garlic mashed potatoes recipe

The Best garlic mashed potatoes recipe

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

4.6 from 997 votes

Rich, velvety mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic and butter for a luxurious side dish. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, these potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and easy to make.

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Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time35 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled (4 whole for boiling, 2 minced for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Add the 4 whole garlic cloves and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
2. 2
   Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the garlic is soft.
3. 3
   While the potatoes cook, warm the milk or cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Do not boil—just heat until steaming. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. 4
   Drain the potatoes and garlic in a colander, then return them to the pot. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
5. 5
   Mash the potatoes and garlic together using a potato masher or ricer until smooth. For extra creaminess, use a ricer.
6. 6
   Add the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mix well until the butter is fully incorporated.
7. 7
   Gradually pour in the warmed milk or cream, stirring constantly, until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. Add more milk if needed.
8. 8
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
9. 9
   Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped chives or green onions, and serve hot.

🔧Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Potato masher or ricer
• Small saucepan
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 36g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the potatoes. To roast, wrap the cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Can I make garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare garlic mashed potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of warm milk or broth to restore creaminess. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

2. What’s the best type of potato to use for garlic mashed potatoes?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for garlic mashed potatoes. Russets have a high starch content, making them fluffier, while Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery texture and slightly creamier consistency. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they can result in a gummy texture.

3. How can I make my garlic mashed potatoes extra creamy?

For ultra-creamy garlic mashed potatoes, use warm (not cold) dairy—like milk, cream, or butter—when mashing. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. For extra richness, mix in cream cheese, sour cream, or roasted garlic puree. Avoid overworking the potatoes to prevent a gluey texture.

4. Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic in mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Roasted garlic adds a deeper, sweeter flavor compared to raw garlic. To use it, blend 1–2 whole roasted garlic bulbs (or 6–8 cloves) into a paste and mix it into the potatoes along with the butter and dairy. This method reduces the sharpness of raw garlic while enhancing the dish’s richness.

5. How do I fix watery or thin garlic mashed potatoes?

If your mashed potatoes turn out too thin, try these fixes:
– Simmer them: Transfer the potatoes to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, to evaporate excess liquid.
– Add thickeners: Mix in a spoonful of instant mashed potato flakes, cream cheese, or grated Parmesan to absorb moisture.
– Strain them: Place the potatoes in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth and gently press out excess liquid before remixing.