Mashed Potatoes Three Ways
Mashed Potatoes Three Ways
Mashed Potatoes Three Ways

Mashed Potatoes Three Ways

David Venable

Traditional mashed potatoes make a wonderful side dish to almost any meal. Here, you’ll find a base recipe with two additional flavor profiles to add in.

Traditional Mashed Potatoes

  • 4 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed, peeled, and quartered
  • 3 Tbsp kosher salt, divided
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

To prepare the Traditional Mashed Potatoes, cover the potato quarters with water in a large saucepan and add 2 Tbsp salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until very tender. Drain well. Add the butter, cream, remaining salt, and pepper, then mash until light and fluffy.
To prepare the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, first preheat the oven to 375°F to roast the garlic. Line a pie pan or baking dish with foil. Place the garlic cloves in the center of the foil and drizzle olive oil on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold up the foil packet and seal tightly. Bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until soft. Meanwhile, prepare the potatoes on the stovetop as directed in the recipe above. Drain and add the cream, butter, salt, pepper, and garlic (which you've slightly mashed with a fork). Mash until light and fluffy.
To prepare the Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, prepare the garlic and potatoes as directed above. Drain the potatoes and add the cream, butter, salt, pepper, cheeses, and garlic (which you've slightly mashed with a fork). Mash until light and fluffy.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • 3 oz garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed, peeled, and quartered
  • 3 Tbsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • 3 oz garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed, peeled, and quartered
  • 3 Tbsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Cook's Notes

Don’t be afraid to be creative with your mashed potatoes. Try sour cream or low-fat Greek yogurt in place of the heavy cream. Or, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like chives, dill, parsley, and basil.