Natalie s Amazing Irish Mashed Potatoes

3 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed

½ cup butter

½ cup half-and-half cream, or more if needed

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain.

Mash potatoes with a potato masher or an electric mixer on Low in a bowl until smooth.

Heat butter and half-and-half in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted and half-and-half is warmed, 3 to 5 minutes.

Mash or beat butter mixture, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder into mashed potatoes until potatoes are light and fluffy. Stir additional half-and-half, 1 tablespoon at a time, into potatoes for creamier consistency.