Garlic mashed potatoes are creamy and full of flavor! They’re made by mixing fluffy potatoes with rich butter and a good dose of garlic, making them extra tasty.
These mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. I love to add a sprinkle of parsley on top for color. Who can resist such a warm, comforting bowl? 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are the best for mashed potatoes due to their starchy texture. If you want a different flavor, red potatoes can also work. However, they can be a bit waxy, so be aware if you want super fluffy mash.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch to your mashed potatoes. If you don’t have fresh, use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove as a substitute. Roasted garlic can also be a fun twist, offering a sweeter flavor.
Milk/Cream: Whole milk gives a nice creaminess, but feel free to use low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk if needed. Heavy cream will make it richer, so choose according to your taste preference!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the way to go to control the saltiness, but you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. For a vegan option, try a plant-based butter instead.
How Do You Achieve Creamy, Fluffy Mashed Potatoes?
The key to getting the perfect texture is all in the cooking and mashing technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with cold water to cover the potatoes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Make sure to cook the potatoes until they’re very tender (fork-tender!), so they mash easily without lumps.
- A potato ricer will give you a smooth texture, but a traditional potato masher works well too. Just don’t over mash, or they can get gummy!
- Add warm milk and melted butter slowly. This helps incorporate the ingredients without cooling down the mash.
- Taste and season generously with salt and pepper after mashing; flavors develop nicely that way.
With a little patience and these tips, your garlic mashed potatoes will turn out beautifully every time!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for serving
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total—15-20 minutes for cooking the potatoes and garlic, plus a few minutes for mashing and mixing everything together. It’s quick and easy, and the delicious flavor is definitely worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic:
Start by peeling the russet or Yukon gold potatoes and cutting them into even chunks. Peel the garlic cloves and give them a gentle smash with the side of a knife to release their flavor. Place both the potatoes and smashed garlic in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the water!
2. Boil and Cook:
Bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes and garlic until they’re very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain and Mash:
Once the potatoes and garlic are cooked through, carefully drain them well in a colander. Return the drained potatoes and garlic to the pot or transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or ricer to mash them up until they’re smooth and fluffy, being careful not to over-mash to avoid a gummy texture.
4. Add Milk and Butter:
In a small saucepan, warm the milk (or cream) and butter together over low heat until the butter has melted. Gradually pour the warm liquid mixture into the mashed potatoes while stirring gently until fully combined and creamy. You can adjust the amount of liquid for your preferred consistency—more for creamier mash, less for a thicker texture.
5. Season to Taste:
Taste your mashed potatoes and season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper until they are just right for you. This step is key to making sure your garlic mashed potatoes are bursting with flavor!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If you like, add a little extra butter on top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and relish the comforting, creamy goodness!
Enjoy your delicious homemade garlic mashed potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet and Yukon gold potatoes are the best for fluffy mashed potatoes, you can also use red potatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they may yield a slightly different texture.
How Can I Store Leftover Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or oat milk and dairy-free butter. This way, you can still enjoy creamy mashed potatoes without the dairy.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For a twist, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess! Chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme can also elevate the flavor. Experimenting with what you love is part of the fun!
