OK, so I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like mashed potatoes, and this version takes your traditional mash and kicks them up several notches! The garlic, butter and cream cheese take this over the top and seriously make this the best side dish and my favorite version of a traditional mashed potato.

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds red potatoes (or white, whatever you have on hand!)
4 cloves garlic
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp butter
½ c. milk
2 ounces cream cheese
2 sprigs fresh thyme

Directions:

Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a medium pot with the peeled, whole garlic cloves and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, approximately 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and cream cheese to a small pot and heat over medium-low heat until milk is warmed and the butter and cream cheese is melted and soft.

Once potatoes are cooked, drain the water and add the potatoes and garlic to a large bowl. Pour the milk and butter mixture over top and beat on medium with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Transfer the whipped potatoes to your serving bowl and heat the remaining tablespoon of butter in a small dish in the microwave. Pour butter over the potatoes and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

Tip: use GOOD quality butter. It does make a difference and is worth the extra cost when this is a staring side. I use Finlandia or Kerrygold.

Enjoy!