Mashed potatoes were a staple in my grandma’s kitchen. They were the ultimate comfort food, a warm and pillowy hug on a plate. As a kid, I’d eagerly help her mash the potatoes, always sneaking in a little “extra” butter whenever she wasn’t looking. My motto back then? “The more butter, the better!” (Let’s just say my grandma, who grew up with five siblings during the Depression, had a slightly different philosophy on butter proportions!)

This recipe is a loving tribute to her classic mashed potatoes, with a few creamy and flavorful twists. We’re talking silky smooth potatoes infused with fragrant garlic, a touch of rich cheese, and a hint of luxurious whipping cream. It’s still the same comforting side dish I craved as a child, but elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.

These garlic mashed potatoes are perfect for any occasion – a cozy date night in, a special get-together with friends, or a summer barbecue with the family. They’re incredibly versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, grab your potatoes, crank up the nostalgia, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, with a touch of creamy, garlicky goodness! Read below for some perfect pairing dish ideas that would be the perfect side with these mashed potatoes.

Why Russet Potatoes?

High Starch Content: Russet potatoes are loaded with starch. When cooked and mashed, this starch breaks down and creates a fluffy, light texture – ideal for creamy mashed potatoes.

Absorbent: Their low moisture content allows them to soak up the added flavors and creaminess from the heavy cream, butter, and cheeses, resulting in a richer, more decadent mashed potato experience.

Mashable: Russets have a mealy texture which means they break down easily once cooked. This makes them much easier to mash into a smooth and creamy consistency compared to waxy potatoes that tend to hold their shape better.

Dietary Restrictions:

Dairy-Free:

• Replace heavy cream with unsweetened plant-based milk (cashew milk, almond milk) and use vegan butter and cheese alternatives (cashew cheese, nutritional yeast).
• Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil with the vegan butter for extra richness.

Gluten-Free: All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

Ingredient Swaps:

• Potatoes: You can substitute Russets with Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly denser and creamier mash, but they won’t be quite as fluffy. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes or new potatoes – they won’t mash well.
• Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere or Fontina offer a similar creamy texture to cheddar. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist. You can even use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use a mixture of milk and butter (equal parts) or full-fat yogurt thinned with a little milk for a slightly tangy twist.
• Garlic: For a milder flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the mashed potatoes. Roasted garlic adds a deeper, sweeter flavor.
• Herbs: Chives, parsley, or even a pinch of dried thyme can be added for a fresh pop of flavor.

Flavor Variations:

• Roasted Garlic: Roast the garlic cloves for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
• Roasted Potatoes: Roast the cubed potatoes before mashing for a more intense potato flavor and slightly caramelized bits.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chilies for a kick.
• Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Mix in cooked crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables for a more substantial side dish.

Remember: When making substitutions, adjust the amount of additional liquids (milk, broth, butter) based on the moisture content of your chosen substitutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed!

Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements a variety of proteins and other flavors. Here are some perfect pairings to consider:

Classic Comfort:

• Meatloaf: The rich, savory flavors of cheesy garlic mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the comforting taste of meatloaf.
• Baked Ham: The sweetness of glazed ham is balanced perfectly by the cheesy creaminess of the mashed potatoes.
• Chicken Fried Steak: This Southern classic features breaded and fried chicken served with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, creating a decadent and satisfying combination.

Roasts:

• Roast Beef: A classic pairing, the mashed potatoes add a creamy element to the richness of roast beef.
• Prime Rib: Similar to roast beef, the luxurious taste of prime rib is complemented by the mashed potatoes.
• Pork Loin Roast: The pork and the cheesy mashed potatoes create a hearty and flavorful combination.
• Turkey Breast: This is a lighter option but still provides a satisfying protein pairing with the mashed potatoes.

Hearty Options:

• Grilled Lamb Chops: The gamy richness of lamb chops is balanced by the creaminess of the mashed potatoes.
• Baked Salmon: Salmon is a healthy protein option that pairs well with the indulgent flavors of the mashed potatoes.
• Pork Schnitzel: This breaded and pan-fried pork cutlet is another delicious option with cheesy garlic mashed potatoes.

Vegetarian Options:

• Lentil Soup: A hearty and healthy lentil soup is balanced by the cheesy comfort of the mashed potatoes.
• Vegetarian Chili: Similar to lentil soup, vegetarian chili provides a protein-rich element to complement the mashed potatoes.
• Mushroom Stroganoff: This creamy mushroom dish pairs well with the cheesy mashed potatoes for a vegetarian comfort food combination.

Lighter Sides:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slightly bitter flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts is a nice contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes.
• Green Beans Almondine: This classic French side dish of green beans with butter and almonds adds a light and elegant touch to the meal.
• Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus provides a fresh and healthy counterpoint to the richness of the mashed potatoes.

Additional Ideas:

• Sautéed Greens: Sauteed kale, spinach, or Swiss chard add a pop of color and nutrients to the meal.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment to the richer flavors of the main dish and mashed potatoes.

Nashville Chicken Thigh

Sautéed Collard Greens (coming soon!)

Mushroom Stroganoff (coming soon!)

Spicy Meatloaf