Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with minced garlic, butter, cream cheese and fresh parsley. The perfect side dish for holidays, Sunday dinner, or any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m just going to lay it all on the line here and say these Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes are the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had!
Trust me, these have to be good, because a few of my boys are real mashed potato connoisseurs. But what’s not to love about fluffy mashed potatoes with butter, garlic, cream cheese and fresh parsley?
It’s definitely not a low-fat, low-calorie side dish, which makes these mashed potatoes a perfect holiday indulgence.
I like to leave some of the skins on–as many as my kids will tolerate–because I think it makes for a great presentation. And of course, the skins are good for you.
Sometimes I end up adding a bit of milk or cream to get the potatoes to the consistency I want, and sometimes I don’t need to add any at all. If you feel like you need to add a bit of liquid, just start slowly and add your liquid gradually.
I hope you love these mashed potatoes as much as my family does. Don’t forget the gravy!
Be sure to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Ingredients
- Produce: potatoes, garlic, fresh parsley
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Milk or cream
- Salt and pepper
Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 10 medium Russet potatoes peeled and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Milk or cream as needed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add chopped potatoes and cook until fork tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Add the butter, cream cheese and garlic.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until they reach the desired consistency and texture, adding milk or cream, as needed. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Nutrition
If you love this recipe, you might also like:
[mv_create key=”1287″ layout=”circles” title=”More Delicious Potato Recipes” type=”list”]
9 comments
Guru Les Privat di Batam
In What Way to Improve Your Kid’s Academic Results in Middle and High
School through Private Lessons?
Studying doesn’t just mean sitting in class and memorization. From my experience as a parent, private
tutoring is often a major advantage for SMP and SMA kids, especially for key subjects like Indonesian, Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Sociology, and Geography.
“In the beginning my child was unmotivated to study on their own, but after finding the right tutor,
they became enthusiastic,” shared a friend.
Why Can Private Tutoring Help Children?
Private tutoring delivers a customized and flexible approach.
Children do not all progress at the same speed,
and tutors can adapt the teaching method according to the student’s requirements.
According to research from Gadjah Mada University (Santoso, 2022), students receiving personalized guidance
show around 40% better concept grasp. Therefore, the results aren’t limited to better grades, but their
problem-solving skills and approach to learning also improve.
Learning Strategies by Subject
Indonesian
Focus: reading, understanding texts, writing essays.
Tips: Tutors use storytelling and text analysis exercises
to help children understand context more easily.
Research from Indonesia University of Education (Rahman, 2022): literacy skills increase by 35% when students practice discussion and text analysis.
English
Focus: writing, comprehension, grammar.
Tips: Using interactive exercises and lengthy texts fosters analytical skills.
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Focus: concept understanding, solving problems, exam-type
questions.
Tips: Step-by-step exercises from easy to difficult,
tutor provides strategic solving tips.
According to research from Universitas Negeri Malang
(Pratama, 2022), students’ problem-solving competence rises approximately 37%.
Biology, Economics, Sociology, Geography
Focus: grasping concepts, interpreting data, analyzing social patterns.
Tips: Relating lessons to practical examples aids memory.
Research from UNAIR (Mulyadi, 2021): students’ confidence in social
and science topics improves by 42% with one-on-one guidance.
My Child’s Experience with a Private Tutor
Earlier than joining a private tutor, my child regularly struggled on challenging exercises, particularly in the
sciences like Math and Physics.
After attending NgajarPrivat.com (flexible online/offline), my
child was able to:
Complete Math and Physics tasks faster using strategies
Read and analyze English texts more fluently
Grasp Biology and Economics concepts clearly and apply them
Tips for Choosing the Right Private Tutor
Check Tutor Qualifications: Ensure tutor expertise fits
the subject.
Learning Method: Tutor method must fit the student’s way of learning.
Flexibility: Tutor availability online/offline as needed.
Progress Evaluation: Focus on improving ability, not just exam scores.
According to Sebelas Maret University (Wijayanti, 2023),
students engaging in interactive, personalized online learning
show up to 42% improvement in concept understanding.
Tips to Make Learning Enjoyable
Maintain a regular but flexible schedule
Minimize distractions in the study space
Let the child participate actively in discussions
Apply exercises that mimic test conditions
Why Choose LapakGuruPrivat.com, KoncoSinau.id, and NgajarPrivat.com
LapakGuruPrivat.com: Tutors come to the home, adaptive methods,
focus on child progress.
KoncoSinau.id: Real-time evaluation, professional tutors, deep academic methods.
NgajarPrivat.com: Tailored tutor matching, alumni from prestigious universities,
adaptable learning.
All three are professional, patient, and adapt teaching methods to the child’s personality.
Conclusion
Tutoring at this level isn’t only about higher scores.
Centered on developing thinking strategies, understanding concepts, and analytical ability.
The proper guidance helps students approach tests and assessments with skill and
assurance.
