Description
This Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potato recipe combines tender red skin potatoes with roasted garlic, creamy butter, and tangy cream cheese for a rich and flavorful side dish. Enhanced with Cajun seasoning and fresh herbs, it's a comforting and slightly spicy twist on traditional mashed potatoes, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Garlic
- 2 ½ pounds red skin potatoes (washed and cut into approximately 2 inch chunks)
- 1 head of garlic (cloves smashed and peeled)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for the potato boiling water)
Dairy
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
- 1 - 1¼ cups heavy cream (warmed)
Seasoning
- 2-3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- PREP: Wash the red skin potatoes thoroughly and cut them into evenly sized chunks approximately 2 inches in size. Rinse the potato pieces under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Smash and peel the garlic cloves from the head.
- BOIL: Place the potatoes and peeled garlic cloves into a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and fill the pot so that the water covers the potatoes by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes and garlic for approximately 15 minutes or until they are fork tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and garlic and rinse with hot water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- MASH: Return the hot potatoes and garlic to the pot. Add the softened butter, cream cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Pour in about ¾ cup of the warmed heavy cream. Gently mash everything together until smooth and creamy but avoid over mixing to retain some texture. Add more cream as needed to reach desired consistency. Taste the mash and season further with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to your preference. Optionally, fold in fresh herbs for added flavor.
- SERVE: Serve the mashed potatoes warm. For an extra touch of richness and presentation, top with additional butter and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Using red skin potatoes adds a nice texture and a subtle earthiness to the mash.
- Smashed roasted garlic can be used instead of raw garlic for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Keep the cream warm before adding to ensure the potatoes stay hot and absorb the liquid better.
- This mashed potato works well as a side dish for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or vegetarian entrees.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mashing
- Cuisine: American
