Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: A Decadent Delight

These Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes infused with the rich, savory flavors of roasted garlic, nutty Parmesan cheese, and creamy goodness. This recipe elevates the humble mashed potato to a restaurant-worthy side dish that will steal the show at any meal. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or as a holiday staple, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

## Why You’ll Love These Mashed Potatoes

* **Unbelievably Creamy:** The combination of butter, cream cheese, and milk (or cream!) creates a luxurious, smooth texture that’s impossible to resist.
* **Bursting with Flavor:** Roasted garlic provides a mellow, sweet garlic flavor that isn’t overpowering, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory depth.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite their impressive flavor, these mashed potatoes are surprisingly simple to prepare. The roasting of the garlic is the most time-consuming step, but it’s well worth the effort.
* **Versatile:** These potatoes pair perfectly with a wide variety of main courses.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves mashed potatoes, and this recipe takes them to the next level. Be prepared for compliments!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Potatoes:** Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may require more butter and liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Avoid red potatoes as they tend to be waxy and don’t mash as well.
* **Garlic:** A whole head of garlic is roasted to provide a sweet, mellow garlic flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s essential for the signature flavor of this dish.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness of the dish. However, salted butter can be used; just reduce the amount of added salt.
* **Cream Cheese:** Cream cheese adds richness and tanginess to the mashed potatoes. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Allow the cream cheese to soften slightly before adding it to the potatoes.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must! Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly and can affect the texture of the potatoes. Use a microplane or a fine grater to grate the Parmesan cheese just before adding it to the potatoes.
* **Milk (or Cream):** Milk or heavy cream is used to thin the potatoes and add moisture. Heavy cream will result in a richer, more decadent mashed potato. Whole milk is a good option for a slightly lighter version. You can also use half-and-half.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for roasting the garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Be generous with the salt, as it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Roast the Garlic:

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Cut off the top of the garlic head, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring that the oil gets between all the cloves.
* Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. The cloves should easily slide out of their skins when pressed.
* Let the garlic cool slightly before handling. Then, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash the roasted garlic with a fork until it forms a smooth paste. This step is crucial for distributing the garlic flavor evenly throughout the mashed potatoes.

### 2. Prepare the Potatoes:

* While the garlic is roasting, peel and quarter the potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. The salt helps to season the potatoes from the inside out.
* Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. They should be easily pierced with a fork without any resistance. Avoid overcooking the potatoes, as this can make them waterlogged and mushy.

### 3. Drain and Mash the Potatoes:

* Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Return the potatoes to the pot.
* Add the butter and cream cheese to the warm potatoes. Let them melt slightly for a minute or two before you begin mashing. This will help them incorporate more easily and prevent lumps from forming.
* Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth. Avoid over-mashing, as this can make the potatoes gluey. If using a ricer, pass the potatoes through the ricer directly into the pot. This will result in the smoothest, most lump-free mashed potatoes.

### 4. Add the Remaining Ingredients:

* Add the mashed roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, and milk (or cream) to the mashed potatoes. Stir until everything is well combined and the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Add more milk (or cream) if needed to reach your desired consistency.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a generous amount of salt, as it really enhances the flavors of the dish.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy:

* Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes

* **Use the Right Potatoes:** As mentioned earlier, Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may require more butter and liquid.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged and mushy. Cook them until they are fork-tender, but not falling apart.
* **Warm the Milk (or Cream):** Warming the milk (or cream) before adding it to the potatoes helps to prevent them from cooling down too quickly. This will also result in a smoother, creamier texture. You can warm the milk (or cream) in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Don’t Over-Mash:** Over-mashing the potatoes can release too much starch, resulting in gluey mashed potatoes. Mash them until they are smooth, but avoid overworking them.
* **Use a Ricer (Optional):** A ricer creates the smoothest, most lump-free mashed potatoes. If you have one, it’s definitely worth using.
* **Taste and Season:** Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a generous amount of salt and pepper.
* **Keep Warm:** If you’re not serving the mashed potatoes immediately, keep them warm in a slow cooker or in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Roasted Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes:** Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the garlic while roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes:** Use a combination of Parmesan cheese and other cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or mozzarella.
* **Spicy Garlic Mashed Potatoes:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes for a little heat.
* **Vegan Mashed Potatoes:** Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and milk (or cream) to make these mashed potatoes vegan.
* **Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes:** Substitute sweet potatoes for the Yukon Gold potatoes for a sweeter, more vibrant side dish.
* **Brown Butter Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes:** Brown the butter before adding it to the potatoes for a nutty, rich flavor.
* **Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes:** Substitute some of the cream cheese with sour cream and add fresh chopped chives for a tangy, herby flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

These Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** Serve them alongside a whole roasted chicken or roasted chicken breasts.
* **Steak:** They are the perfect accompaniment to a juicy steak, such as ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip.
* **Pork Chops:** Pair them with pan-seared or grilled pork chops.
* **Salmon:** Serve them with baked or pan-seared salmon.
* **Meatloaf:** They are a classic side dish for meatloaf.
* **Holiday Meals:** These mashed potatoes are a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner.
* **Vegetarian Main Courses:** They can also be served with vegetarian main courses, such as lentil loaf or mushroom Wellington.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

These mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated. To make them ahead, prepare the mashed potatoes as directed in the recipe. Let them cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

To reheat, transfer the mashed potatoes to a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. Add a splash of milk (or cream) if needed to restore their creamy consistency.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as described above.

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 1 hour
**Total Time:** 1 hour 20 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1 head of garlic
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup milk (or cream), or more as needed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake for 45-60 minutes until soft. Let cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and mash them into a paste.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
3. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
4. Add the butter and cream cheese to the warm potatoes. Let them melt slightly before mashing.
5. Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth.
6. Add the mashed roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, and milk (or cream) to the mashed potatoes. Stir until well combined and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.

Enjoy your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes!