These Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes are creamy, and cheesy and give classic mashed potatoes a delicious twist with the addition of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and cream cheese. The perfect side dish recipe that pairs well with beef, chicken, pork, and fish.
I love mashed potatoes. I mean, who doesn’t? They’re the classic side for everything from family dinners to holiday get-togethers. I honestly can’t think of a time and place when mashed potatoes aren’t a welcome part of the dinner table. I grew up on them, and when I got older, I made them a frequent part of the family dinners I made for my family, as well. They’re a staple dish that I think all of us know and almost all of us love.
As much as I love these potatoes, they can get boring. I mean, they’re delicious, but when you really think about them, they’re pretty basic. That’s okay, but sometimes, I like to mix things up. That’s why I love making these garlic parmesan mashed potatoes. They’re loaded with all that classic mashed potato goodness with a kick of parmesan and garlic for a smooth, creamy side dish that explodes with flavor and makes a great alternative to the classic preparation.
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
This delicious mashed potato recipe takes the classic side and kicks it way up. It starts with good old russet potatoes that are boiled until tender and mixed up with butter, cream cheese, and evaporated milk to get them nice and creamy. Then, I add garlic salt, and parmesan cheese for even more flavor. What I end up with are mashed potatoes that are bursting with flavor in every creamy bite. I love to serve them with everything from steak to fried fish. I also love serving them at family get-togethers and potlucks. There’s never a wrong time for these delicious potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potato Recipe
- They’re so delicious and easy to make, and they’re the perfect side with any meal.
- They are always a favorite, and this favorite is kicked up with freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
- They’re so creamy, cheesy, and delicious.
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Tips and Variations
Mashed potatoes are a traditionally easy side dish to prepare, and this version is no different. I do, however, have a couple of little things I do to make them absolutely delicious. I also have some variations to share that I think you’ll enjoy.
Tips
- Only cook your potatoes to fork tender. Overcooking them results in grainy, wet mashed potatoes. It’s hard to drain your potatoes when they’re disintegrating in the strainer!
- It’s important to use evaporated milk. It gives the potatoes a richer flavor without adding too much liquid.
- Mash your potatoes as quickly as possible after boiling them so they’re nice and hot.
Variations
- I prefer using cream cheese, but you can use sour cream if you like it better.
- Try mixing in chopped green onions or chives for more flavor.
- Serve the potatoes with crispy crumbled bacon on top.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
If you’re asking what to serve with mashed potatoes, the better question is what can’t you serve with mashed potatoes? I honestly can’t think of anything. Some of the all-time great pairings are:
- Steak
- Beef stew
- Fried chicken
- Baked chicken
- Fried pork chops
- Baked pork chops
- Barbecue beef, pork, or chicken
- Fried fish
- Fried shrimp
- Green peas
- Green beans
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about this recipe, read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about mashed potatoes.
What are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes?
The best mashed potatoes use starchy potatoes. Starchy potatoes give that great, fluffy texture. Waxy potatoes, like red potatoes, for example, make mashed potatoes that are sticky and unappetizing. The two most recommended potatoes for mashed potatoes are:
- Russet
- Yukon Gold Potatoes
How can I make my mashed potatoes better?
There are a few things you can do to make your mashed potatoes absolutely delicious.
- Don’t boil your potatoes until they fall apart. They’ll be too soggy.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly to avoid too much liquid.
- Add half and half or heavy cream instead of regular milk for richer mashed potatoes.
- The addition of sour cream or cream cheese makes for extra-flavorful and creamy potatoes.
- Experiment with spices like garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, or onion powder.
Do you boil water before adding potatoes for mashed potatoes?
Start cooking your potatoes in cold water. Starting from cold ensures that your potatoes cook evenly because both the inside and outside heat as the water temperature rises. Adding potatoes to boiling water cooks the outside faster than the inside.
How can I mash potatoes without a masher?
If you don’t have a potato masher, you can use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or even a fork.
What’s the best way to mash potatoes?
That depends on your desired outcome. Different methods produce different results.
- Hand Masher, Stand Mixer, or Hand Mixer – Fluffy and somewhat lumpy mashed potatoes.
- Fork –Lumpier and more rustic.
- Food Mill –Smooth and airy.
What makes mashed potatoes fluffy?
The fluffiest mashed potatoes are made with russet potatoes. Their high starch content is what gives them that light, fluffy texture.
How to Store and Reheat Mashed Potatoes
You can store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
To reheat mashed potatoes, mix them with a little more milk and butter and bake them covered for 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until warmed through.
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
This recipe only uses simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
- Russet potatoes
- Butter
- Evaporated milk
- Cream cheese
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Making these delicious mashed potatoes is just as easy as gathering up the ingredients. It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps.
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place potatoes into a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes until fork tender. Then, drain the water and return them to the pan.
Step 2: Add All Ingredients Except Parmesan Cheese
Add the butter, cream cheese, evaporated milk, garlic salt, and pepper and let them sit until the butter and cream cheese begin to melt.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Using your method of choice – I prefer an electric mixer – mash the potatoes until the desired consistency is obtained.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Add parmesan cheese and mix until combined. Enjoy with chicken, beef, pork, or fish and vegetables.
Try These Delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Today
These garlic parmesan potatoes take the classic side dish we all know and love and inject it with a massive dose of flavor that everyone will love. They’re so easy to make and such a big hit that you’ll find yourself serving them again and again. These are definitely on the menu for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and are great any day of the week throughout the year. Give this delicious comfort food side dish recipe a try, and get ready for tons of ooh’s and aah’s from everyone who tries them.
More Delicious Potato Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Country Style Potato Salad – A creamy, flavorful, and hearty potato salad that is the best addition to your backyard barbecue.
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes – These delicious potatoes are filled with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and are absolutely delicious.
Crock Pot Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – A cheesy and delicious side dish that is perfect for any night of the week.
And, from our other blog, Deliciously Seasoned, try these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Shredded potatoes, mixed with cheese, sour cream, and topped with Ritz crackers, these potatoes are the perfect side dish to make for any occasion.
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5 large Russet potatoes, peeled, cubed (Costco size)
- 1 ½ sticks butter
- 6 ounces evaporated milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot of water, add potatoes and bring water to a boil over medium high heat.
- Cook potatoes until fork tender. Drain water and return to the pan.
- Add butter, cream cheese, evaporated milk, garlic salt and pepper, and let sit until butter and cream cheese start to melt.
- Mix with an electric mixer until desired consistency is obtained.
- Add Parmesan cheese and mix until combined.
- Serve with chicken, beef, pork or fish, and vegetables.
Notes
Nutrition
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Just a query, 1 Tablespoon of garlic salt. Have not made the recipe, sounds absolutely yummy
I wanted to check if typo or correct
Thank you
Lorna
Hi Lorna, Yes, that is what we used in the recipe. But, you can add less and add more if needed. I hope you enjoy this recipe. Thank you for writing! :)