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A rustic bowl of fluffy, golden mashed potatoes, visibly creamy and topped with a sprinkle of fresh green herbs.

Creamy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

A rich and indulgent mashed potato recipe featuring roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a velvety smooth texture, perfect for elevating any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Garlic
  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Mashed Potatoes
  • 2.5 lbs potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter cubed, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream warm
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Potato Masher or Ricer
  • Small Oven-Safe Dish
  • Whisk
  • Rubber Spatula

Method
 

Prepare Roasted Garlic
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the very top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Wrap the garlic head tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a small oven-safe dish. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are very soft and golden brown. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the softened garlic from their skins into a small bowl.
Prepare Potatoes
  1. While the garlic roasts, place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Do not overcook, or they will become waterlogged.
  2. Once tender, drain the potatoes thoroughly using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the empty hot pot over very low heat for 1-2 minutes, shaking gently, to evaporate any excess moisture. This step is crucial for fluffy mashed potatoes.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cubed butter to the hot potatoes and let it melt for a minute. Add the warm heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and the roasted garlic cloves. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. If using a ricer, pass the potatoes through the ricer directly into a large bowl, then add the other ingredients and mix.
  4. Stir in the fresh chives and parsley. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For the smoothest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer. Avoid over-mashing, as it can lead to gummy potatoes. If making ahead, gently reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore consistency. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.