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Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Garlic, and Chives Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

This creamy mashed potatoes recipe uses a blend of russet or Yukon gold potatoes, cooked with aromatics like bay leaves and garlic, and enriched with butter, heavy cream, and sour cream for a rich, smooth texture. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it’s easy to prepare and yields fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 3 pounds russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
  • 2 bay leaves (divided)
  • 2 cloves garlic, mashed

Dairy & Fats

  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided: 8 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup sour cream

Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes: Thoroughly wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into golf-ball-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Boil Potatoes: Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water until the water runs clear. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon salt and 1 bay leaf. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well and let the potatoes dry in the pot for about 5 minutes, then discard the bay leaf.
  3. Rice the Potatoes: While still hot, put the potatoes through a potato ricer and return them to the pot to keep warm.
  4. Prepare Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over low heat, melt 8 tablespoons of butter. Add the second bay leaf and mashed garlic cloves. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream, mixing until smooth and combined. Remove from heat, discarding the bay leaf and garlic to keep the flavor mild.
  5. Combine and Season: Pour the warm butter and cream mixture over the riced potatoes. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with fresh chives and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Using a potato ricer instead of mashing by hand ensures a lighter, fluffier texture without lumps.
  • Discarding the garlic and bay leaf after infusing the butter mixture keeps the flavor subtle; for stronger garlic flavor, mince and add garlic directly to the mashed potatoes.
  • Russet potatoes provide a lighter, fluffier mashed potato, while Yukon golds offer a creamier texture; mixing both yields great results.
  • Letting the potatoes dry after draining prevents watery mashed potatoes.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/creamy-mashed-potatoes-with-butter-garlic-and-chives-recipe/