Nothing quite warms the soul like a bowl of creamy, fluffy potatoes infused with the aromatic richness of fresh garlic. This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is that perfect sidekick for your meals, combining simple ingredients into a dish that’s irresistibly delicious and comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast, these mashed potatoes bring buttery smoothness and just the right hint of garlic that make every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy stuff to create magic in the kitchen here. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and creamy texture, ensuring your mashed potatoes are nothing short of spectacular.
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes: Perfect for achieving a smooth, fluffy texture depending on your preference for creaminess or richness.
- 4 cloves garlic: Fresh and potent, garlic adds beautiful depth and warmth to the dish.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: This enriches the potatoes with velvety richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- ½ cup whole milk: Or more, to loosen the potatoes to the ideal creamy consistency.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the flavor of the potatoes and garlic.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of mild spice to complement the garlic.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and a fresh herbal note as garnish.
How to Make Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes and Garlic
Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. Toss the potatoes and whole garlic cloves into a large pot and cover with cold water; this helps them cook evenly and prevents the starch from becoming gummy. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 2: Drain and Mash
Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic well, then return them to the pot so the residual heat can continue to evaporate any excess moisture. Add in the butter, whole milk, salt, and pepper. Now comes the fun part — mash! Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, work the potatoes until they are smooth, creamy, and luscious. Feel free to add more milk if needed to get that perfect silky texture you love.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your mashed potatoes a taste and tweak the seasoning if necessary. Maybe a pinch more salt, or an extra pat of butter for indulgence. This step allows you to tailor the easy garlic mashed potatoes recipe exactly to your liking.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a beautiful serving bowl, then sprinkle your chopped fresh parsley on top if you like. That pop of green brings a lovely freshness and elevates the dish presentation with minimal effort.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to add a splash of color and a hint of herbal brightness. For an extra-special touch, try a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, or sprinkle a little grated Parmesan to add a savory twist.
Side Dishes
This easy garlic mashed potatoes recipe pairs beautifully with practically any main dish. Think of juicy roasted chicken, a tender steak, or even a hearty vegetarian stew. The creamy texture cuts through rich gravies and sauces, making it a super versatile and crowd-pleasing side.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Pipe the mashed potatoes using a star tip into a pretty dish and broil just until golden on top for a classic presentation. You can also swirl in roasted garlic or caramelized onions right before serving for a flavor and texture upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them to room temperature before sealing to keep the texture fresh and creamy.
Freezing
This easy garlic mashed potatoes recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your mashed potatoes gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to keep them creamy. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes give you a fluffier, lighter texture, while Yukon golds create a creamier, richer mash. Both work wonderfully depending on your preference.
Is there an alternative to whole milk?
You can substitute cream or half-and-half for a richer dish, or use a milk alternative like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, though the texture and flavor may slightly differ.
Can I roast the garlic instead of boiling it?
Yes, roasting garlic beforehand will bring out a sweeter, milder flavor that adds a lovely depth to the mashed potatoes. Just mash it in along with your butter and milk.
How do I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Use warm milk and softened butter right when mashing, and avoid overworking the potatoes which can make them gluey. A hand mixer or potato ricer can help achieve the smoothest results.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the potatoes a day ahead, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat gently when ready to serve. Adding a little extra milk or butter during reheating will refresh their creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is truly a kitchen gem—simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and incredibly satisfying results. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a celebratory meal, these mashed potatoes bring warmth and comfort to the table. I encourage you to try it soon and make it your go-to side dish for every occasion.
Print
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe features creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic flavor. Made with simple ingredients like russet or Yukon gold potatoes, butter, and milk, this dish is a comforting classic perfect as a side for any meal or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Garlic
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
Dairy and Seasonings
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk (or more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes and Garlic: Place the cubed potatoes and peeled garlic cloves into a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and garlic well and return them to the pot. Add the unsalted butter, whole milk, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add additional milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute cream for the whole milk or add a dollop of sour cream.
- Roasting the garlic beforehand will give it a sweeter, milder flavor, enhancing the dish.
