These creamy mashed potatoes are rich, garlicky, and perfect for holiday meals. Made with Russet potatoes, butter, and sour cream for extra flavor.

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish, beloved at family dinners and holiday feasts. In fact, mashed potatoes are a staple side dish in American cuisine , commonly served with roast turkey at Thanksgiving and other festive meals. But honestly, some versions of mashed potatoes can be found in kitchens all around the world. Growing up in the Caribbean, mashed potatoes weren’t exactly a staple dish, though we enjoyed them occasionally. It was not until we moved to the U. S. , I discovered just how cherished mashed potatoes are during the holidays. Now, this creamy and comforting side dish has become a Thanksgiving essential and a year-round family favorite.

This recipe takes the classic to the next level with extra creamy texture and a gentle garlic flavor – all while keeping the process easy and approachable. They’re the kind of rich, buttery side that completes a holiday feast, yet they come together in about 30 minutes.

Love this! Be sure to check out these recipes for your next gathering:

• Stuffed Shrimp w/ Crabmeat

• Roasted Garlic and Herb Whipped Sweet Potatoes

• Caribbean-Style Raisin Fried Rice

Recipe Overview

• Flavor: Buttery, creamy, and garlicky with a subtle tang from sour cream.

• Texture: Ultra-smooth and fluffy.

• Ingredients: Russet potatoes, fresh garlic, butter, heavy cream, sour cream, salt and pepper. A garnish of parsley or chives and extra butter makes it table-ready for special occasions.

• Time & Yield: About 30 minutes total. Prep is quick (peeling and dicing potatoes), then ~20 minutes to boil.

• Occasion: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gourmet holiday meal .

Tiffany’s Tips

Make your mashed potatoes creamy, fluffy, and full of flavor with these quick pro tips:

• Don’t Over-mix: Mash just until smooth and fluffy. Over-mixing releases starch and makes mashed potatoes gluey.

• Taste as You Go: Always sample before serving. Start with less salt, then adjust gradually for perfect seasoning.

• Use Warm Dairy: Add melted butter first, then warm cream . Cold dairy cools the mash and doesn’t blend well . Warm ingredients = extra creamy mashed potatoes.

• Finish with Butter: A drizzle of melted butter on top adds richness , keeps the surface moist, and gives that glossy, restaurant-style look.

• Garlic, Your Way: Boil garlic cloves with potatoes for a mellow garlic flavor. Add extra for boldness or skip for classic creamy mashed potatoes.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Swap butter with olive oil or plant-based butter . Use unsweetened oat, almond, or cashew milk instead of cream, and a dairy-free sour cream.

• Roasted Garlic Version: Roast a whole garlic bulb until soft and golden. Squeeze into the mash for a sweet, bold garlic flavor —perfect for steakhouse-style mashed potatoes.

• Herb & Flavor Boosters: Stir in herb-infused butter made with parsley, thyme, and rosemary for a fragrant finish. For a gourmet upgrade, drizzle with truffle oil or swirl in truffle butter just before serving

FAQ: Holiday Mashed Potatoes

• Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time? Yes! Make them earlier in the day or the day before. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Always stir in extra butter or cream when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

• What are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes? Use Russet potatoes for fluffy, classic mashed potatoes. They’re high-starch and absorb cream and butter well. Yukon Gold is another great option for a creamier, richer mash with a golden color.

• Do I need heavy cream? Can I substitute it? Heavy cream makes mashed potatoes extra rich and creamy, but whole milk or half-and-half work too.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover garlic mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days .

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave , adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Prefer to watch instead of reading this delicious recipe? check out this video for a quick and easy guide: