There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes to make you feel right at home. Creamy, buttery, and infused with just the right amount of soft, mellow garlic, this side dish offers the perfect blend of comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re dressing up a holiday table or simply transforming a weeknight meal, these mashed potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and come together with minimal fuss using kitchen staples you probably already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this recipe is just how simple the ingredient list is. Each component has its own special job: the potatoes create a luxuriously fluffy base, fresh garlic adds irresistible aroma, and a swirl of butter and cream brings everything together with a rich, velvety finish. Here’s what you’ll need for your own batch of Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks): Yukon Gold brings a naturally buttery flavor while Russets give you extra fluffiness; choose your favorite or mix both!
- Garlic cloves (4, peeled): Whole cloves infuse the potatoes with a deliciously mellow garlic kick without overpowering them.
- Whole milk or heavy cream (1/2 cup): This is your ticket to ultra-creamy mashed potatoes; heavy cream means extra decadence, milk keeps things lighter.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melts right in for that signature richness and helps form the silkiest mash.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Simple, essential seasoning—salt brings out all the flavors, black pepper gives a subtle warmth.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A bright pop of color and freshness right before serving helps these potatoes look as good as they taste.
How to Make Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes and Garlic
Begin by placing your potato chunks and whole peeled garlic cloves into a large pot. Cover them with cold water—this helps the potatoes cook evenly. Add a generous pinch of salt for seasoning right from the start. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides easily into the potatoes; both the potatoes and garlic should be tender.
Step 2: Drain and Return to the Pot
Once everything is nice and soft, carefully drain the potatoes and garlic. The next trick is to return them to the warm pot (off the heat)—this lets excess moisture evaporate, so your Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes won’t be watery. A couple of minutes here makes a big difference in getting that perfect creamy texture.
Step 3: Mash with Butter
Add your unsalted butter directly to the hot potatoes and garlic. Start mashing right away—the heat will melt the butter and help it blend in beautifully. You can use a handheld potato masher for a rustic finish, or break out a potato ricer if you’re after extra-smooth spuds. Either way, take your time and enjoy watching them transform.
Step 4: Stir in Milk or Cream
Pour in the milk or heavy cream gradually, stirring as you go. This step controls exactly how creamy or fluffy your mashed potatoes become. If you want your Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes extra rich, use heavy cream; for a lighter touch, stick with whole milk. Keep stirring until everything is smooth and luscious.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste your mash, then season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give it one last gentle stir. Scoop the mashed potatoes into a serving bowl and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm for maximum comfort and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
While these mashed potatoes shine all on their own, a few thoughtfully chosen garnishes can take them to the next level. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of green and a subtle herbal note. For even more decadence, dot the surface with an extra pat of butter just before serving or grate a little fresh Parmesan on top. If you like color, scatter some thinly sliced green onions or chives for brightness and mild tang.
Side Dishes
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are famously versatile and pair with just about anything. They’re a classic match for hearty mains like roast chicken, pot roast, or grilled steak, but they also bring cozy balance to lighter dishes such as salmon, seared tofu, or roasted vegetables. Need a vegetarian feast? Team them up with mushroom gravy and sautéed greens for a meal that feels special without being complicated.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or want to turn this dish into something memorable, try piping the mashed potatoes into individual ramekins and toasting them under the broiler for a few minutes—a crispy golden crown is always popular! You can also serve them family style in a beautiful bowl, or scoop them into mounds using an ice cream scoop for a playful touch. These Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are so smooth, they’re fantastic for topping a shepherd’s pie or swirling onto crostini as an appetizer base.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed potatoes are a bonus, not a chore! Simply let any extra Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, so you might even enjoy them more the next day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these mashed potatoes for later! Spoon cooled potatoes into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, smoothing them into an even layer. Press out as much air as possible before sealing. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, spoon the mashed potatoes into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up. Warm gently over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often, until hot and creamy again. Top with a bit of fresh butter if you want to revive that freshly mashed flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are traditional for their great texture, you can use red potatoes or even fingerlings if you like a more rustic, chunky mash. The color and flavor will change slightly, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.
What’s the best way to make these mashed potatoes super creamy?
For the creamiest Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, use heavy cream and be sure to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot. A potato ricer or food mill will give you the smoothest finish, but a classic potato masher works beautifully, too. Stirring in the butter before the milk also helps lock in that velvety texture.
Can I roast the garlic beforehand?
Yes, roasting the garlic before adding it to the potatoes gives the whole dish an extra layer of sweet, mellow flavor. Simply wrap the cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and bake at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes, then squeeze the soft garlic into your mash before mashing.
Are Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes vegetarian?
They certainly are! This recipe contains no meat or meat products. For a vegan version, you can substitute the butter for plant-based margarine and use your favorite non-dairy milk or cream—just make sure it’s unflavored and unsweetened for the best taste.
What can I do with leftover mashed potatoes?
Leftover Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes make fantastic additions to your meal plan. Try using them as a topping for shepherd’s pie, shape them into patties and pan-fry for crispy potato cakes, or stir them into soups to add body and richness. They’re also delicious simply reheated!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s always a hit and never fussy, I can’t recommend Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes enough. Creamy, garlicky, and deeply comforting, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat. Give them a try—you might just find a new family favorite!
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Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a classic side dish perfect for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious mashed potatoes in no time.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Garlic:
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
Other:
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Boil over medium-high heat, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot. Add butter and mash until smooth.
- Stir in Milk: Gradually stir in the milk or cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, roast the garlic before adding.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
