Tired of boring old mashed potatoes? Craving a side dish that's both incredibly easy and surprisingly impressive? Then get ready to be amazed by this Million Dollar Potato recipe! This isn't your grandma's potato salad; it's a creamy, cheesy, garlicky masterpiece that will elevate any meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the best. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup butter, unsalted
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Potato Perfection
This recipe is surprisingly quick and straightforward. Even beginner cooks will find it easy to follow!
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Don't overcook them, as this can make them mushy.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
- Add the Flavor: Add the butter, milk, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Mash to Creamy Perfection: Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. If you prefer some texture, you can leave a few small chunks.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Million Dollar Potatoes immediately as a side dish. Garnish with fresh chives, if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Million Dollar Success
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their fluffy texture.
- Garlic Lover? Feel free to add more garlic! Start with an extra clove and adjust to your taste.
- Creamier Potatoes: For extra creaminess, use heavy cream instead of milk or add a splash of cream cheese.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere or cheddar would also be delicious additions.
Variations to Spice Things Up
- Bacon-Cheddar Million Dollar Potatoes: Crumble cooked bacon and add it to the mashed potatoes along with some sharp cheddar cheese for a savory twist.
- Roasted Garlic Million Dollar Potatoes: Roast a whole head of garlic before mincing it for an intensified garlicky flavor.
- Herb-Infused Million Dollar Potatoes: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 5g
This Million Dollar Potato recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. It's a simple yet delicious dish that's perfect for homemade cooking and will undoubtedly become one of your best recipes. Enjoy!