Your Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without the mashed potatoes—This timeless recipe yields perfectly smooth and creamy mashed potatoes every single time and fragrant roasted garlic and buttermilk do wonders for flavor!
I’m officially fuh-REAKING out. Thanksgiving is only a week away, I’m trying to prepare for a houseful of 20+ people, I’m literally up to my elbows in flour (pie, pie and more pie—stay tuned) and I CAN’T FIND MY TO-DO LISTS!!
I have a borderline-unhealthy obsession with lists. What can I say?
Actually I can say something. (cover your ears)
WHOEVER took my to-do lists has to give them back!! I can’t go through my life without them! Some weird part of me freaks out if I don’t know what’s next on the agenda!!
‘Kay. Rant is over. I’ll hopefully get over this latest drama sometime this year. Let’s talk ’bout the ‘taters.
Sick of Thanksgiving recipes yet? I hope not. We still have a week left before T-day, so there’s more where these came from.
Perfect mashed potatoes are a must on Thanksgiving, and I really couldn’t imagine our food table without ’em…I mean, the turkey would be so lonely without it’s BFF, the spuds.
However…
I’m very particular about how my mashed potatoes are. They have to be PERFECTLY creamy or I’m just not feeling it….
If you want something done right you’ve gotta do it yourself, so I’m now the mashed potato-lady in this house.
Nobody argues with me or my mashed potatoes.
They just shovel.
For the best of reasons too, guys. These potatoes are pretty epic. Hands-down, the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had.
Look at how creamy —> (!!!)
Plan ahead when you’re making these mashed potatoes for T-Day, since it does take an hour to roast the garlic. These potatoes have a whopping 1 whole head of garlic packed inside them. That may seem like too much garlic, but believe me, it’s the perfect amount. The garlic mellows out into a nutty flavor as it roasts and takes the flavor level of these potatoes up to about a 10/10.
Your breath won’t be too pretty, after eating these potatoes but hey! That’s what minty-gum is for right??!
I highly recommend using yukon gold potatoes for these mashed potatoes.Their buttery smooth texture was just MADE for mashed potatoes and I won’t use any other kind of potato other than YGP’s.—Nothing beats ’em in mashed potatoes. They’re a liiiiittle more expensive than russets or red potatoes, but the mashed potatoes they produce is well worth a few extra dollars.
One of my secret ingredients to getting the perfect level of creaminess in these potatoes is buttermilk. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: Buttermilk is just one of those magic ingredients. And it’s key in getting the perfect texture in these mashed potatoes.
Not only does it completely transform the texture of the mash, but it also adds an awesome rich tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fragrant roasted garlic. ♥
Boy, oh boy, guys…that bowl of creamy mashed potato goodness is just begging for a faceplant.
And I am more than willing to volunteer my face for the job. ♥
Extra-Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic top cut off
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 5 lbs Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2 in cubes
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional minced parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
-
Brush top of garlic head with olive oil and wrap in tin foil and place in a small baking pan. Roast garlic at 350F 1 hour until garlic cloves are very soft. Unwrap from foil and let stand until cool enough to handle. Finely mince garlic and set aside.
-
While garlic is roasting, prepare the potatoes: Place potato cubes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let potatoes simmer at low 10 minutes, or until tender.
-
Drain water from potatoes and place potatoes back into pot. Toss minced roasted garlic on top of potatoes, cover pot and let stand 5 minutes.
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Mash potatoes, then add butter, parsley, and buttermilk. Using an electric handmixer, beat on medium speed until potatoes are smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper and garnish potatoes with parsley if desired. Serve potatoes warm.
Recipe Notes
Mashed potatoes may be transferred to slow-cooker after assembling and kept on warm-temp 4-6 hours.
Sarah’s Time-saving Tip: Prepare these potatoes in the morning, and let them stay piping-hot all day by putting them in the crockpot on warm-temperature. Ta-da!!
Oh, and this cranberry sauce is necessary on top of these potatoes. Don’t judge it ’til you try it. 😉
Can you pass some of your list lovin’ onto me?! I need to DESPERATELY be more organized. It’s serious. Also, you can pass these taters along as well! Luscious.
Joanne recently posted…Cheesy Farro and Cauliflower Risotto
Haha! Done and DONE. Thanks so much Joanne! 😉
These garlic mashed potatoes look amazing, Sarah! I agree, turkey and potatoes are like best friends, so it’s a necessity to have these on Thanksgiving. I love anything and everything with garlic, so these potatoes are right up my alley! Looks wonderful!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Easy Taco Bake
Haha! They’re total BFF’s with eachother right?! I hope you get around to trying these mashed potatoes, Gayle! You’ll totally love them. 🙂
SO creamy! Honestly, these mashed garlic potatoes look divine! And I can’t wait to hear about your Thanksgiving feast! Hope you can find your to-do lists back 😀 Pinned!
