If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food side, this Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Creamy, buttery, and packed with just the right amount of garlicky goodness, these mashed potatoes offer a cozy hug in a bowl that can elevate any dinner. Whether you’re cooking a holiday feast or a simple weeknight supper, these mashed potatoes strike that perfect balance of flavor and texture that keeps everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and simple but each one plays a vital role in crafting the luscious texture and rich flavor of your mashed potatoes. From the earthy potatoes to the creamy sour cream, every component adds its own magic.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: Yukon Gold are buttery and smooth, while Russets give a fluffier mash—both are perfect choices.
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled: Adds that essential aromatic punch that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Enhances richness and silkiness without overwhelming flavor control from salt.
- ½ cup whole milk (more as needed): Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency with a touch of dairy goodness.
- ½ cup sour cream: Brings a slight tang and extra creaminess to the dish.
- 1½ teaspoons salt (plus more for boiling): Essential for seasoning throughout so every bite is balanced.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth to round out the flavors.
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a lovely final flourish.
How to Make Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil Potatoes and Garlic
Start by placing your peeled and chunked potatoes along with the garlic cloves into a large pot. Cover them with cold water seasoned generously with salt—this step is key for well-seasoned potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a vigorous boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook everything until the potatoes are tender enough to break apart easily with a fork, usually about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Drain and Return to Pot
Once the potatoes and garlic are perfectly tender, drain all the water thoroughly and send the potatoes and garlic back to the pot. This helps maintain their warmth and makes the mashing process easier and smoother.
Step 3: Add Butter, Milk, and Sour Cream
Now it’s the moment where the creamy magic begins. Add the butter, whole milk, and sour cream right into the pot with the warm potatoes and garlic. The butter melts quickly, mingling with the milk and sour cream to create a velvety base for your mashed potatoes.
Step 4: Mash Until Smooth and Creamy
Using your preferred masher or an electric mixer on low speed, mash everything until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If you find the potatoes a bit too thick, feel free to add a bit more milk—just enough to reach that luscious texture everyone loves. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking for the perfect balance.
Step 5: Final Touches
For that extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top before serving. It’s a simple step that turns these beloved potatoes into a stunning side dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
How to Serve Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While these mashed potatoes are fantastic on their own, a little garnish can take them from great to unforgettable. Finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a bright herbal note and a splash of green that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting. A little cracked black pepper on top also enhances visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with an array of main courses. Think perfectly roasted chicken, juicy grilled steaks, savory meatloaf, or even a hearty vegetable stew. The creamy mashed potatoes soak up sauces and gravies superbly, making them a versatile side you’ll reach for again and again.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, consider serving your mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with crispy fried onions, or swirl in some browned butter and sprinkle with toasted garlic chips. Another fun idea is to create little mashed potato “nests” and fill them with chopped roasted vegetables or melted cheese—simple ways to add flair without complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed potatoes keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before storing, make sure they’ve cooled completely to prevent condensation and sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, warmed leftovers remain delightful, though a little extra milk may be needed to refresh their creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze your Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe for up to 2 months. Spread the cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving some room for expansion. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheating mashed potatoes is best done gently to avoid drying them out. Use a low heat setting on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or butter if the potatoes seem thick or dry. This keeps them creamy and fresh-tasting, just like when they were first made.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, while fresh garlic gives a more vibrant flavor and aroma, garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste, adding it when you mash the potatoes to blend evenly.
What’s the best potato variety for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, but Russets are a great option if you prefer a fluffier mash. Both work wonderfully in this Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
How can I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and replace whole milk and sour cream with plant-based milks and dairy-free sour cream alternatives. The garlic and seasonings will still shine through beautifully.
Is it better to boil potatoes whole or cut into chunks?
Cutting potatoes into chunks reduces cooking time and helps them cook evenly, which is why this recipe suggests that method. Just make sure the pieces are roughly the same size!
Can I add roasted garlic instead of boiling it?
Absolutely! Roasting the garlic beforehand adds a sweeter, mellower garlic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy potatoes. Simply roast whole garlic cloves until soft, then mash them in along with the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
If you want a side dish that’s downright comforting, delicious, and easy to whip up, this Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe should be your go-to. It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple at your table—perfect for weeknights, holidays, and everything in between. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with a little extra garlic or fresh herbs and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
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Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe combines tender Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes with buttery garlic to create a creamy, flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a comforting classic that’s quick to make and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Potatoes & Garlic
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
Dairy & Seasonings
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk (more as needed)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ teaspoons salt (plus more for boiling)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes and garlic: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes along with the peeled garlic cloves into a large pot. Cover them with cold water seasoned with salt to enhance the potatoes’ flavor.
- Cook until tender: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes and garlic for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender, meaning they can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and mash: Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic well, then return them to the pot. Add unsalted butter, whole milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper.
- Create creamy mashed potatoes: Mash the mixture thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Add additional milk as needed to reach your preferred consistency, ensuring the potatoes remain rich and not dry.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the mashed potatoes and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm, topped with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a fresh garnish if desired.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mashing instead of boiling.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Keep mashed potatoes warm in a slow cooker set to low if serving later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
