Crispy Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a bowl of perfectly creamy mashed potatoes. For Day 2 of my 12 Days of Thanksgiving Recipes series, I’m sharing my signature version: Crispy Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes , finished with crispy garlic, fresh chives, and a drizzle of garlic-infused butter.

These mashed potatoes are smooth, rich, and deeply flavorful. The combination of sour cream and warm milk creates a velvety texture, while the golden garlic and butter topping gives each bite a savory finish that feels truly special.

Ingredients

For the mashed potatoes

• 3 lbs yellow potatoes (Yukon Golds are ideal)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¾ cup sour cream

• ½ to 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream), warmed

• 1 to 2 teaspoons Kitchen Classic seasoning, to taste

• Optional: 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced or roasted

For the crispy garlic and chive butter topping

• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. Prep the potatoes
Peel the potatoes (or leave some skin on for texture) and cut them into 1½-inch chunks for even cooking.

2. Boil
Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

3. Drain and dry
Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the warm pot. Let them sit uncovered for 1–2 minutes so excess steam evaporates. This step keeps the mash fluffy and light.

4. Warm the dairy
In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter together until the butter melts. Using warm dairy ensures smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.

5. Mash and mix
Mash the potatoes until smooth. Gradually pour in the warm milk-butter mixture, then fold in the sour cream. Mix until creamy, adding more milk if needed for your desired texture.

6. Season
Stir in the Kitchen Classic seasoning and taste to adjust. The blend provides a perfect balance of salt, pepper, and herbs that complements the buttery potatoes beautifully.

Crispy Garlic and Chive Butter Topping

1. In a small skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.

2. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until golden and fragrant. Watch closely—it browns quickly.

3. Remove the garlic slices with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain.

4. Pour out the garlic oil, reserving it for later if desired.

5. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the residual heat. This picks up all the flavor left behind by the garlic.

6. Set the melted garlic butter aside to drizzle over the finished potatoes.

To Serve

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Drizzle the warm garlic-infused butter over the top, scatter the crispy garlic chips, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives.

The result is a silky, flavorful mash with golden, aromatic accents—simple yet show-stopping on your Thanksgiving table.

Tips for the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

• Always start with cold water when boiling potatoes for even cooking.

• Warm your milk and butter before mixing for a smooth, lump-free mash.

• Avoid overmixing, which can make the potatoes gummy.

• Prepare up to a day in advance and reheat gently with a splash of warm milk or butter before serving. Add the garlic-chive topping fresh for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines classic comfort with a few small upgrades that make a big difference. The sour cream adds richness and tang, the Kitchen Classic seasoning brings perfect balance, and the garlic-chive butter topping adds a beautiful finish that feels restaurant-worthy but easy to make at home.