Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of *garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes*! Just thinking about them makes my mouth water! The creamy texture combined with the rich, buttery flavor of cream cheese and the aromatic garlic is simply to die for. I remember the first time I made these for a family dinner; the moment I served them, everyone’s eyes lit up, and I knew I had created something special. They’re not just mashed potatoes; they’re a comforting hug in a bowl! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you won’t want to go back to plain mashed potatoes ever again!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Alright, let’s dive into making these heavenly *garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes*! The process is so simple, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a bowl of creamy goodness. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious side dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. I usually go for Yukon Gold or Russet – they’re perfect for mashing!
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. This is key! Cold water helps them cook evenly.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through without resistance.
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. This step is crucial because letting them sit in the pot for a minute helps release some steam, making your mash creamier.
- Add in the minced garlic, softened cream cheese, milk, and butter to the pot. The warmth of the potatoes helps melt everything together beautifully.
- Now, grab your potato masher or a hand mixer and mash away! I love to mash until it’s smooth and creamy, but you do you. If you like a little texture, don’t overdo it!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and voilà – your garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes are ready to serve warm!
Don’t forget to taste as you go – it’s the best part!
Nutritional Information
These delicious *garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes* are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also packed with goodness! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 5g of protein, and 33g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Rich, savory flavor from garlic and cream cheese
- Super easy to prepare, even for beginners
- Perfect side dish for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts
- Customizable to suit your taste with herbs or spices
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your *garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes*, I highly recommend using roasted garlic instead of raw. It brings an incredible depth of flavor that’s just divine! Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the milk – if you want them extra creamy, add a splash more; if you prefer them a bit thicker, hold back a little. And here’s a little secret: for an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle in some freshly chopped chives or parsley right before serving. It not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh taste that complements the richness perfectly. Trust me, your guests will be asking for your secret!
Variations
If you want to mix things up with your *garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes*, here are a few fun variations to try! First, consider adding cheese – a handful of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta can add a delightful tang. For an herbaceous twist, stir in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can give your mash a kick! And don’t forget, using different types of potatoes like sweet potatoes can create a whole new experience. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes* is a breeze! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key to maintaining that creamy texture. I recommend warming them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, and adding a splash of milk if they seem a bit dry. You can also use the microwave, but heat them in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid any uneven warm spots. Enjoy your delicious leftovers just like the first time!
Serving Suggestions
These *garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes* are the ultimate sidekick for so many dishes! I love serving them alongside juicy grilled meats like chicken or steak – the flavors just complement each other so perfectly. They also pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, adding that creamy contrast. For a cozy night in, try them with a hearty meatloaf or even a savory mushroom gravy. You really can’t go wrong!
Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes: 5 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add minced garlic, cream cheese, milk, and butter.
- Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use roasted garlic.
- You can add chives for extra flavor.
- Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes
