Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a comforting revelation that transforms a humble side dish into something truly remarkable. The velvety texture and rich flavor create a perfect harmony, making it feel like indulgence. Picture buttery Yukon Gold potatoes, combined with the luxurious creaminess of mascarpone cheese, a touch of zing from garlic, and the tanginess of sour cream. Each bite is a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for cozy family dinners or elegant holiday feasts.
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I first stumbled upon this recipe during a gathering with friends, where someone brought a basket of freshly baked bread paired with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. It was a game-changer! I couldn’t help but go back for seconds (and thirds) as the flavor danced across my taste buds. Since then, it has claimed a spot in my home cooking repertoire. Trust me, once you whip up this restaurant-style dish at home, you might find yourself questioning why you ever settled for instant packets or bland mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: It takes just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking to whip up this delectable side.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of buttery potatoes with mascarpone and garlic creates a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, holiday feasts, or a cozy night in.
- Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is rich, you can adapt it for lighter diets without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered: This variety gives Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes a buttery flavor and smooth texture.
- 3/4 cup whole milk or milk of choice, lightly warmed: Warmed milk integrates seamlessly, enhancing creaminess.
- 1/3 cup sour cream or crème fraîche: Adds a delightful tang that balances the richness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for topping: A must for richness; opt for unsalted to control seasoning.
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese: This creamy cheese elevates the dish, making it luxuriously smooth.
- 3 tablespoons Boursin® garlic & fine herbs cheese (optional): This is a great way to amplify the garlic flavor and add fresh herbs.
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste: Fresh garlic flavor in an easy format—perfect for blending.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste.
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives, as garnish (optional): This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor on top.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)
Peel and Quarter Potatoes: Start by peeling and cutting the 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into rough quarters. If you choose to leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients, be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Cook Potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes into a large Dutch oven or stock pot and cover them with cool water. Sprinkle in a few pinches of kosher salt. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain and Rice Potatoes: After cooking, drain the potatoes in a colander. Working in batches, transfer some potato chunks into a potato ricer and press them through into the warm pot. Continue until all potatoes are riced. This technique creates fluffy mashed potatoes by eliminating heavy lumps.
Mix Ingredients: Into the warm pot of riced potatoes, add 3/4 cup of lightly warmed milk, 1/3 cup sour cream or crème fraîche, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 4 ounces of mascarpone cheese, 3 tablespoons of Boursin cheese (if using), and 1 tablespoon of garlic paste. Stir until everything is fully combined. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the texture isn’t as creamy as you’d like, feel free to add more milk until it meets your desired consistency.
Serve It Up: Transfer the velvety mashed potatoes to a large serving bowl. Add a few swashes of melted butter on top, crack some black pepper for an extra kick, and sprinkle freshly chopped chives if you like. Sit back and enjoy the compliments!

Storing & Reheating
To store your Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, keep them at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the mashed potatoes for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, simply warm them up in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk or butter if they seem dry. Remember though, the texture might slightly change, so a quick fork toss can help refresh them.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to over-mix your potatoes as this can result in a gummy texture.
- For the richest flavors, use room temperature ingredients like butter and mascarpone, as they blend more easily.
- If you’re in a pinch, feel free to use a hand mixer, but keep it brief to avoid gummy potatoes.
- Try experimenting with different herbs and spices; rosemary or thyme could add an interesting twist.
- Make-ahead options? Prepare the potatoes but leave out the garnishes until serving time to keep them fresh!
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, an effortless side that makes any meal feel festive. Don’t hesitate to get creative or adjust it to your family’s liking—it’s a forgiving and versatile recipe. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creaminess, Russet potatoes can also work, though they may yield a lighter texture. Each will offer a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk, use a dairy-free cream cheese in place of mascarpone, and opt for a dairy-free butter replacement. Your mashed potatoes will still be delightful!
How do I make my mashed potatoes extra creamy?
For creamier potatoes, ensure you add your ingredients (like milk and butter) while the potatoes are still warm. Using a ricer instead of a masher also helps achieve that luxurious, smooth texture.
Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. When reheating, stir in a little milk or cream to help restore consistency.
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📖 Recipe Card

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Restaurant Style)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Boiling & Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Description
These creamy garlic mashed potatoes elevate a comforting side dish with unexpected ingredients like mascarpone and boursin cheese, making them rich and delicious. Great for any dinner!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 3/4 cup whole milk or milk of choice, lightly warmed- plus more if needed
- 1/3 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for topping
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 3 tablespoons boursin® garlic & fine herbs cheese- optional
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives, as garnish- optional
Instructions
- Peel and quarter the potatoes. If leaving the skins on, wash them thoroughly.
- Place the potatoes in a large dutch oven with cool water and sprinkle in kosher salt. Heat over medium-high for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander. Use a ricer to process the potatoes back into the pot in batches until all are riced.
- Mix in the warmed milk, sour cream, butter, mascarpone, boursin (if using), and garlic paste. Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the consistency with more milk as needed.
- Serve in a bowl topped with melted butter, pepper, and chives if desired.
Notes
For a creamier texture, adjust the milk quantity to personal preference.
Use warm ingredients to keep the potatoes fluffy and smooth during mixing.
To enhance flavor, consider adding roasted garlic instead of garlic paste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
