A Taste of the Season: Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes for Your Holiday Gathering
Welcome to the coziest season of all! As busy parents and home cooks, we know the holidays are about sharing joy, creating memories, and, yes, making meals that feel like a warm embrace. This recipe for Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes is here to bring that touch of comfort to your table, with minimal prep and maximum flavor that’s family-friendly and irresistibly delicious. In this post, part of our A Taste of the Season: Menu for Your Holiday Gathering series, we’ll explore why this dish is a must-have on your holiday menu and provide you with simple steps to make it effortlessly.
Family-Friendly Flavors with a Gourmet Touch
These mashed potatoes aren’t just another holiday side—they’re a creamy, flavorful centerpiece that brings everyone together. And for the parents out there juggling family time with meal prep, this recipe keeps things easy with simple ingredients and a quick cook time. The garlic confit—garlic gently simmered in butter—adds a rich, subtle flavor, making these mashed potatoes a step above the usual. You can even get the kids involved in mashing the potatoes, turning this into a fun and memorable cooking activity that brings everyone into the holiday spirit!
Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12–14 cloves garlic
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water, bringing them to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Make the Garlic Confit: While the potatoes cook, melt butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Add the garlic cloves, allowing them to simmer on low for about 20 minutes. This gentle cooking process makes the garlic soft and releases a sweet, mellow flavor into the butter, perfect for creating a rich potato dish that’s never too heavy.
- Mash and Combine: Add buttermilk, garlic-infused butter, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the potatoes. Use a potato masher to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve with Garnish: Top with freshly ground black pepper, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even a light drizzle of garlic butter. Serve warm, letting these potatoes bring comfort and warmth to every plate.
Why This Recipe Works for Families
As parents, we’re often looking for recipes that balance flavor, ease, and appeal for everyone at the table—from picky eaters to those who crave something a little special. This Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potato recipe ticks all the boxes:
- Quick Prep, Big Flavor: The minimal prep time and easy steps make it possible to pull this dish together even when you’re juggling a busy schedule.
- Kid-Friendly with a Twist: Kids love mashed potatoes, and the mild garlic flavor in this dish keeps it approachable. The creamy texture, thanks to Yukon Gold potatoes, makes it easy for even the youngest guests to enjoy.
- Perfect for Leftovers: These mashed potatoes reheat beautifully, making them ideal for serving up a quick side or lunch the next day.
The Secret: Buttermilk and Garlic Confit
Adding buttermilk brings a slight tang that lightens up the creaminess, making each bite feel balanced. Meanwhile, the garlic confit—a technique of slow-simmering garlic cloves in butter—transforms the garlic into a soft, buttery element that enhances the potatoes without overpowering them. You’ll find that this simple technique, usually seen in gourmet kitchens, is easy to recreate at home and makes all the difference in creating a holiday-worthy dish.
Tips for Busy Home Cooks
- Make it Ahead: These mashed potatoes can be made a few hours before your gathering and gently reheated with a splash of buttermilk to keep them creamy.
- Serve it Up Buffet Style: Place them in a beautiful serving dish with a drizzle of garlic butter on top, so guests can help themselves.
- Add Some Garnishes: Consider topping with chives or parsley for an extra splash of color that looks gorgeous on the table.
Add These Mashed Potatoes to Your Holiday Menu!
Ready to bring a touch of gourmet comfort to your family’s holiday feast? Give these Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes a try! They’re the perfect balance of cozy, kid-friendly, and holiday-worthy. Plus, they’re part of our A Taste of the Season series, where we’re bringing you everything you need to create a memorable holiday gathering.
For more cozy, family-approved recipes and tips, check out the rest of our A Taste of the Season series. Follow along as we share heartwarming dishes, holiday cooking hacks, and creative ways to make every holiday meal a celebration of flavor and family.
