Make Your Holiday Mashed Potatoes Count!
Mashed potatoes may be a side dish on the Thanksgiving table, but they can steal the show, especially when prepared with butter, sour cream, cheddar, and garlic. This version takes the comfort food classic and elevates it to memorable status. The sour cream adds a subtle tang that keeps the richness in check, and fresh chives provide both color and a mild onion note that ties everything together.
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients
4 to 6 whole garlic cloves, peeled
Salt, to taste
4 tablespoons butter, diced
1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 cup warmed half and half
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped chives, for garnishing
Directions
Place potatoes in a large pot. Rinse the potatoes with water, drain them, then add enough cold water to the pot to cover the potatoes by 2 inches. Add the garlic cloves and about ¾ teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring the potatoes to a boil; cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain potatoes and garlic, then put them back into the hot pot. Set the pot over the heat again and quickly stir the potatoes to release some of their moisture. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the diced butter to the pot. Using a hand mixer or potato masher, mix or mash the potatoes to the desired consistency. Add the cheddar cheese and sour cream to the pot. Using a rubber spatula, fold the sour cream and cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes. Starting with ⅓ cup, add half and half to the potatoes until you reach the desired consistency. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle with chopped chives or serve them on the side.