References (APA)
Rahman, A. (2022). Cognitive Analysis of TKA Questions in the National Assessment.
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.
Santoso, D. (2022). Effectiveness of Personalized Tutoring.
Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Mulyadi, T. (2021). Personalized Guidance
and Self-Efficacy. Universitas Airlangga.
Wijayanti, R. (2023). Interactive E-Learning Effectiveness.
Universitas Sebelas Maret.
Pratama, S. (2022). TKA Subject Analysis for Middle and High School.
Universitas Negeri Malang.
Kemdikbudristek. (2024). National TKA Implementation Report 2024.
Jakarta: Pusat Asesmen Pendidikan.
https://lapakguruprivat.com/product/privat-di-banda-aceh/
How to Maximize Your Kid’s Academic Results for Secondary Education through
Private Lessons?
Learning doesn’t just mean being in the classroom and rote learning.
From my experience as a parent, private tutoring
can be a real game-changer for secondary students, especially for core subjects like essential
subjects including Indonesian, Math, English, and the sciences.
“Initially my child was very reluctant to study on their own, once we found a suitable tutor, the motivation increased,”
said a friend.
Why Can Private Tutoring Help Children?
Private tutoring provides a personalized and tailored approach.
Every student doesn’t absorb material equally, and a private tutor
can modify the study approach based on the student’s learning style.
According to research from Gadjah Mada University (Santoso,
2022), students receiving one-on-one tutoring experience
improvements in concept comprehension of up to 40%. Therefore, not only
the grades improve, but students’ cognitive strategies also develop.
Learning Strategies by Subject
Indonesian
Focus: text comprehension, essay writing, reading skills.
Tips: Using narrative techniques and analytical exercises helps kids grasp context.
Research from Indonesia University of Education (Rahman, 2022):
literacy skills increase by 35% when students practice discussion and text analysis.
English
Focus: grammar, reading comprehension, writing.
Tips: Interactive exercises and reading long texts help develop critical
thinking.
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
Focus: foundational concepts, analytical problem solving, test questions.
Tips: Step-by-step exercises from easy to difficult, tutor provides strategic solving tips.
According to research from UNM (Pratama, 2022),
this approach improves problem-solving ability by up to 37%.
Biology, Economics, Sociology, Geography
Focus: concept comprehension, graphical data analysis, social study.
Tips: Connecting material to real-life examples makes it
easier for children to remember.
Research from Airlangga University (Mulyadi, 2021):
individual tutoring boosts self-efficacy to around 42%.
My Child’s Experience with a Private Tutor
Prior to joining private tutoring, my child frequently was blocked on challenging exercises, especially in Math and Physics.
After attending KoncoSinau.id (real-time evaluation),
my child managed to:
Complete Math and Physics tasks faster using strategies
Better understand English passages
Gain a deeper understanding of Biology and Economics, linking theory to practice
Tips for Choosing the Right Private Tutor
Check Tutor Qualifications: Tutor should specialize in the relevant subject.
Learning Method: Adapt teaching style to student preferences.
Flexibility: Hybrid learning options suitable for schedule.
Progress Evaluation: Monitor conceptual growth rather than only grades.
According to Sebelas Maret University (Wijayanti, 2023), students engaging in interactive, personalized online learning show up to 42% improvement in concept understanding.
Tips to Make Learning Enjoyable
Maintain a regular but flexible schedule
Create a comfortable, distraction-free learning environment
Encourage active questioning and discussion
Apply exercises that mimic test conditions
Why Choose LapakGuruPrivat.com, KoncoSinau.id, and NgajarPrivat.com
LapakGuruPrivat.com: Home visits with adaptive teaching, child-focused progress.
KoncoSinau.id: Real-time evaluation, professional tutors, deep academic methods.
NgajarPrivat.com: Flexible sessions, expert tutor matching, online/offline
options.
They are professional, flexible, and responsive to
the student’s learning style.
Conclusion
Tutoring at this level isn’t only about higher scores.
Focuses on strategic learning, comprehension,
and critical thinking.
The proper guidance helps students approach tests and assessments
with skill and assurance.
Sources (APA)
Rahman, A. (2022). Analysis of TKA Items. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.
Santoso, D. (2022). Effectiveness of Personalized Tutoring.
Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Mulyadi, T. (2021). Impact of Tutor Assistance on Academic Self-Efficacy of Students.
Universitas Airlangga.
Wijayanti, R. (2023). Effectiveness of Interactive Online Learning in High School Students.
Universitas Sebelas Maret.
Pratama, S. (2022). Analysis of TKA Questions by
Subject. Universitas Negeri Malang.
Kemdikbudristek. (2024). National TKA Implementation Report 2024.
Jakarta: Pusat Asesmen Pendidikan.
https://koncosinau.id/product/kursus-matematika-di-bengkulu/
What is the Best Way to Prepare Your Child to Face the Mathematics National
Science Olympiad?
This inquiry often appears by many parents I’ve met, even from fellow teachers.
