Garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and packed with delicious garlic flavor. They make a perfect side dish for any meal, bringing warmth and comfort to your plate.
I can’t resist stealing a spoonful straight from the bowl! Trust me, these mashed potatoes make any dinner feel special, especially with a sprinkle of herbs on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor and smooth texture, but Russet potatoes work well too. If you’re short on time, you can even use frozen mashed potatoes, just skip the boiling step!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful flavor. If you’re out of fresh cloves, garlic powder is a decent substitute. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove, but it won’t be as strong.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich creaminess, but feel free to use low-fat milk or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. For extra richness, heavy cream is my favorite go-to substitute!
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you prefer a lighter option, try using olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to keep it creamy.
How Do I Get the Creamiest Mashed Potatoes?
To achieve soft and creamy mashed potatoes, pay attention to the cooking and mashing technique. Here’s how:
- Cook the potatoes until very tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
- After draining, return the potatoes to the pot for a minute to dry out excess moisture. This helps them whip up smooth.
- Use a potato masher or a ricer for the best texture. A ricer gives a fluffy consistency, while a masher gives a thicker feel.
- Mix in warm milk and melted butter gradually. This prevents clumping and allows for a silky finish.
- Don’t over-mix! Stir just enough to combine everything. Overworking can make them gluey.
Following these tips will help you create the most delicious garlic mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Delicious Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, then about 15-20 minutes cooking the potatoes and garlic. There’s a little bit of time for mashing and mixing too, but it goes quickly. You’ll have delicious garlic mashed potatoes ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic:
Start by placing your peeled and chopped potatoes along with the whole garlic cloves into a large pot. Cover everything with cold water to give them a proper start. Don’t forget to toss in a pinch of salt to season the water.
2. Boil and Simmer:
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the potatoes and garlic cook until they’re tender—this should take about 15 to 20 minutes. You can test them by poking them with a fork; they should be soft!
3. Drain and Return:
After cooking, drain the potatoes and garlic. Quickly return them to the pot. This helps to evaporate any excess water, which will keep your mashed potatoes from being watery.
4. Warm Up Butter and Milk:
In a small saucepan or microwave, gently warm the milk and butter together until the butter is melted. This step is key to getting that creamy texture when you mix it with the potatoes.
5. Mash It Up:
Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes and garlic until they’re smooth. This is where you’ll get that fluffy texture you want!
6. Mix in the Goodness:
Slowly mix in your warm butter and milk mixture. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined. Adjust the consistency to your liking—add more milk if you’d prefer them creamier.
7. Season to Taste:
Now for the final touches! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Make sure you taste and adjust as needed!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your heavenly garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little melted butter on top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. There you go—enjoy every creamy bite!
These garlic mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are great choices for their creamy texture, feel free to experiment with red potatoes for a firmer texture. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may yield varying creaminess.
Can I Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance! Simply make the mashed potatoes, let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk for creaminess if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir in a little milk or butter to revitalize the creaminess and prevent them from drying out.
Can I Customize the Flavor of My Mashed Potatoes?
Definitely! For extra flavor, consider adding ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, or even roasted garlic instead of boiled garlic. Fresh herbs like chives or thyme can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully!
