Our Most Clicked Thanksgiving Recipe: Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, food! Every year, we pour over recipes, looking for that perfect dish to wow our guests and create lasting memories. Last year, one recipe stood head and shoulders above the rest, becoming our most clicked and shared Thanksgiving recipe: **Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes**.

This isn’t your average mashed potato recipe. We’re talking about a luxurious, flavorful, and unforgettable side dish that will steal the show (even from the turkey!). The secret lies in the combination of creamy textures, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the fresh, vibrant flavors of herbs. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

So, why was this recipe so popular? We believe it’s because it’s:

* **Easy to make:** Despite its gourmet flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, herbs, and creamy textures is simply irresistible.
* **Impressive:** It looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
* **Versatile:** It pairs well with virtually any Thanksgiving main course.
* **Adaptable:** You can easily customize the herbs and seasonings to your liking.

Ready to find out what all the fuss is about? Let’s dive into the recipe!

## Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: The Recipe That Took Thanksgiving by Storm

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

**Equipment:**

* Large pot
* Potato masher or ricer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl
* Small saucepan

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**

1. **Peel and Quarter:** Thoroughly wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into quarters to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster and more evenly. Try to make the pieces roughly the same size.
2. **Boil the Potatoes:** Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This helps to season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. A fork should easily slide into the center of a potato piece.
3. **Drain the Potatoes:** Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander. Be sure to drain them well to prevent watery mashed potatoes. You can even let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to allow any excess water to evaporate.

**Step 2: Infuse the Cream with Garlic and Herbs**

1. **Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic:** In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
2. **Add Cream and Herbs:** Pour in the heavy cream and add the chopped chives, parsley, and thyme leaves. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse the cream with their flavor. This step is crucial for creating that signature herby taste.
3. **Season the Cream:** Add salt and pepper to the cream mixture, adjusting to your taste. Remember that the potatoes are already seasoned, so start with a smaller amount of salt and add more as needed.

**Step 3: Mash and Combine**

1. **Mash the Potatoes:** Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth. A ricer will create the smoothest, most lump-free mashed potatoes. If using a masher, be sure to get all the lumps out.
2. **Gradually Add the Cream Mixture:** Slowly pour the warm garlic herb cream mixture into the mashed potatoes, mixing as you go. Add the cream gradually to control the consistency of the mashed potatoes. You may not need to use all of the cream, depending on your preference.
3. **Stir Until Smooth:** Continue to stir until the mashed potatoes are smooth, creamy, and well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
4. **Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional):** If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note that complements the garlic and herbs perfectly.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

1. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Before serving, taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish the mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chives, parsley, or a drizzle of melted butter. This adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
3. **Serve Warm:** Serve the creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes warm as a side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. They pair perfectly with turkey, gravy, stuffing, and all your other favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

## Tips and Variations for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

* **Potato Choice Matters:** Yukon Gold potatoes are our top choice for mashed potatoes because they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. However, you can also use Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture, or a combination of both for the best of both worlds.
* **Warm the Cream:** Warming the cream before adding it to the potatoes helps to prevent them from becoming cold and stiff. It also allows the herbs to infuse the cream with their flavor more effectively.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing mashed potatoes can release too much starch, resulting in a gluey texture. Mix just until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
* **Use a Ricer:** For the smoothest, most lump-free mashed potatoes, use a ricer. A ricer gently presses the potatoes through small holes, creating a light and airy texture.
* **Add Sour Cream or Cream Cheese:** For an extra tangy and creamy flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes. Start with a small amount and add more to your liking.
* **Roasted Garlic:** For a deeper, more complex garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the cream. Simply wrap the garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
* **Different Herbs:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano. Choose herbs that complement the other flavors in your Thanksgiving meal.
* **Brown Butter:** For a nutty and rich flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter. Simply cook the butter over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter.
* **Make Ahead:** Mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated. To prevent them from drying out, add a little extra cream or milk when reheating.

## Why This Recipe Works So Well

Beyond the delicious flavor and creamy texture, this recipe is a winner because it hits all the right notes for a successful Thanksgiving dish. It’s comforting and familiar, yet elevated with the addition of fresh herbs and garlic. It’s easy to prepare, which is crucial when you’re juggling multiple dishes on Thanksgiving Day. And it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Here’s a deeper dive into why each element contributes to the overall success:

* **Yukon Gold Potatoes:** These potatoes have a natural sweetness and buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Their creamy texture also ensures a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel.
* **Garlic:** Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes and cream. Sautéing the garlic in butter mellows its harshness and brings out its sweetness.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs provide a vibrant and aromatic flavor that brightens up the mashed potatoes. The combination of chives, parsley, and thyme creates a balanced and complex flavor profile.
* **Heavy Cream:** Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes, creating a decadent and satisfying side dish.
* **Butter:** Butter adds flavor and richness to the mashed potatoes, and it also helps to bind the ingredients together.

## Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of Thanksgiving main courses and other side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **With Turkey:** Of course, mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to turkey. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the savory flavor of the turkey, and the herbs add a fresh and vibrant note.
* **With Gravy:** Drizzle gravy over the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor and moisture. Turkey gravy, chicken gravy, or even mushroom gravy would all be delicious.
* **With Stuffing:** Mashed potatoes and stuffing are a match made in Thanksgiving heaven. The fluffy texture of the stuffing complements the creamy texture of the potatoes.
* **With Green Bean Casserole:** The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes contrasts nicely with the crispy topping of the green bean casserole.
* **With Cranberry Sauce:** The tartness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the mashed potatoes, creating a balanced and flavorful bite.
* **As a Base for Leftovers:** Use leftover mashed potatoes as a base for shepherd’s pie or other leftover creations.

## Making it Vegetarian/Vegan

While this recipe is traditionally made with dairy, it’s relatively easy to adapt it for vegetarian or vegan diets. Here’s how:

* **Vegetarian:** The recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure your butter is truly vegetarian (some brands use animal rennet).
* **Vegan:**
* **Substitute Butter:** Use a high-quality vegan butter alternative. Look for one that has a similar fat content to dairy butter for the best results.
* **Substitute Heavy Cream:** Use full-fat coconut milk (from a can, refrigerated overnight and the creamy part scooped out) or a dedicated vegan heavy cream alternative. Be mindful that coconut milk will impart a slight coconut flavor.
* **Omit Parmesan Cheese:** Simply leave out the Parmesan cheese, or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious and creamy vegan version of this Thanksgiving favorite.

## Conclusion

So, there you have it! Our most clicked Thanksgiving recipe from last year: Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes. We hope you’ll give it a try this Thanksgiving and see why it was such a hit. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to the next level.

From our kitchen to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! We wish you a day filled with delicious food, cherished moments, and lasting memories. And don’t forget to share your Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes with your loved ones – they’ll thank you for it!

What are your favorite Thanksgiving recipes? Let us know in the comments below!