Why This Is Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Today I want to share my Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe because, at my house, mashed potatoes are revered as the utmost decadent comfort food. Since they are so rich, I don’t make them often. So when I do, I take careful precautions to make sure my potatoes are just right.  I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of sitting down to a highly anticipated meal with a heaping portion of creamy potatoes, only to find them gummy and lackluster. What a waste of potatoes and butter! We believe the best mashed potatoes always include cheese and garlic, and always have a fluffy texture. These cheesy mashed potatoes are rich, herbaceous, and inviting. You can make garlic mashed potatoes on the stovetop alone, or pop them in the oven so they puff into potato clouds. Ready to get started? With just a few tips, you too, can make perfect buttery fluffy potatoes every time.

Ingredients You Need

Yukon gold potatoes – or russet potatoes Garlic cloves – to infuse some flavor into the potatoes while boiling Unsalted butter – and lots of it! Half & half – for extra creamy mashed potatoes Fontina cheese – Can’t find fontina cheese? Use any easy-melting cheese you like! Salt and pepper – to taste Chives – for garnishing

Equipment You Will Need

Large Pot Peeler  Knife  Colander  Potato Masher (Or Electric Mixer) Microwave-Safe Bowl Spoon

Pro Tip: If you want to bake the mashed potatoes, you will need a large sauté pan (like a cast iron skillet) or ceramic baking dish to place in the oven.

How To Make The BEST Mashed Potatoes

Set out the cold ingredients to bring them to room temperature. Set a large pot of cold water on the stovetop. Peel the potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes. Add them to the cold water immediately, so that they do not brown. Add the garlic and 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 10-14 minutes, until you can easily cut the potatoes with a butter knife. Drain the potatoes and immediately mash. Do this with a potato masher, a ricer, or by placing them in a bowl of an electric mixer and beating. Mash the potatoes until almost completely smooth. Do not over-mash! Place the butter and half & half in a microwave-safe bowl and warm so that the butter melts into the half & half. Or, gently warm them up in a small saucepan. Once the potatoes are mashed, add the butter mixture to the potatoes and mix to incorporate. Then stir in the cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Serve the hot, fluffy mashed potatoes as-is or bake. Baking makes them even better! To Bake: For a crispy top, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Scoop the mashed potatoes into a large oven-safe sauté pan or casserole dish. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded fontina cheese, and bake for 20 minutes. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped chives and serve warm!

Serving Suggestions

Mashed potatoes go with nearly everything, right? That is what makes them a seriously amazing dish dish option. You can simply throw some steamed veggies and rotisserie chicken on top of a bed of these creamy mashed potatoes, and you will have an amazing meal! If you are looking for some other options to pair here, try some of my own personal favorites:

Oven Fried Turkey Breast Turkey Gravy Saucy Greek Lemon Meatballs Roasted Rainbow Vegetable Salad Grilled Salmon Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Stuffed Flank Steak Grilled Blackened Mahi Mahi Smoked Meatloaf Steak Fingers with Country Gravy

Tips & Tricks for the Best Mashed Potatoes

Looking for More Holiday Side Dish Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

Perfect Creamed Corn Mushroom Rice Pilaf Pressure Cooker Spiced Apples Maple Prosciutto Wrapped Sweet Potatoes Roasted Brussels Sprout Gratin Honey Butter Roasted Carrots Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Stuffing Tortellini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette Braised Brussels Sprouts with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Check the printable recipe below for nutritional information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, and vitamin c percentages. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Swiss Diamond Cookware. All opinions are our own. Share This Recipe With Friends!

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