View Gallery
2 photos
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A Perfect Christmas Dinner Idea for Small Families
Make your Christmas dinner extra special with our Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This comforting and flavorful side dish is ideal for small family gatherings, complementing your main courses with its rich texture and savory taste. Whether you're planning a traditional meal or looking to add a unique touch to your holiday table, this garlic mashed potatoes recipe is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic
-
Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly. Finely mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
2. Boil the Potatoes and Garlic
-
Place the cubed potatoes and minced garlic in a large pot. Fill the pot with enough cold water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, approximately 20-25 minutes.
3. Drain and Dry the Potatoes
-
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander. Return the potatoes and garlic to the pot and place it over low heat. Allow them to steam dry for about 2 minutes, which helps achieve a fluffier texture.
4. Mash the Potatoes
-
Using a potato masher or a handheld mixer, mash the potatoes and garlic until smooth. For an extra creamy texture, you can use a potato ricer.
5. Add Butter and Cream
-
In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter together until the butter is melted. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring continuously. Add the heavy cream and continue to mix until the potatoes reach your desired consistency.
6. Season to Taste
-
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
7. Garnish and Serve
-
Transfer the creamy garlic mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite Christmas main courses and enjoy a delightful holiday meal with your small family.
Note
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content, which results in a creamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey. Mash them just until smooth.
- Warm Ingredients: Adding warm milk and butter helps the potatoes absorb the liquids better, ensuring a creamy consistency.
- Customize Your Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or a splash of sour cream.
Did you make this recipe?
Frequently Asked Questions
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a versatile and beloved side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian entrees. Their rich and buttery flavor, enhanced with garlic, makes them a festive addition to your Christmas dinner table. Perfect for small families, this recipe is straightforward to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.