Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that feels like a warm hug, you’ve landed in the right place! These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and packed with the delightful flavor of garlic. They make every meal feel special, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Trust me, once you serve these up, they’ll quickly become a favorite at your table!

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity—you can whip it up in no time, but it tastes like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen. Plus, they pair beautifully with just about anything, making them the perfect addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those hectic evenings!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. They never fail to bring smiles around the dinner table!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these mashed potatoes in advance and reheat them when needed. Ideal for gatherings!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible taste that elevates any dish.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair them with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or your favorite plant-based protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Garlic Mashed Potatoes is all about simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comfort food classic:

For the Potatoes

• 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes)

For the Garlic Mixture

• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup salted butter
• 8 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about Garlic Mashed Potatoes is their flexibility! You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.

• Add Some Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan for an extra creamy texture.
• Herbed Version: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or sautéed jalapeños if you like a bit of heat!

How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing your 3 lbs of Yukon gold potatoes until they are clean. Then chop them into small chunks. This helps them cook evenly and quickly, so they’re tender and easy to mash later on.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring it to a boil over high heat before reducing it to a simmer. Cook until they are very soft when poked with a fork—this usually takes about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse the Garlic Flavor

While your potatoes are cooking away, grab a saucepan and add ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup salted butter, 8 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp ground black pepper. Heat this mixture over low heat just until it’s warm—not boiling. This step allows the garlic to infuse its wonderful flavor into the milk without losing its freshness.

Step 4: Drain and Mash

Once your potatoes are cooked through, drain out all the water but leave the potatoes in the pot. Pour in your delicious garlic milk mixture and mix everything together using either a hand masher or an electric mixer. I love leaving some small chunks for texture—it makes these mashed potatoes even more comforting!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Garlic Mashed Potatoes! Serve them hot alongside your favorite dishes, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Making the perfect garlic mashed potatoes is all about the little details! Here are some tips that will help you achieve creamy, flavorful results every time.

• Choose the right potatoes: Using Yukon gold or Russet potatoes yields a creamy texture and great flavor. Their starchy nature makes them ideal for mashing.

• Don’t rush the boiling: Make sure your potatoes are fully cooked until they’re fork-tender. This ensures they mash easily and results in a smoother consistency.

• Infuse your flavors: Gently warming the milk, butter, and garlic together allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It enhances the taste of your mashed potatoes significantly!

• Mash to your liking: Whether you prefer completely smooth or a bit chunky, feel free to adjust how much you mash. Leaving some small pieces adds texture and character to your dish.

• Serve warm: Mashed potatoes are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a bowl over simmering water until ready to serve.

How to Serve Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes can be a wonderful centerpiece on your dinner table or a cozy side dish for any meal. Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle with parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and an extra layer of flavor that complements the garlic.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Caramelized broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts bring out sweetness that balances the savory garlic flavors.
• Grilled chicken breast: Simple yet flavorful grilled chicken pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes as a satisfying protein option.
• Steamed green beans: Their crisp texture and slight bitterness provide a nice contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes.
• Stuffed bell peppers: Filled with quinoa, black beans, and spices, these colorful peppers add nutrition and vibrant visuals to your plate.

Enjoy creating this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion—your family will love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not only a delicious side dish but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners even easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label the containers with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of milk or water if they seem dry, and heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Garlic Mashed Potatoes that might help you out!

Can I make Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Garlic Mashed Potatoes in advance, store them in the fridge, and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.

What are some good alternatives to whole milk in Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using almond milk or oat milk. They will still give you creamy mashed potatoes without dairy.

How do I make my Garlic Mashed Potatoes extra creamy?

For extra creaminess, you can blend in a bit more butter or milk after mashing. Just be sure to mix gently to maintain some texture!

Can I use other types of potatoes for Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Yes! While Yukon gold and Russet are popular choices, you can experiment with red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even mixing in some grated cheese for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table! It’s such a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. Enjoy making this creamy masterpiece at home, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twists on it. Happy cooking!