The Mathematics OSN is known as a extremely rigorous competition, with problems that
demand critical mathematical abilities. So, what is actually the
best way to prepare children for this competition?
I personally had an experience when my friend’s younger brother tried to
join the Mathematics OSN at the district level. At first, he studied the conventional way:
solving practice problems, reading books, and discussing with friends.
But the results were not very satisfying. After trying
intensive tutoring through a private teacher, the results were
completely different.
Is OSN Preparation the Same as Learning Math at School?
One thing that must be understood: preparing for OSN is not the same as learning math daily at school.
According to research from Stanford University, competition-based learning demands higher-order thinking skills that
differ from regular classroom learning (Resnick, 1987).
OSN emphasizes analysis, creativity, and the ability to connect concepts across topics.
That’s why students who rely only on school lessons often feel overwhelmed.
They need different strategies—and this is where guidance from private tutors such as those at NgajarPrivat.com becomes extremely helpful.
OSN tutors are used to giving more challenging exercises, not
just ordinary school exam problems.
Why Are Private Tutors More Effective for Olympiad Preparation?
I once talked with a private tutor from KoncoSinau.id who has been mentoring Olympiad students for
more than ten years. He said that many kids are already smart,
but without the right guidance, they are like “lost” in the jungle of Olympiad problems.
This aligns with research from the Educational Testing Service
(ETS), which showed that personalized learning
improves conceptual understanding by up to 30% compared to large classrooms (Bloom, 1984).
Private tutors can quickly identify student weaknesses—whether in number theory, combinatorics, or geometry—and address them through a personalized approach.
I still remember when that student failed on a solid geometry
problem. His private tutor didn’t just teach formulas for volume but also connected it with 3D visualization. With that approach, the child understood much faster.
What’s the Difference Between Online and Offline OSN Private Lessons?
Another classic question is: which is better, online or offline OSN tutoring?
From my experience, both have advantages. Offline
(face-to-face at home) offers comfort and full focus.
Meanwhile, online provides access to the best tutors from different cities.
Research from MIT shows that blended learning (a combination of online and offline) produces better
learning outcomes compared to a single method (Means et al., 2013).
So the issue isn’t which is better, but rather how comfortable the child feels and whether they can stay consistent.
At LapakGuruPrivat.com, for example, there are options for tutors to come to the house for
children who need direct guidance, and Zoom/Google Meet
sessions for those in other cities. From my family’s experience, this
flexibility is very helpful, especially when OSN preparation time is
tight.
How Important Is Practice in OSN Preparation?
Working on exercises is indeed important, but it’s not just about the number of problems.
According to research by Ericsson et al. (1993), what matters more is deliberate practice—practice that is structured and comes with direct feedback.
I personally witnessed how my friend’s younger brother used to complete 50 OSN problems in a week, but his progress was slow.
Once he joined an intensive program at NgajarPrivat.com, the number of problems became
fewer, but each one was discussed deeply with different strategies.
As a result, he quickly learned to recognize patterns.
Private tutors usually have OSN problem banks from previous years, and even international Olympiads.
This allows students to become familiar with various levels of difficulty.
Can OSN Tutoring Shape a Child’s Character?
Many parents think private tutoring is only for academic
improvement. But from my experience, OSN preparation also helps build character.
According to a study from the University of Indonesia, Olympiad participants have higher levels of grit and resilience compared to regular students (Putri, 2019).
This is because they are used to facing tough problems
and not giving up until they find the answer.
I personally saw the student I mentored become more patient, more diligent,
and more confident after attending OSN private lessons.
So the benefit is not only winning competitions, but also developing traits that carry into everyday life.
Which OSN Math Tutoring Platforms Can Be Trusted?
Nowadays, there are many tutoring platforms, but from my personal
experience, three are worth recommending:
– **NgajarPrivat.com** → Best for intensive guidance, especially for students who prefer face-to-face interaction.
– **KoncoSinau.id** → A great option for students who
are more comfortable with online learning, supported by flexible and experienced tutors.
– **LapakGuruPrivat.com** → Offers various OSN subjects, not only mathematics.
Perfect for families with children who have different academic interests.
All these platforms have proven successful in helping many students
reach the national stage. Interestingly,
many of the tutors are OSN alumni or top university students from places like
UI and ITB.
Conclusion: Should Students Take OSN Private Lessons?
If asked whether it’s mandatory, the answer is no. Many outstanding students succeed through self-study.
But in terms of time efficiency, the right strategies, and
higher chances of success, OSN private tutoring is
clearly a wise choice.
With guidance from experienced tutors on platforms like
NgajarPrivat.com, KoncoSinau.id, or LapakGuruPrivat.com, students are
not only ready to tackle Olympiad problems
but also equipped with the mental strength to face future academic challenges.
In my view, this investment is absolutely worth it.
Because in the end, OSN is not only about winning medals,
but also about shaping a young generation ready to compete
at the global level.