Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic

Who doesn’t love creamy, buttery mashed potatoes? These garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, with a little extra kick from garlic.

I made them for dinner last night, and they were a total hit. The garlic adds just the right amount of flavor without being overpowering—pure comfort in every bite.

Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or when you just need something cozy and delicious. And yes, they’re as easy to make as they are tasty.

Let’s get mashing! These garlic mashed potatoes are about to become your new favorite side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Fan Favorite: These garlic mashed potatoes are a go-to comfort food, praised for their smooth, creamy texture and rich garlic flavor.
• Perfectly Creamy: With a blend of butter, heavy cream, and roasted garlic, this recipe brings a perfect creamy consistency.
• Quick and Easy: You’ll be enjoying these mashed potatoes in about 30 minutes, making them ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
• Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with almost anything—whether it’s a steak, roasted chicken, or even a vegetarian main dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them a day ahead and simply reheat when ready to serve.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Servings:

• This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for family dinners. If you need more, feel free to double the recipe!

Difficulty:

• Easy to make, even for beginners. These mashed potatoes are great for cooks of all levels!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, gather these essential kitchen tools:

• Pot or Large Saucepan: To boil the potatoes.
• Potato Masher or Electric Mixer: To mash the potatoes and make them smooth.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping garlic and potatoes.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure your ingredients accurately.

Ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes

To make these creamy garlic mashed potatoes, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Potatoes: Choose either Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for a creamy texture. Yukon Golds are great for a buttery flavor, while Russets give a fluffier texture.
• Garlic: One head of garlic (roasted for a milder, sweeter flavor).
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and creaminess.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: This combination helps achieve the perfect smooth texture.
• Salt: For seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
• Olive Oil: Adds a bit of flavor and richness.
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped chives, parsley, or Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and color.

How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Follow these easy steps for perfect results!

1. Roast the Garlic

Roasting the garlic brings out its sweet, mellow flavor. Here’s how to do it:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
• Drizzle with olive oil and wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil.
• Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until the garlic is soft and fragrant.
• Once done, let it cool before squeezing the roasted garlic out of the cloves.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

While the garlic is roasting, it’s time to prep the potatoes:

• Peel the potatoes (or leave the skins on for a rustic feel) and cut them into chunks. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
• Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water.
• Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Mash the Potatoes

Once your potatoes are cooked, it’s time to mash them into creamy goodness:

• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes to your desired texture.
• Add the roasted garlic (squeeze the garlic out of its cloves) to the potatoes as you mash them. The garlic will infuse the potatoes with a deliciously sweet flavor.

4. Make It Creamy

To achieve the perfect creamy consistency:

• Add the butter, heavy cream, and milk to the mashed potatoes. Stir well to combine.
• Continue mashing or using a mixer to incorporate everything smoothly.
• Season with salt to taste.

Serving and Storing Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Now that you’ve made these delicious garlic mashed potatoes, it’s time to serve and store them!

How to Serve Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are a great addition to a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• As a Side Dish: Pair with your favorite proteins like roast chicken, steak, or grilled fish.
• With Gravy: Top with homemade gravy for an extra layer of flavor.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted veggies for a comforting meal.
• In Shepherd’s Pie: Use as a topping for a hearty shepherd’s pie.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle with chopped chives, parsley, or even a little grated Parmesan for added flavor and color.

Storing Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you have leftovers or want to prepare them ahead of time, here’s how to store them:

• In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture and warm over low heat.
• In the Freezer: These mashed potatoes freeze well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if necessary.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For Extra Creaminess: Use more heavy cream or butter if you want your mashed potatoes even creamier.
• Garlic Lovers: Add extra roasted garlic if you want a stronger garlic flavor.
• Texture Tip: For super smooth mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer or potato ricer to get them extra fluffy.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and then reheat before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	3g
Protein	3g
Sodium	200mg

Garlic Mashed Potatoes FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the mashed potatoes up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them with a splash of milk or cream.

Q: Can I use different potatoes?
A: While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are the best for this recipe, you can use other types of potatoes. However, the texture may vary slightly.

Q: How do I make these extra creamy?
A: For an even creamier texture, add more butter or heavy cream. You can also use sour cream for a tangy twist!

Conclusion

These garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. With just a few ingredients, you can create a creamy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with a special dinner or just because, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!