Ceara @ Ceara’s Kitchen recently posted…The Best Healthy Mac and Cheese + Mom’s Secret Ingredients Revealed! {Oil Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan}
Thanks so much Ceara! You rock, girly. 😀
oh I hope you´ve already found your to-do lists. I know how desperate it can be, I´m also someone that writes down everything I need to do 😀
I love garlic, specially in basic dishes such as mashed potatoes. It makes all the difference :*
Karla – The Candid Kitchen recently posted…Stir-fried noodles with cashew nuts
Haha! I did finally find them earlier today so *phew* that’s a load off of my mind! My family decided that it would be “fun” to reorganize my stuff. LOL.
Thanks Karla! And totally agree with you about garlic! I heart it. 🙂
These look so creamy and delish! I love love love garlic mashed potatoes, so these are right up my alley. Except now I’M freaking out about Thanksgiving, too! I just remembered we wanted to give away leftovers this year, and that I didn’t account for that in my shopping list.. ahhh! I would usually rant on and on in this comment but I have to go take care of my to-do lists!!
Not even kidding. Sister lister right here
Cheryl recently posted…Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ooh! Good luck with your Thanksgiving cooking, Cheryl! You actually just reminded me that I’m supposed to bake 20 dinner rolls tomorrow for a Feed-A-Family program in our town. LOL. Thanks for the reminder, girlfriend!
I’m sure your family is really looking forward to what you have planned for Thanksgiving! I don’t have as many to cook for, but am freaking out too because I haven’t shopped at all. Love how you included an entire head of garlic in these mashed potatoes. My mom taught me years ago that the way to perfectly creamy mashed potatoes is to use an electric beater and I see that you use that method too. Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
Heather @ Shards of Lavender recently posted…Swedish Chocolate Oat Balls (IKEA Copycat)
Hahaha! I haven’t done my shopping yet either, Heather! Next on my to-do list. 😉
And using an electric beater is the way my mom taught me to make mashed potatoes too! My family won’t have their ‘taters any other way. 🙂
Well don’t these mashed potatoes look PERFECT?! I love that you put roasted garlic in them. The more flavor the better! And I am going to try buttermilk in my mashed potatoes next time I make them. It really is a magic ingredient that makes everything better. Hope you find your to do list! I can’t live without mine!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Healthy Mashed Carrots
YES to buttermilk and garlic in the ‘taters! It really just takes them over the top. Thanks Natalie! 🙂
Mashed potatoes have to happen on Thanksgiving or there will be riots! These look so perfect, Sarah!
Hahaha! Same deal in this house, Marcie! 😉 Thanks so much girly!
Oh no, hope you find your lists soon. Can’t wait to see the rest of your T-day recipes, each and every one has me wishing I was having dinner with you guys! These mashed potatoes look incredibly creamy and delicious! Garlic mashed are my fave – yum!
Girl, you are TOTALLY invited over for T-day Dinner! By the looks of our menu, I think we’ll have enough food to feed a small army. LOL.
Thanks so much Kelly!
these looks wonderful Sarah, so creamy! I love garlic and potatoes so this is a winning combo for me! Gorgeous pictures 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Hara Bhara Kebab
Thanks for the sweet photography compliments, Manali! 🙂
I’m all about creamy and garlic when it comes to mashed potatoes so I LOVE these!! Looks so good and you can bet these will be on my Thanksgiving table!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Mini Pumpkin Pie Gingersnap Cookie Cups
Yay! Let me know how you and your family like these potatoes, Alice! Thanks so much, girlfriend! 🙂
You have a big crowd for Thanksgiving! That definitely takes some planning. Your mashed potatoes look perfectly creamy. You don’t want one more for Thanksgiving do you? 😉
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen recently posted…French Onion Dip and Muffaletta Dip
Haha! In this brood of a family, there’s always room for one more mouth to feed! So that’s a YES! C’mon over, girl! 😉
I’m obsessed with mashed potatoes!!!! They are like my favorite food ever! Wow, 20 people that is a lot! I think we are having 4 people over and I’m already stressing about what time make, haha! Do you guys get any leftovers with so many people?!
Isadora recently posted…Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce
Haha! Our family brood is quite large every year around the holidays so I’m used to it! Sort of. LOL. We always make so SO much food because we couldn’t live without our Thanksgiving leftovers. Traditional for us. 😀
Holy creamy looking indeed! Making me hungry!
Creamy potatoes are a total must! 😀 Thanks Amber!
I can’t believe you are cooking for so many people!!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel recently posted…Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I can’t believe you are cooking for so many people!! Ahhh! I would definitely be a little overwhelmed. I LOVE buttermilk in mashed potatoes… such a great secret ingredient!!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel recently posted…Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Haha! I’m used to cooking for a big crowd, so I’m only stressing um, a little. LOL. Thanks Jess!!
Cannot wait to try these potatoes… love that you include buttermilk. I haven’t used it in my mashed taters before, but this recipe is just too much to resist!
Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture recently posted…Studying Chinese Medicine Abroad Part 1 – Advanced Study in China
Let me know if you give these potatoes a try, Michelle! The buttermilk adds fantastic flavor!