By Ujjainee Roy
September 13, 2024
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that’s creamy, fluffy, and indulgent. While the basic recipe with potatoes, butter, and milk is delicious, there are plenty of simple ways to take your homemade mashed potatoes to the next level. By adding flavor, texture, and richness, you can turn this humble dish into something extraordinary. Here are six tips to elevate your mashed potatoes and make them restaurant-worthy.
Swap out milk for heavy cream to create a richer and more decadent texture. Cream adds a velvety smoothness that makes the mashed potatoes feel luxurious. For a lighter alternative, you can also use half-and-half for a balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
Roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor that elevates mashed potatoes. Roasting softens the garlic and brings out its sweetness, creating a subtle, rich flavor. Simply roast a head of garlic in the oven until tender, squeeze out the cloves, and mash them into the potatoes
Incorporating a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream into your mashed potatoes enhances their creaminess and adds a slight tang. Both ingredients also make the potatoes more stable and creamy, especially if you plan to reheat them
Instead of just adding regular butter, infuse it with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Melt the butter with the herbs over low heat and let the flavors meld before incorporating it into the mashed potatoes
Adding cheese like Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère can instantly transform your mashed potatoes. Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor, while cheddar adds creaminess and richness.
For added texture and flavor, top your mashed potatoes with crispy bacon bits, caramelized shallots, or fried onions. The crunchiness provides a contrast to the smooth potatoes, while the savory flavors complement the creaminess