Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Are you ready to elevate the humble potato from a simple accompaniment to the true highlight of your meal? If you’re dreaming of mashed potatoes that are not only perfectly fluffy but also infused with rich, savoury flavour, then you are in for a treat. We consider a beautifully made bowl of mash to be a source of pure comfort, and our recipe for Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes takes this beloved classic to a whole new level. It’s time to say goodbye to uninspired, lumpy potatoes. We are here to show you how to craft the creamiest, most delicious mash imaginable.
This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s your new secret weapon for everything from Sunday roasts to festive gatherings. By marrying the aromatic depth of fresh garlic with the nutty tang of Parmesan and the richness of butter, we’ll help you create a side dish that is nothing short of memorable. Let’s begin!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Savoury Flavour: The partnership of mellow garlic and sharp Parmesan cheese creates a wonderful depth of flavour that standard mashed potatoes simply cannot match. It instantly enhances any dinner.
- Wonderfully Creamy Texture: We reveal our key techniques for achieving an exceptionally smooth and velvety mash, ensuring a perfect consistency every time. This is the definition of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Effortlessly Impressive: Though it tastes like a gourmet dish, this recipe is remarkably simple to follow and relies on everyday ingredients, making it an ideal choice for impressing family and friends without fuss.
- A Truly Versatile Side: These potatoes are the perfect partner for a wide variety of dishes, from classic roast dinners to contemporary plant-based meals, making them a reliable choice for any menu.
- Universally Adored: It’s a simple fact that everyone loves a good mash, and this flavour-packed version is guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages. It’s comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
- starchy potatoes
- whole cloves of garlic
- unsalted butter
- whole milk
- double cream
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- fresh chives
- flat-leaf parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Crafting these phenomenal potatoes is a straightforward affair. By following our guide, you can guarantee a flawless texture and a deep infusion of flavour with every attempt. We have detailed each stage to make the process as clear as possible.
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes and Garlic
To begin, let’s prepare our main ingredients. Put the peeled, quartered potatoes into a large cooking pot, and add the whole, peeled garlic cloves right in with them. Cooking the garlic alongside the potatoes is our trick for infusing the spuds with a lovely, sweet garlic essence, avoiding any sharp, raw taste. Pour in enough cold, salted water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. Starting with cold water is essential for ensuring the potatoes cook through uniformly.
Set the pot on a high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. Then, lower the heat to maintain a consistent simmer. Let the potatoes cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. They are ready when a fork can slide into a piece of potato with absolutely no resistance.
Step 2: Warm the Creamy Mixture
As the potatoes are simmering away, you can get the creamy base ready. In a separate small saucepan, combine the whole milk, double cream, and your cubes of butter. Warm this blend over a low flame just until the butter is fully melted and the liquid is heated through. It is very important not to let it boil. Warming the dairy is a non-negotiable step, as adding cold liquids to hot potatoes can ruin the texture and cool everything down. This luscious, buttery liquid is the key to an ultra-velvety mash.
Step 3: Drain and Mash to Perfection
As soon as the potatoes and garlic are tender, drain them thoroughly through a colander. Allow them to sit for a minute or two to let the steam escape. This step is crucial for driving off any excess water, which helps prevent a thin, watery mash.
Tip the dry potatoes and softened garlic back into the warm pot. It’s now time to mash. For the smoothest texture achievable at home, we always recommend a potato ricer. It works by extruding the potato into fine, light pieces. If you don’t own one, a classic masher is a perfectly good alternative. Mash until no large lumps are visible. Crucially, never use an electric mixer or food processor; the high speed will overwork the starch and turn your potatoes into a gluey, unappetising paste.
Step 4: Combine, Season, and Serve
Now that your potatoes are mashed beautifully, it’s time to bring all the elements together. Pour roughly half of the warm milk and butter mixture over the potatoes. Use a spatula to gently fold it in. Once that’s incorporated, add the rest of the warm liquid and continue folding until it is just combined. Take care not to be too vigorous with your stirring.
Next, gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, along with the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon your magnificent garlic potatoes into a warm serving bowl. Garnish with an extra dusting of Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. Serve straight away for the best experience.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The variety of potato you select will significantly influence the final texture of your dish. Potatoes are typically classified as either “starchy” or “waxy.” To achieve a light, absorbent mash, a starchy potato is always the best option. These varieties have a high starch and low moisture content, which allows them to break down into a fluffy, cloud-like consistency that readily soaks up all that delicious butter and cream.
For those of us in the UK, we highly recommend looking for:
- Maris Piper: A superb all-purpose potato that is renowned for creating an incredibly fluffy mash.
- King Edward: This is another fantastic choice, celebrated for the dry, floury texture it develops when cooked.
- Desiree: This red-skinned variety is also wonderful for mashing, producing a dependably smooth and creamy finish.
In contrast, waxy potatoes such as Charlotte or Jersey Royals are firm and hold their structure, making them better for dishes like potato salad. They tend to become gluey if mashed. To learn more about selecting the best spuds for the job, you can find excellent guidance from sources like BBC Good Food.
What to Serve with Your Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
These potatoes boast so much flavour they could be a main event, but they are truly exceptional when served as part of a complete meal. As one of the most adaptable side dish recipes, they are a fantastic accompaniment to a wide array of main courses. We particularly enjoy them with a traditional Sunday roast, a beautifully cooked steak, or hearty sausages and onion gravy.
For an outstanding weeknight meal, try serving them alongside a flavourful chicken dish. The creamy, cheesy potatoes provide the perfect base for the bold tastes in this Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken With Spinach Sun Dried Tomatoes. If you fancy something with a delightful balance of sweet and savoury, they are also a brilliant match for these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders.
FAQ
The Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade
And there you have it—our complete guide to creating truly exceptional Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes. We’ve shared how selecting the right kind of potato, using good-quality ingredients, and following a few key steps can transform this humble side into something truly special. The combination of melted butter, heated cream, tangy Parmesan, and sweet garlic results in a dish so delicious, your guests will be begging for the recipe.
Whether you are planning a celebratory feast or just in need of a comforting meal, we wholeheartedly encourage you to make these potatoes. The return on flavour for such a small amount of effort is immense. We would love to hear how you get on, so please feel free to leave a comment below or tag us in your pictures on social media. Happy cooking!
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Discover how to make the best Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes! Our recipe guarantees the creamiest, most flavourful and decadent mash to elevate any meal. A perfect side dish!
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- Starchy potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper)
- Whole cloves of garlic
- Unsalted butter
- Whole milk & double cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil peeled, quartered potatoes and whole garlic cloves in salted water for 15-20 mins until tender.
- While potatoes cook, gently warm the milk, cream, and butter in a saucepan. Do not allow it to boil.
- Drain potatoes and garlic well, allow to steam dry for a minute, then return to the pot and mash until smooth.
- Gently fold in the warm milk mixture, followed by the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, and serve immediately.
