The Ultimate Homemade Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe with a Secret Garlic Trick

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of perfectly creamy mashed potatoes. But what if you could elevate this beloved side dish to new heights, infusing it with vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, all enhanced by a simple yet revolutionary secret technique? Get ready to transform your understanding of homemade mashed potatoes with this incredible recipe for Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast or simply seeking a comforting weeknight addition, these potatoes promise to be a showstopper.

The Journey to Perfect Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Once upon a time, the thought of making mashed potatoes from scratch felt daunting. It was a culinary mystery, a dish I assumed was best left to pre-made mixes or professional chefs. However, that perception completely shifted around 2008 when I first developed my mashed potatoes for two recipe. The difference between homemade and instant was, frankly, astounding – a revelation of flavor and texture that no boxed mix could ever replicate. I still recall an incident at a previous job where a caterer, a supposed chef, was caught making instant mashed potatoes for a training lunch. Accompanied by his assistant baking boxed mix cupcakes, it was a stark reminder of how often shortcuts are taken, even in professional settings. This only solidified my belief that the effort of homemade, though minimal, yields truly superior results.

Potatoes are, without a doubt, one of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen. From a casual Tuesday night side dish to an elegant holiday centerpiece, they adapt effortlessly. They can be transformed into a hearty main course, a quick snack, or even a unique dessert (who can resist the charm of spudnuts?). This adaptability makes them a constant staple in my cooking. With holidays like Easter often featuring a quintessential potato dish, whether it’s my easy cheesy stovetop scalloped potatoes or a classic mashed variety, I find myself always returning to them.

Why Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes?

This year, I decided to infuse my traditional mashed potato recipe with a fresh twist, creating these delightful Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes. My love for broccoli and cheese is well-documented (just check out my broccoli cheddar soup), and combining these favorites with my adoration for potatoes, garlic, butter, and milk seemed like a natural evolution. The combination is simply irresistible. The sharpness of cheddar, the earthy crunch of finely chopped broccoli, and the creamy richness of perfectly mashed potatoes create a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting.

Mastering the Art of Mashed Potatoes: The Secret Technique Revealed

Let’s talk about the game-changer, my secret weapon for truly exceptional mashed potatoes: adding whole garlic cloves directly to the pot with the potatoes as they boil. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a culinary revelation. Boiling the garlic alongside the potatoes allows it to soften beautifully, mellowing its pungent raw edge into a wonderfully subtle, sweet, and deeply aromatic flavor. When mashed, these tender garlic cloves integrate seamlessly, infusing every spoonful with fresh garlic essence without any harshness. Seriously, you won’t believe the incredible depth of flavor this simple step adds.

Ingredients for Perfect Mashed Potatoes (And Why They Matter)

Idaho® Potatoes: Also known as Russet potatoes, these are ideal for mashing due to their high starch content. This starch breaks down easily, resulting in a fluffy, creamy texture. Peel and cube them evenly for consistent cooking.
Whole Garlic Cloves: As discussed, these are crucial for our secret technique, delivering a mellow, infused garlic flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your dish. Softened butter incorporates more smoothly into the hot potatoes, creating a richer, more luxurious mouthfeel.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes as they cook and enhancing all the other flavors.
Whole Milk: Whole milk contributes to the creamy texture and richness without making the potatoes too heavy. For an even creamier result, you can gently warm the milk and butter together before adding them to the mashed potatoes.
Finely Chopped Fresh Broccoli: The key here is “finely chopped.” This ensures the broccoli blends well into the potatoes without creating large, chunky bites, providing a pleasant texture and vibrant flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is fantastic for its bold flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend.

Cooking, Mashing, and Serving Perfection

Making small batch mashed potatoes is surprisingly easy. While some might find it challenging to cook for just one or two, I’ve perfected the art over the years. A single pound of Idaho potatoes yields approximately four generous servings of mashed potatoes, making it perfect for a small family or for enjoying leftovers. If you’re cooking for one or two, you can easily halve the recipe to use just half a pound of potatoes, providing two perfect servings.

For the broccoli, I highly recommend using a food processor to achieve that ideal finely chopped consistency. It makes the job quick and effortless, ensuring the broccoli pieces are tiny enough to meld seamlessly into the mashed potatoes without being overpowering. If you don’t have a food processor, a sharp knife and a bit of patience will do the trick – just make sure to chop them as finely as possible.

These Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes are wonderfully versatile. While they are certainly Easter-friendly and perfect for any holiday spread, I personally love enjoying them all year round. They pair beautifully with a variety of main courses, from a perfectly seared steak or roasted chicken to succulent pork chops or even a simple grilled salmon. I find them so flavorful and rich on their own that I rarely feel the need for gravy. However, if gravy is a must-have for you, I recommend my homemade gravy without meat drippings or a savory vegan mushroom gravy.

Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Learn how to make mashed potatoes from scratch with these Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes, made even better with a secret technique.

Ingredients

1 pound Idaho® potatoes, peeled and cubed (roughly 2 large potatoes)
3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened and cut into 8 pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
3/4 cup finely chopped fresh broccoli*
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the potatoes and garlic cloves. Cook until soft but not overdone, roughly 12-15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, using a potato masher or electric mixer on low speed, beat the cooked potatoes until mashed and smooth (do not overbeat, as this can lead to gummy potatoes). Beat in the softened butter and salt until completely incorporated, then slowly beat in the whole milk until creamy. Stir in the finely chopped broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese until just combined. Serve immediately.

Notes

*I used a food processor to finely chop the broccoli, but you can also hand chop with your knife. Just make sure they are finely chopped into really tiny pieces to ensure they blend well into the potatoes.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore their creamy texture, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

More Potato Recipes to Love

If you’re a potato enthusiast like me, you’ll love exploring these other comforting potato dishes:

Baked Potato Soup

Italian Potato Salad

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Final Thoughts on Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes

This recipe for Broccoli and Cheese Mashed Potatoes is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients elevated by a clever technique. The incredible creaminess, the delicate garlic infusion, and the burst of cheesy broccoli make these mashed potatoes truly unforgettable. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, they are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Give this recipe a try and discover the joy of perfectly homemade mashed potatoes!