Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, delicious side dish that everyone loves. The combination of buttery potatoes and cheesy goodness, along with a hint of garlic, makes this recipe perfect for any meal. Whether it’s a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes will always be a hit at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes! First, they are simple to prepare and do not require fancy ingredients. This dish is comforting, rich, and pairs well with a variety of entrées, from roasted chicken to grilled steak. Plus, the melty cheese adds an irresistible flavor that makes these potatoes stand out. They are also a great way to get everyone to enjoy their vegetables, especially kids!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes (peeled and cut up)
- 1/4 cup butter (unsalted, half a stick)
- 3/4 plus 1/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, keep divided)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 6-8 cloves garlic (fresh, minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh chives (optional, sliced, for topping)
Directions
- Add cut potatoes to a large pot and fill it with cold water until the potatoes are just covered.
- Bring the pot to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until a fork easily slides into the potatoes.
- Drain the water and put the potatoes back into the pot.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add in the butter and let it melt into the potatoes.
- Mix in 3/4 cup cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Blend the mixture until creamy using a hand mixer or the potato masher.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a greased 8×8 or 2-quart baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty on top.
- Taste and season with more salt if needed. Top with chives if desired.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are best served warm. Spoon them onto plates alongside your favorite main dishes. They are great with roast chicken, grilled beef, or even as a part of a holiday meal. You can also serve them with a sprinkle of chives on top for a nice touch!
How to Store Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier texture.
- Don’t skip the garlic; it adds wonderful flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cheese according to your taste.
- For extra creaminess, you can add more heavy cream or sour cream as needed.
- Make them ahead of time; they taste just as good reheated!
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding different herbs, like parsley or rosemary, or mixing in some cooked bacon for an extra savory kick. If you want to make it lighter, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
Q: What can I do if my mashed potatoes are too thick?
A: If they are too thick, simply add a bit more heavy cream or milk and mix until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! Just place them in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 large large potatoes, peeled and cut up Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, half a stick
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Keep 1/4 cup aside for topping.
- 1/4 cup sour cream Can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream Adjust based on desired creaminess.
- 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced Don’t skip the garlic; it adds wonderful flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh chives, sliced, optional for topping Add for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Add cut potatoes to a large pot and fill it with cold water until the potatoes are just covered.
- Bring the pot to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until a fork easily slides into the potatoes.
- Drain the water and put the potatoes back into the pot.
Mixing and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add in the butter and let it melt into the potatoes.
- Mix in 3/4 cup cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Blend the mixture until creamy using a hand mixer or continue with the potato masher.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a greased 8×8 or 2-quart baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty on top.
- Taste and season with more salt if needed. Top with chives if desired.
