and cream make the potatoes smooth and rich. Using fresh parsley as a garnish not only adds color but also a burst of freshness. Each item plays a key role. For example, if you use too little salt, your dish may taste flat. Too much can overpower the flavors. By balancing these ingredients, you create a comforting side dish that’s sure to please everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. While you wait, peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes. I like to cut them into even pieces for even cooking. When the water is boiling, add the cubed potatoes and minced garlic. Cook them until the potatoes are fork-tender, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Test a piece to make sure it’s soft enough. Once the potatoes and garlic are done, drain them in a colander. Return them to the pot, letting the steam escape. This step is key to avoiding watery potatoes. Add the unsalted butter to the hot potatoes. The heat will help the butter melt quickly. Now comes the fun part! Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. If you want them extra fluffy, you can use a ricer instead. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, mixing well as you go. This will help you reach your desired consistency. Then, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully combined and melted into the potatoes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This dish is all about balance! To make your Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes creamy, start with Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a great texture. Boil them until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain them well and return them to the pot. Add unsalted butter while the potatoes are still hot. This helps the butter melt and blend nicely. Next, pour in heavy cream slowly. Mix until you reach the smoothness you like. For flavor, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a rich taste. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to balance the flavors. One common mistake is overcooking or undercooking the potatoes. If they are too soft, they will become gluey when mashed. If they are too firm, you will struggle to mash them. Aim for fork-tender potatoes. Another mistake is not mashing properly. Use a potato masher for the best results. Avoid using a blender or food processor, as this can make the potatoes gummy. Garnishing adds a nice touch. Fresh herbs like parsley work well. They brighten up the dish and add color. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. For a bit of crunch, try adding crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs. These toppings add flavor and texture. Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Don’t Rush the Boil: Ensure the potatoes are fork-tender by cooking them properly; this ensures a smooth mash. Add the Cream Gradually: Incorporating the heavy cream slowly allows you to achieve your desired consistency without making it too runny. Season Last: Adding salt and pepper at the end helps to better control the flavor without over-seasoning. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for different tastes. Cream cheese adds a smooth texture. Cheddar brings a sharp flavor. Feta adds a salty kick. Experiment with what you like best. Each choice gives a unique twist to your garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes. Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Roasted garlic gives a rich taste. Chives add a fresh, oniony note. Spinach adds color and health benefits. Mix these in while mashing for a tasty surprise. You can make your dish both creamy and vibrant. You can infuse your butter with herbs for more flavor. Try rosemary or thyme for a savory touch. Basil can add a fresh burst. Just heat the butter with your chosen herbs. This simple step makes your mashed potatoes stand out. Each bite will be a delightful blend of flavors. Store your Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place them in the fridge within two hours after cooking. They’ll last up to four days. If you notice any browning on top, just mix it back in. This does not affect the taste. To reheat your mashed potatoes, use the microwave or stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir every minute to keep them creamy. For the stove, place them in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore texture. Stir often to avoid burning. You can freeze these mashed potatoes for up to three months. First, let them cool completely. Then, scoop them into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently for the best texture. Yes, you can use other types of potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy texture and buttery flavor. Russet potatoes are another good choice. They mash well and have a fluffy texture. However, they can be a bit drier. Red potatoes keep their shape better when mashed. They add a different texture, which some people enjoy. To make garlic mashed potatoes vegan, swap butter for vegan butter or olive oil. Use plant-based cream like coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. These substitutions keep the flavor rich and creamy. You can also use nutritional yeast to get a cheesy taste without dairy. Garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes pair well with many main dishes. Try serving them with grilled chicken or steak. They also go great with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a cozy meal, enjoy them with a hearty beef stew or a savory mushroom risotto. These sides enhance the creamy comfort of the potatoes. This blog post covers everything you need to know for making creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips to avoid common mistakes. You can add your favorite cheeses or vegetables for unique flavors. Proper storage and reheating methods are also covered. Remember, these mashed potatoes can shine at any meal. Try your new skills and share them with friends. Enjoy each creamy bite as you create a dish everyone loves!$

Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Ingredients

2 pounds large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and minced garlic. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and garlic, returning them to the pot.
Add the butter to the hot potatoes and garlic, allowing it to melt.
Begin mashing the potatoes with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
Slowly incorporate the heavy cream, mixing well to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully combined and melted into the potatoes.
Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw.

Keyword garlic, mashed potatoes, Parmesan, side dish