There’s nothing like fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes.  What’s the secret?  Yukon Gold potatoes for starters.  Yukon Golds are the best potato for making a great mash.  I’d heard it countless times before I tried it, and the difference was…well…golden    The texture is unbeatable, and they have an almost buttery flavor.  They’re so much better that I’ve never used a russet potato for mash since!  Add some garlic, cream cheese, a little butter, and milk, and you have yourself a side dish that everyone’s excited about.  These Yukon Gold Garlic Mashed Potatoes will be sure to be a favorite!  :tounge:

I always put garlic in my mashed potatoes.  I used to use roasted garlic, which is always good, but when you don’t have any, what then?  A family member filled me in years ago about cooking garlic cloves with the potatoes.  Genius, right?  I think so!  I’ve been doing it ever since.  The garlic gets nice, soft, and mash-able! 

Not the best picture, but you get the point.  Potatoes cut into 2-2 1/2″ chunks, and large chunks of garlic cloves thrown in.  Fill the pot with water until it covers the potatoes by about 1″, cover, and bring to a boil.  Boil for 12-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.

I don’t use a potato masher or a ricer, but I should.  One day I’ll break down and get a ricer.  Until then,  I’ll continue to use my handheld mixer, and I’ll continue to  end up with some chunks.  Nobody’s perfect!   I never get complaints, that’s for sure.  I seriously don’t mind things being on the chunky, rustic side.

I don’t go over the top with the fattening additives.  I actually like my potatoes to taste like potatoes!  I add just enough softened cream cheese and butter to add richness, and enough skim milk for creaminess.  You can add more butter, more cream cheese, or substitute half and half or heavy cream for the skim milk.  Mashed potatoes are very personal to people, so use this recipe for a baseline and change it up according to your own personal preference!  

These potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal.  Corned Beef and Cabbage, Herb Roasted Turkey Breast, Spice Rubbed Salmon Fillets….I could go on and on.  It’s a great side for any holiday meal as well.  All I know is, once you go Yukon Gold, you’ll forget about those other potatoes.  Russet, who??