Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that can elevate any meal from simple to impressive. Think velvety, rich texture infused with a delightful garlic flavor that promises to make every bite unforgettable. Made with Yukon gold potatoes, mascarpone cheese, and just the right amount of garlic, this dish is both comforting and luxurious, reminiscent of the kind you’d expect in a fine restaurant without any added fuss.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)

I vividly remember the first time I whipped up a batch of these creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a family gathering. As everyone gathered around the dinner table, the aroma of garlic and butter wafting through the air set the stage for a warm, laughter-filled evening. My cousins, who typically shy away from side dishes, couldn’t resist going back for seconds! The best part? It’s a breeze to make—perfect for those weeknights when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just about 50 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking—this dish is achievable even on busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy mascarpone and robust garlic creates a rich taste explosion, leaving you wanting more!
Eye-Catching Appeal: These mashed potatoes are not only delicious but inviting, making them a stunning centerpiece on any dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or a cozy night in, these mashed potatoes are a versatile companion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or swap in low-fat dairy substitutes for a lighter version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered: These potatoes offer a buttery flavor and smooth texture, making them ideal for mashing. You could use russet potatoes if needed, but they’ll yield slightly different results.
3/4 cup whole milk or milk of choice, lightly warmed: Whole milk provides the richest flavor and creaminess. You can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
1/3 cup sour cream or crème fraîche: Both contribute tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the flavor profile. If you’re in a pinch, plain Greek yogurt works too.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for topping: Butter adds a luxurious mouthfeel. Please avoid salted butter to maintain flavor balance.
4 ounces mascarpone cheese: This creamy Italian cheese is key to achieving that indulgent texture. Cream cheese can be a substitute, though it has a distinct taste.
3 tablespoons Boursin® garlic & fine herbs cheese (optional): This garlic-herb cheese brings extra layers of flavor. Feel free to skip it if you want a simpler taste.
1 tablespoon garlic paste: For a smooth garlic infusion, this is preferred over raw garlic. You can use freshly minced garlic but adjust to taste.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors in the dish.
1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives (for garnish, optional): Chives add a fresh, onion flavor and visually elevate your dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and trim the potatoes, cutting them into rough quarters. If you prefer a rustic touch, leaving the skin on is fine, but remember to give them a good wash first.

Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large Dutch oven or stock pot, covering them entirely with cool water. Add a few pinches of kosher salt for flavor. Bring the pot to medium-high heat and boil for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily fall apart when pierced.

Drain and Rice the Potatoes: Once cooked, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Working in batches, transfer a portion of the potatoes into a ricer and press until they are smooth. Return the riced potatoes back into the warm pot; repeat until all potatoes are riced for the perfect texture.

Mix in the Goodies: Add 3/4 cup of warmed milk, 1/3 cup sour cream, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, 3 tablespoons Boursin cheese (if using), and 1 tablespoon garlic paste into the pot. Stir everything together until fully combined and creamy. Adjust consistency with more milk if necessary, and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serve It Up: Transfer the fluffy mashed potatoes into a large serving bowl. Drizzle with melted butter, sprinkle a few cracks of pepper, and, if you wish, garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped chives for that fresh pop of color. Enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a little extra milk to refresh their creamy texture. Just note that freezing may alter the consistency slightly, but a good stir will bring them back to life.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always start with room temperature ingredients for a creamier texture.
Don’t skip ricing the potatoes; it ensures there are no lumps and creates that restaurant-quality smoothness.
If you find the mixture too thick, a touch of warm milk can work wonders.
Experiment with flavor additions like roasted garlic, different herbs, or a sprinkle of cheese for extra indulgence.
Make-ahead option: You can prepare the mashed potatoes up to a day ahead, store them in the fridge, then reheat gently.

These Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your home. The rich, buttery flavors combined with the smooth texture are perfect for elevating casual meals or special occasions alike. Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients and make this dish your own. You’ll find that everyone at your table will be asking for the recipe!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them gently before serving, adding a splash of milk for creaminess as needed.

Can I use other types of cheese in the recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses! Cream cheese or even cheddar can work well, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.

What can I do if my mashed potatoes are too thick?

If your mashed potatoes end up too thick, don’t worry! Simply stir in a bit more warm milk until they reach your desired creamy consistency.

Is there a vegan version of this dish?

Certainly! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use plant-based milk, and replace mascarpone and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt for an equally delightful dish.