These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect comfort-food side dish—creamy, buttery, and infused with just the right amount of savory garlic flavor. Whether paired with a hearty roast, Thanksgiving turkey, or a simple weeknight chicken dinner, this classic recipe delivers cozy, homemade goodness in every bite. Using tender boiled potatoes, softened garlic, and warm milk or cream, this recipe creates a smooth, fluffy mash that’s easy enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned home cooks.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: About 6 cups
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4–6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream, warmed
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
- Optional garnish: fresh chives or parsley
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
Place chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Add whole peeled garlic cloves directly to the pot to allow them to soften and mellow as the potatoes cook. - Boil Until Tender:
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. - Drain and Steam:
Drain well, then return potatoes to the warm pot. Let them sit for 1–2 minutes to steam off excess moisture—this prevents watery mashed potatoes. - Mash the Potatoes:
Mash potatoes and garlic together using a potato masher, ricer, or mixer. For ultra-smooth potatoes, a ricer works best. - Add Butter and Dairy:
Add butter first and stir until melted. Pour in warm milk or cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Mix in sour cream or cream cheese if you prefer an extra-rich mash. - Season and Serve:
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chives, parsley, or a pat of butter.
Helpful Tips:
- Warm your milk or cream before adding—it keeps the mash smooth and prevents gummy texture.
- Don’t overmix, especially if using a hand mixer; overworking potatoes can make them gluey.
- For stronger garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of boiled garlic.
- For extra-fluffy potatoes, choose Russet potatoes; for creamier texture, use Yukon Golds.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Pro-Tip:
For the creamiest, fluffiest garlic mashed potatoes, consider using a stand mixer to whip them into a smooth, restaurant-quality texture with almost no effort. A stand mixer not only saves time, but it also delivers a level of consistency that’s nearly impossible to achieve by hand—perfect for holiday batches or entertaining guests. If you don’t already own one, or you’ve been thinking about upgrading to a more powerful model, this recipe is the perfect reason to do it! Click the button below to explore top-rated stand mixers available on Amazon.
Conclusion
This Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers a silky, flavorful side dish that works for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or everyday meals. With simple ingredients and a few technique-focused steps, you’ll end up with perfectly creamy mashed potatoes every time. Feel free to customize the garlic intensity, add cheese, or blend in fresh herbs—this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Enjoy it alongside your favorite main dishes for a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition to any table!
