A fluffy, flavorful mashed potato recipe that uses a simple garlic and thyme infused cream to add aromatic, herbaceous notes and buttery richness to a simple to prepare side dish.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy recipe, easy sides, holidays, Potato, side dish, thanksgiving
Wash and peel potatoes then dice into a medium dice. Peel and then smash the garlic cloves with your knife.
Add them to a large pot and cover with water by 1-2 inches. Add in 2 teaspoons of salt to infuse the potatoes with flavor as they boil.
Bring water to a boil over high heat and cook until potatoes are very tender. 8-15 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the heavy cream, butter, thyme sprigs, Dijon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and smashed garlic in a small saucepan.
Heat cream over low heat. The goal is not to boil but very gently heat so the butter melts and the flavors infuse. Stir occasionally to incorporate the butter and mustard as it heats.
When the potatoes are tender, drain off the water and return them to their original pot.
Mash them with a potato masher, ricer, low-speed immersion blender, or a sturdy fork. Just break them down, don't worry about getting them super smooth yet.
Remove the thyme and garlic from the cream then add it in, or pour the cream through a fine mesh sieve over the potatoes.
Continue mashing or mixing until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Taste and add black pepper and salt as needed.
Notes
*Average about 1/2 pound of potatoes per person. The potatoes I used were just over 2lbs total between 3.