Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s my absolute favorite holiday, and honestly, a huge part of that is the food. My family always goes nuts for good side dishes, and these Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving are always, *always* on the table. They’re just so comforting and ridiculously creamy, and they pair perfectly with just about everything else on the plate, especially that big ol’ bird. I’ve made them for years, and they’re a guaranteed hit every single time. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your holiday lineup!
Why You’ll Love These Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Seriously, what’s not to love?
- They’re super easy to whip up, even with all the other Thanksgiving chaos.
- That creamy, dreamy texture is out of this world!
- Everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet critics, devours them.
- They’re the perfect mellow, rich side that lets the turkey and gravy shine.
Understanding the Magic of Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving
The real genius here is how we get that amazing creamy texture. Instead of just dumping in a bunch of flour or cornstarch, we use the potatoes themselves! As you gently mash them, they break down just enough to release their starches, which naturally thickens the cream and milk mixture into this luscious, velvety sauce. It’s like magic, but it’s just good, simple cooking!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s get down to business for these incredible Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving! Having the right ingredients is key, so let’s make sure you’ve got everything handy. It’s not a complicated list, which is great when you’re juggling so many other things for the big meal.
Essential New Potatoes
First up, you’ll need 2 pounds of new potatoes. Make sure they’re nice and clean, so give them a good scrub under running water. I like to halve or quarter them depending on their size, just so they cook evenly. New potatoes are the best here because they have a lovely waxy texture that holds up so well and helps thicken everything naturally.
Luxurious Creamy Base Components
For that super rich, creamy goodness, we’re using 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of milk. Don’t skimp on the fat here; full-fat dairy really makes a difference in the final texture. And of course, 2 tablespoons of butter are essential for that classic, comforting flavor. It just melts right in and makes everything taste amazing.
Flavor Enhancers for Creamy Thickened New Potatoes
Now for the flavor boosters! You’ll need 1 clove of garlic that’s been minced nice and fine – nobody wants a big chunk of raw garlic. Then, we’ve got 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, chopped up. Fresh chives add this lovely, subtle oniony bite that’s just perfect. And naturally, we’ll finish it off with some salt and black pepper to taste. It’s amazing how these simple things come together!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Okay, let’s get these delicious Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving made! It’s really straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have the creamiest, most comforting potatoes ready to go. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be golden.
Preparing the New Potatoes
First things first, we need to get those potatoes cooked. Pop your scrubbed and halved or quartered new potatoes into a pot. Cover them with cold water, add a good pinch of salt (this seasons them from the inside out!), and bring it to a boil. Let them cook until they’re nice and tender when you poke them with a fork, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Once they’re tender, drain them really well. Getting rid of that excess water is super important!
Creating the Creamy Sauce
While the potatoes are draining, let’s make our creamy sauce. Grab a small saucepan and pour in your heavy cream and milk. Toss in the butter and the minced garlic. Put it over medium heat and stir gently until the butter is all melted and the mixture is warm. You don’t want this to boil, just get nice and warm so everything melds together beautifully. That garlic will infuse the cream with such a lovely flavor.
Combining and Thickening the Dish
Now for the magic part! Pour that warm, creamy garlic mixture all over your drained potatoes. Grab your potato masher or even just a sturdy fork, and gently mash everything together. You don’t want to obliterate them into a paste; you’re looking for them to be mostly broken down, with the sauce naturally thickening as the potato starches release. If it seems a little thinner than you like, you can let it simmer gently for just a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches that perfect, luscious consistency. It’s all about that natural thickening!
Finishing Touches for Creamy Thickened New Potatoes
Almost there! Stir in your freshly chopped chives. They add a lovely pop of color and a fresh, slightly oniony flavor that’s just divine with the creamy potatoes. Then, season everything really well with salt and black pepper. Give it a taste, and don’t be shy – adjust the seasoning until it tastes just right to you. It’s amazing how a little salt and pepper can really make all the flavors sing!
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving
You want these Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving to be just perfect, right? I’ve got a couple of little tricks that really make them sing. It’s all about getting that texture just right and layering in extra flavor without overcomplicating things.
Achieving Optimal Creaminess
When you’re mashing, go gentle! You want them mostly broken down, but don’t turn them into baby food. Leaving a few little potato bits adds texture, and it’s those bits that help thicken the sauce naturally. If it’s a touch too thin, just a minute or two of gentle simmering while you stir will do the trick.
Flavor Boosters and Garnishes
For an extra layer of richness, seriously consider stirring in a tablespoon of sour cream or even a little cream cheese at the end. It makes them even more decadent! And for a pretty finish, a sprinkle of extra chives or some fresh parsley right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Got questions about making these fabulous Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving? I totally get it! It’s always good to have a few pointers. Here are some things people often ask me:
Can I make these Creamy Thickened New Potatoes ahead of time?
You know, these are definitely at their absolute best when they’re fresh and hot. But if you *really* need to get a head start, you can totally make them a few hours before serving. Just keep them covered and warm them up gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. You might need to add a splash more milk or cream if they seem a little thick.
What are the best potatoes to use for this recipe?
For these Creamy Thickened New Potatoes, you really can’t beat new potatoes. They’re waxy, which means they hold their shape better while cooking, and they have just the right amount of starch to help thicken our creamy sauce naturally. If you can’t find new potatoes, Yukon Golds are a decent second choice, but new potatoes are truly the star here!
How do I ensure my potatoes are perfectly tender?
The key is to test them! After about 15 minutes of boiling, just grab a fork or a small knife and poke one of the larger potato pieces. If it slides in easily with no resistance, they’re perfect. If it’s still a bit firm, just let them simmer for a few more minutes and check again. You want them tender, but not so soft that they fall apart completely when you mash them.
Nutritional Snapshot of Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for these Creamy Thickened New Potatoes for Thanksgiving is an estimate, you know? It can totally change depending on the exact brands of cream and butter you use, or even just the size of your potatoes! But generally, you’re looking at around 250 calories per serving, with about 18g of fat, 20g of carbs, and a little bit of protein. It’s a rich side, for sure!
Print
Delicious Creamy New Potatoes: 1 Hit
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy dish featuring tender, thickened new potatoes, perfect for a holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds new potatoes, scrubbed and halved or quartered
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the new potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, butter, and minced garlic over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm. Do not boil.
- Pour the warm cream mixture over the drained potatoes.
- Gently mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until they are mostly broken down and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the chopped chives.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For an extra rich flavor, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese.
- Garnish with additional chives or parsley before serving.
- If the potatoes are not thick enough, you can simmer the mixture gently for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: creamy potatoes, thickened potatoes, new potatoes, Thanksgiving side dish, holiday potatoes, comfort food, mashed potatoes