Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the creamy, buttery dream of every holiday table. Imagine a fluffy cloud of potatoes infused with roasted garlic, melting into your mouth like they were made by angels who know exactly how to make you feel cozy inside.

These mashed potatoes aren’t just a side dish; they’re a celebration on your plate! With the right kick of garlic and a touch of creaminess, they capture the essence of Thanksgiving feasting. Every scoop promises to warm your heart and fill your belly with happiness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes are an absolute crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort to prepare.
- Their rich flavors and creamy texture elevate any meal, making them irresistible.
- They look stunning on any holiday table, adding a touch of elegance and comfort.
- Plus, they pair perfectly with turkey, ham, or even a simple veggie platter for versatility.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are known for their buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them ideal for mashing.
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Fresh Garlic: Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor perfect for enhancing the overall taste of the mash.
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Unsalted Butter: Use quality unsalted butter to control the saltiness while providing richness to your potatoes.
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Heavy Cream: This adds luxurious creaminess; don’t skimp on it unless you want sad potatoes!
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Salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste as you go.
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Pepper: A pinch of freshly cracked pepper adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Begin by peeling about two pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into even chunks so they cook uniformly—no one wants lumpy mashed potatoes!
Step 2: Boil those Spuds
Place the potato chunks in a large pot filled with cold water—this helps them cook evenly. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring it all to a boil over medium-high heat. Let them simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Roast Your Garlic
While your potatoes are boiling away, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop off the top of a whole head of garlic, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast it for about 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Step 4: Mash It Up
Once your potatoes are done boiling, drain them well (but don’t forget about that garlic!). In the same pot or in a mixing bowl, add in your drained potatoes along with butter and heavy cream. Squeeze out those roasted garlic cloves (you can use as many as you like) and mash everything together until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Season Like You Mean It
Taste those mashed potatoes! Add salt and pepper as needed; don’t be shy! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chives or parsley for extra flair.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Transfer your velvety Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes into a serving bowl. For an extra touch of class, sprinkle some chopped herbs on top or add another pat of butter—because why not?
Now grab that gravy boat and let’s make this dinner truly unforgettable! With every bite of these creamy mashed potatoes bursting with roasted garlic goodness, you’ll usher in that warm holiday spirit—and maybe even create some new family traditions around the dinner table!
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not just a side; they are the star of the show.
- Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, they can transform any holiday meal into a feast.
- You can whip them up in no time and make everyone at the table happy!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even chunks to ensure uniform cooking. Boil them until tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well, then mash with warm milk, butter, and roasted garlic for that creamy goodness everyone craves.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular potatoes for Yukon Golds or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Add in sour cream for tang, or sprinkle some cheese on top before serving. The options are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use room temperature butter and warm milk instead of cold.
- Avoid over-mashing to prevent a gluey texture.
- Always taste before serving; you may need a little more salt or garlic!
Sometimes during Thanksgiving dinner, I look around and see my family devouring these Garlic Mashed Potatoes like they’re the main course. My cousin even asked for seconds—and thirds! It’s those moments that make all the mashing worth it.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
To prepare Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes, you’ll need russet potatoes, garlic cloves, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Optionally, you can add sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can enhance the flavor as well. These ingredients combine to create a rich and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements your holiday meal.
How do I make garlic mashed potatoes creamy?
To achieve creamy Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes, start by boiling the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain them and return them to the pot. Add warm milk and room temperature butter to avoid cooling down the potatoes. Use a potato masher or ricer for a smooth texture. Mixing in sour cream or cream cheese can also add an extra layer of creaminess that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Can I prepare garlic mashed potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time. Make the mashed potatoes a day before your gathering and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a little more milk or butter during reheating to maintain their creamy consistency.
Are there any variations to garlic mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! You can customize Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes by adding different ingredients. For a cheesy twist, mix in grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese. If you prefer a healthier version, consider substituting some of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter side dish. Adding roasted garlic instead of boiled garlic will give a deeper flavor. Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
Conclusion for Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
In summary, Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a must-have for your holiday table. With simple ingredients like russet potatoes and garlic, you can create a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love. Preparing this side dish ahead of time allows for easy serving on your special day. Feel free to customize it with different flavors to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy these delicious garlic mashed potatoes as they elevate your festive meal!
Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving Side Dish Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table. Made with creamy Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet roasted garlic, this dish elevates any Thanksgiving feast with its rich flavors and velvety texture. Simple to prepare, these mashed potatoes create a cozy atmosphere that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Perfectly paired with turkey or ham, they promise to delight your guests this holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 head fresh garlic
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (warmed)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks.
- Boil the potato chunks in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, roast the garlic by cutting off the top of the head, drizzling it with olive oil, wrapping it in foil, and baking at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until soft.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, and squeezed roasted garlic cloves.
- Mash until smooth and creamy; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or additional butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For extra creaminess, use room temperature butter and warm milk. Feel free to add variations like sour cream or cheese for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently with a splash of milk.







