Garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and full of flavor! Made with fresh garlic, you’ll love the tasty twist on the classic dish.
I can’t resist these fluffy potatoes, especially with that roasted garlic punch. Perfect as a side for any meal. Warning: I might eat them all before dinner! 😄
Making them is easy. Just boil, mash, and mix in garlic and butter—so simple! You’ll want to whip these up for every gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are great for mashing because they’re starchy and fluffy. You can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, but they will be a bit more dense.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star here! For a milder taste, roast the garlic before mashing. If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but start with less since it’s more concentrated.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture, but heavy cream makes it even creamier! If you want a lighter option, go with half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it gives you control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, olive oil or vegan butter also works well in this recipe!
How Do You Get the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes?
The key to creamy mashed potatoes is how you mash and mix them. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with boiling the potatoes with garlic until they’re very tender. You can’t rush this step—firm potatoes will not yield a creamy texture.
- After draining, return the hot potatoes to the pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This prevents a watery mash.
- Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or a hand mixer for ultra-smooth potatoes. Just be careful not to overmix, as this can make them gummy.
- Gradually add warm milk and melted butter. This ensures you’re incorporating all the ingredients evenly without shocking the potatoes with cold liquids.
- Finally, season well! Salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor and bring the dish to life.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
For the Creaminess:
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for creamier texture)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for topping
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional):
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping and cooking the potatoes, and another 10-15 minutes mashing and mixing everything together. So, in half an hour, you’ll have creamy garlic mashed potatoes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic:
Start by placing your peeled and quartered russet potatoes into a large pot. Add the peeled garlic cloves in as well. These will give your mashed potatoes a lovely garlic flavor!
2. Boil and Simmer:
Cover the potatoes and garlic with cold water, making sure there is at least an inch of water above them. Add a nice pinch of salt for flavor. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You want the potatoes to be very tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Warm the Milk and Butter:
While your potatoes are cooking, take a small saucepan and combine the milk and butter. Warm it over low heat or pop it in the microwave until the butter melts and the mixture is hot. This will ensure your potatoes stay warm and fluffy.
4. Mash the Potatoes:
Once your potatoes are tender, drain them and the garlic well, then return them to the warm pot. Grab a potato masher or a hand mixer and mash until they’re smooth and creamy. It’s okay to leave a few small lumps if you like a bit of texture!
5. Add the Creaminess:
Now, slowly mix in the warm milk and butter mixture. Keep mashing and stirring until everything is combined and fluffy. You can adjust the amount of milk to get your desired creaminess!
6. Season to Taste:
Time to enhance those flavors! Generously season your garlic mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper until it tastes just right for you.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your delicious mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Top with an extra pat of butter, and if you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
8. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and savor the creamy, garlic-infused goodness of your homemade mashed potatoes. They’re great alongside any main dish!
This recipe yields rich, fluffy mashed potatoes infused with gentle garlic flavor—perfect as a comforting side dish any day of the week! Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier mash. Just remember that different potatoes might result in variations in texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess and warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Can I Prepare These Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the mashed potatoes a few hours in advance. Keep them warm on the stove on low heat, covered, or reheat before serving. Just be sure to stir in a bit of milk or butter to refresh their texture!
What’s a Good Alternative to Dairy?
If you need a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based milk, like almond milk or oat milk, and vegan butter. This will still give you a creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free!