Garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and full of flavor. The fresh garlic adds a tasty twist that makes these potatoes super special!
Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of these fluffy potatoes? I always make extra because they disappear fast—and I might just snag a few bites right from the pot! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and have a naturally buttery flavor, which is why I love them for mashing. If you can’t find them, Russet potatoes are a good alternative, just remember they may need a little more milk for creaminess.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that great flavor. However, if you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just use about 1 teaspoon for every clove.
Milk and Butter: I use whole milk for a nice creamy texture, but you can swap it with half-and-half or heavy cream for an extra indulgent mash. For a dairy-free version, try almond milk or soy milk and use vegan butter.
Chives or Parsley: Fresh herbs add a lovely touch of color and flavor. If you don’t have these, green onions are a great substitute, or skip it if you prefer plain mashed potatoes!
How Can You Achieve Creamy and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes?
The secret to getting your mashed potatoes fluffy rather than gummy is in the cooking and mashing technique. Here’s my tried and true method:
- Start with cold water for boiling the potatoes. It helps them cook evenly without getting mushy.
- Don’t skip warming the milk and butter! It blends better into the potatoes, making them creamy.
- When mashing, be gentle. Use a potato masher or ricer for the fluffiest texture. Over-mixing can turn them gluey!
- Taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper until it hits the spot.
Trust me, taking these few extra steps makes all the difference in your mashed potatoes!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for richer potatoes)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty garlic mashed potato recipe takes about 30 minutes total. Expect about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll have a delicious side that pairs perfectly with many meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic:
Begin by placing the peeled potato chunks and whole garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. This will help season the potatoes while they cook.
2. Boil and Cook:
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium. Let the potatoes simmer until they’re very tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You can check if they’re ready by poking them with a fork; they should break apart easily.
3. Warm the Milk and Butter:
While the potatoes are cooking, you can warm the milk (or heavy cream) with the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter melts. Keeping it warm will help with mixing later.
4. Mash the Potatoes and Garlic:
Once the potatoes and garlic are cooked, drain them well. Return the hot potatoes and garlic to the pot. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the mixture until it’s mostly smooth. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly creamy just yet!
5. Add Milk and Butter:
Slowly add the warm milk and butter mixture to the mashed potatoes, stirring as you go. Continue to mix until the potatoes are at your desired creamy consistency. If you like them a bit thicker or thinner, adjust the amount of milk you add.
6. Season Your Mash:
Generously season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning to ensure it’s just right for you.
7. Transfer and Garnish:
Transfer your creamy garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If you’d like, you can add a small pat of butter on top and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of freshness and color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the garlic mashed potatoes warm and enjoy the delightful, rich, and garlicky flavor! They’re a perfect side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or any of your favorite veggies.
This classic recipe is sure to impress and make every meal a little more special. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for their creamy texture, you can also use Russet potatoes or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may require slight adjustments in cooking time and may change the final texture slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic. Just add it when you mix in the milk and butter for the best incorporation.
Can I Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the mashed potatoes, let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring them back to the right consistency.
How Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Lighter or Healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, you can swap out the whole milk for low-fat milk or even use chicken or vegetable broth. Additionally, you can reduce the butter or use a light version. Just remember, this may also affect the flavor and texture slightly!
