Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Infused with fresh herbs and rich cream cheese, this recipe makes the perfect comfort food for any meal.

Ingredients
- 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 15 medium), peeled and cubed
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large 6-quart saucepan. Add enough water to cover them completely.
- Step 2: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a toothpick or knife.
- Step 3: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot or a large bowl. Mash the potatoes, gradually mixing in the butter and softened cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Step 4: Stir in the sour cream, heavy whipping cream, minced chives, parsley, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Lightly grease a 3- or 4-quart slow cooker and transfer the mashed potatoes into it. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to warm through.
- Step 6: Serve warm as a comforting side to your favorite main courses.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add a splash more heavy cream or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Try swapping the fresh herbs for dried if you don’t have fresh on hand—use about one-third the amount.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash the potatoes less thoroughly.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option.
Storage
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can mash the potatoes and store them in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker for warming when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can keep the mashed potatoes warm by placing them in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water or gently warming them in a low oven, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.
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Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Creamy and flavorful Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes made with Yukon Gold potatoes, cream cheese, fresh herbs, and garlic. This comforting side dish is perfectly mashed and then slow-cooked to meld the flavors together for a rich and savory experience.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 15 medium), peeled and cubed
Dairy and Fats
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Herbs and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a 6-quart saucepan and cover with enough water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a toothpick or paring knife.
- Mash the potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Mash the potatoes while gradually adding the butter and softened cream cheese until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, heavy whipping cream, minced fresh chives, parsley, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Slow-cook to meld flavors: Grease a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker and transfer the mashed potato mixture into it. Cook on low heat for two to three hours to allow the flavors to thoroughly meld and the potatoes to develop a rich, mellow taste. The potatoes can be served immediately after mashing but slow cooking enhances the flavor.
Notes
- You can use Russet potatoes as a substitute, but Yukon Gold offers a creamier texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if serving alongside salty dishes.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- To keep mashed potatoes warm, use the slow cooker’s warm setting after cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes simmering + 2 to 3 hours slow cooking
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic mashed potatoes, herb mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, comfort food, slow cooker potatoes, easy side dish

