Will’s Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Do you remember jumping rope; one potato, two potato, three potato, four, and on and on? It was a fun way to learn to count. Since then, I’ve learned Idaho spuds are plentiful and you can count on their quality. Potato harvest this Fall has been beautiful and a great success. Idaho farmers can boast about a spectacular, bumper crop. It’s such a great time of the year and we thank God daily for our blessings.
You can’t even imagine all of the hard work that goes into raising a potato and what it costs. I was so surprised years ago when I learned that it cost thousands of dollars just to fertilize one field! Most of the farmers I know take great pride in what they do and are very successful. They also grow a lot of grain here.
If you are lucky, you will find these amazing russet potatoes in your local store and you can make Will’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Will is one of my son-in-laws, (I have two that are gourmet cooks). I also have three sons who were born and raised in Idaho and they think Will would become a millionaire if he would just make his famous mashed potatoes in a funky, little, potato cafe. It’s become a family tradition, when Will is in Idaho he’s cranking out vats of his mashed potatoes!
There’s no need for a lengthy tutorial here, I’m just going to share how he does it. Here we go:
Will’s Ultimate Mashed Potatoes
- 10 large russet potatoes, washed and cut up, barely cover with water (Will doesn’t even peel his)
- 1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 heaping Tablespoon of chopped fresh garlic
- 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese
- 1 cup ranch salad dressing
- 2 cups grated medium cheddar cheese
In a large dutch oven, cook the potatoes, onion and garlic till tender. It usually takes 45 to 60 minutes at my altitude. Nearer to sea level it will be less. Drain the water. We like to use a potato masher or you can whip it with a mixer. Just be careful because you don’t want to overwhip them into a globby, gluey, mess. Add cream cheese, ranch salad dressing and cheddar cheese. Mash and mix till fairly smooth. We do like to leave some lumps. They don’t need to be perfectly smooth. You can add salt and fresh ground pepper if you’d like. You will find they are quite flavorful, a terrific side-dish.
If you aren’t lucky enough to have Idaho russets in your local store, just complain! Tell ’em you don’t want to settle for anything less. Whip up some potatoes, and may you feel the love from Idaho. We have great people, famous potatoes, and the Boise State Broncos…making Idahoan’s proud!
Sending warm, creamy wishes your way!
We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! 
So many folks posting too many good things! Now I’m craving not only gravy, but mashed potatoes too-it’s gonna be a fattening month:@)
My family loves mashed potatoes and these look marvelous! I’m gonna have to try them…maybe with the roast you had a couple weeks (or so ?) ago…it looked wonderful and I have been wanted in to make that too!!! 🙂 YUMMY! Thanks for sharing!!!
Also, you asked if I use SU! paper….I do, but not exclusevly. I am a paper addict 🙂 I use anything and everything!
Have a great day!
There’s nothing better than an Idaho spud! I can make a meal out of a big baker with all the toppings. Will’s recipe is potato heaven. My family will love this.
We definitely get Idaho russets here,and I like mine a little lumpy too! The lumps are my favorite part, in fact.
I’ll try Will’s way. Betcha the husband will rise up and call me blessed!
HAHA! I just said to myself yesterday that I needed a good mashed potato recipe, thanks Gnee!
WOW! Those are some decadent mashed potatoes. La
That looks so good! Potatoes are my very favorite food, I could live on just them! They were the only thing I could eat while being pregnant that didn’t make me sick..so they are my friend! LOL
I am so making these! They sound so delish! I am highlighting these at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my “Featured” button.
Oh those look delicious!
Gnee, did you get my email about you winning my giveaway for the Quilter’s Harvest ticket? Well, you won! Please let me know if you’d like me to send the ticket to you or if you’d like to pick it up at Alpine Retreats. It’s on Friday, Nov. 12 and I believe it starts at 10:30 (?) I know you’re in Idaho, so if you don’t think you’ll be able to make it then please let me know. Thank you and I love you’re blog!
Amber
http://www.alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com
This is very similar to my holiday crock-pot mashed potatoes–I make them a day a head and put them in the crock pot vessel in the refrig and put them on low early the next morning–yum! I’ve never put the ranch dressing in before so this year I will add that–sounds great. Thanks!
I’ve got to try these! I’m a potato girl and my husband is a rice guy. I know he would love them with the onion & cheese. Thank you for sharing his recipe with us.
Wow! beautiful photos!, and you are so right, it does cost a lot of money to fertilize and grow crops! thanks for sharing this information. I must try Will’s recipe, it looks and sounds so delicious.
Blessings,
Sue
My parents were born and raised in Idaho! Idaho potatoes are second to none, I think. Thanks for sharing this great recipe. Thinking I’ll try it really soon.
Suzie @
staycalmandsewsomething.blogspot.com
Your photos are awesome — what a sweet treat!
Love to try this. Question, is the ranch dressing (the actual dressing or the powdered mix)? ([email protected])
These sound so great… my son is a HUGE mashed potato fan. As a grandchild of farmers, I know the work that goes into the growing and harvesting of food. And, I love the focus that is growing in getting back to supporting those farmers who humanely and ethically are farming our foods. Have a super weekend!!
That sounds fabulous! I think I shall make those tonight with my meatloaf! Thanks.
Hugs, Cindy
These Mashed Potato’s do sound decadent. I’m now craving mashed potato’s too.
Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook
Whoa do those look yummy!
Jo @ http://smilemonsters.blogspot.com
Oh, those potatoes sound divine!! Yummy. I love mashed potatoes and it’s that time of year that I crave the hot comfort foods. I just picked up our personal favorite, red potatoes and now I’ve got to look and see where they are grown. I’ve never paid attention.
I’ve been trying to play catch up with all my favorite blogs. 🙂
Oh, my Gosh!!! Can I move in?? You made me sooo hungry! I really want some of that “side dish”, with nothing on the side please!! Yum-O!! I will definitely make some tomorrow first thing! What a great recipe! Thank you!
Claudia from FrenchCountry
Mashed potatoes are among my favorite foods. These look wonderful. There is nothing like an Idaho potato.
Simply yummy! Hello, Gnee! Hope all is well! I am thinking it may be time to start our Tuesday Tastes Party again… what do you think?
Happy Day,
Jasey @ Crazy Daisy
YUM! I hope you will link these up again next week for the Thanksgiving Recipe party!!
This sounds so flavorful and rich. I’m definitely craving some now.
DELICIOUS!
Oh my Oh my !!! they look fantastic and so tasty. I just bought 10 pounds of potatoes, cream cheese and chedder cheese this weekend. No ranch dressing in the house. Off to the grocery store today.
My husband picked your recipe out (on Tasty Tuesday)as one that he thinks looks good—and I agree! I posted the Peanutty Chocolate Banana Bread
This looks like a great recipe. We get Idaho potatoes here. They are my favorite.
Mmmmm I also like to use evaporated milk, or bacon… I’ve never tried ranch. Thanks for linking up to Topsy Turvy Tuesday’s!
Oh my – onion, garlic, cream cheese, ranch…. this sounds absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to try this, thank you for sharing!
I would love for you to link this to This Week’s Cravings!
http://frommytinykitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/this-weeks-cravings-thanksgiving-dinner.html
I’ve never thought to add cream cheese to my mashed potatoes before. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe!
If you get a chance, I’d love for you to link to this on my blog hop 🙂