Garlic and Cream Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Garlic and Cream Mashed Potatoes, a versatile dish perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday feasts. This recipe boasts a perfect balance of flavors, with the rich creaminess of low-fat cream cheese and sour cream complemented by the robust aroma of garlic. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to adjust the seasonings according to your preferences, whether you prefer an extra punch of garlic or a hint of onion.
Ingredients:
- 14 potatoes
- 8 oz low-fat cream cheese
- 8 oz low-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2-4 tsp garlic powder
- Roasted garlic (optional)
- Scallions (optional)
- Chives (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until the potatoes are tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the low-fat cream cheese, low-fat sour cream, milk, and 2-4 teaspoons of garlic powder (adjust to taste) over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. For an extra flavor boost, you can also add roasted garlic to the mixture.
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Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot and begin mashing them using a potato masher. Add half of the prepared cream cheese mixture to the mashed potatoes and continue mashing, gradually adding more of the mixture as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that the flavors are well incorporated.
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Assemble and Refrigerate: Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish and spoon the mashed potato mixture into it. At this point, the dish can be covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy days or holiday meal prep.
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Preheat and Bake: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the mashed potatoes from the refrigerator to allow them to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover from the casserole dish and bake the mashed potatoes for approximately 60 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top.
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Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the Garlic and Cream Mashed Potatoes with chopped scallions or chives for a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot alongside your favorite main dishes or as a standalone comfort food delight.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 409.2
- Total Fat: 10.8g
- Saturated Fat: 6.2g
- Cholesterol: 34.3mg
- Sodium: 136.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 68.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 8.3g
- Sugar: 3.9g
- Protein: 11.5g
Recipe Notes:
- Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor profile of your mashed potatoes. Consider adding chopped herbs, grated cheese, or even crispy bacon for extra indulgence.
- For special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, feel free to use regular sour cream and cream cheese for a richer flavor experience.
- To make the dish vegetarian-friendly, ensure that the cream cheese and sour cream you use are certified vegetarian.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
- Enjoy the convenience of this make-ahead dish by preparing it the day before and simply reheating it before serving. It’s a stress-free addition to any mealtime lineup! 🥔🧄🍲
