If you’ve ever dreamed of the creamiest, most flavor-packed potatoes gracing your dinner table, these Garlic Mashed Potatoes are about to become your new staple. This is a side dish that feels endlessly comforting and just a little bit luxurious, thanks to fluffy Yukon Golds, buttery richness, and mellow garlic that blends right in. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving something cozy and classic, this recipe delivers on every front—simple to make, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes is delightfully straightforward. Each component serves a special purpose, coming together to create that irresistible creamy texture and depth of flavor that makes this recipe such a hit.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Deliver a naturally buttery flavor and gorgeous golden color; they mash beautifully smooth.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Simmered right with the potatoes, they add subtle, aromatic warmth without being overpowering.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter brings unbeatable richness and a silky finish; adjust the salt to your taste.
- Whole milk: Warming the milk helps it blend in seamlessly, making your mash extra light and creamy.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and an extra layer of creaminess you’ll absolutely notice with each bite.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to draw out all those savory notes and balance the richness.
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): Just a sprinkle for color and a fresh finish that takes your potatoes up a notch.
How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes and Garlic
Start by placing your peeled and chunked Yukon Gold potatoes and garlic cloves into a large pot. Cover them with cold, salted water—this is key for evenly cooking the potatoes from the outside in. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then dial it down and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the garlic is soft and sweet. Giving potatoes this gentle simmer ensures they stay light and fluffy, not waterlogged.
Step 2: Drain and Return to Pot
Once your potatoes are perfectly cooked, drain them thoroughly. You want to get rid of excess water to prevent soupy mashed potatoes. Then, return the drained potatoes and garlic to the still-warm pot—letting them sit for just a minute helps any remaining moisture evaporate, resulting in a fluffier mash.
Step 3: Mash with Butter
Time for a little kitchen magic! Add your softened butter right into the pot. As you begin to mash, the butter melts and coats every bit of potato, making them irresistibly creamy. You can use a traditional masher for a rustic feel or a potato ricer if you want ultra-smooth Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Step 4: Mix in Milk and Sour Cream
Slowly pour in your warmed whole milk and dollop in the sour cream. Continue mashing and stirring until everything is smooth, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. Warming up the milk helps it incorporate more easily, while sour cream adds an almost velvety finish.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste your creation and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Scrape those luscious Garlic Mashed Potatoes into a serving bowl and, if you like, sprinkle on some fresh chives or parsley for a burst of green freshness. Serve piping hot so every bite is at its absolute best.
How to Serve Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
While Garlic Mashed Potatoes are gorgeous on their own, a flourish of chopped chives or parsley makes them party-ready in seconds. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of melted butter right before serving brings a beautiful sheen and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This classic side goes with almost anything, from holiday roasts and simple grilled steaks to cozy weeknight meatloaf or roasted vegetables. The mellow garlic note plays well with bold gravies, herby sauces, or even a crispy fried egg stacked on top.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try piping your Garlic Mashed Potatoes onto plates with a pastry bag or serving them in mini ramekins for individual portions. You can also scoop them into a casserole, create swirls with the back of a spoon, and broil them briefly for a golden, festive crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Garlic Mashed Potatoes cool to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. They keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prepping ahead of busy nights.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your mashed potatoes, portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm Garlic Mashed Potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk to loosen them up and restore their creamy consistency. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I make Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day or two in advance and reheat with a little extra milk on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes them an excellent choice for busy holidays or dinner parties.
Is there a substitute for Yukon Gold potatoes?
Yukon Golds give the mash that golden color and creamy texture, but Russets also work well if that’s what you have on hand. The key is choosing a starchy potato over waxy varieties for that classic fluffy result.
How do I make them extra garlicky?
If you really love garlic, try roasting the garlic beforehand for a deeper, sweeter flavor. You can even mash in a few extra cloves to suit your taste—start with the base recipe and adjust as you like!
Are they gluten-free?
Yes! Garlic Mashed Potatoes contain no wheat or gluten-based ingredients, so they’re perfect for gluten-free guests. Just double-check any packaged items you add, such as store-bought broths or seasonings.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. It brings in the same creamy tang and works beautifully to lighten up the mash a little bit while keeping the flavor vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself (and your crew) the gift of truly unforgettable Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Whether you’re serving them for a special gathering or just to make weeknight dinner feel a little extra, this recipe is the kind you’ll keep coming back to. Trust me—you’ll never look at mashed potatoes the same way again!
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Creamy and flavorful, these Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, roasted garlic, butter, and creamy milk, these mashed potatoes are a comforting classic that pairs well with any main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Garlic:
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot, cover with cold, salted water, and boil until fork-tender.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain well, return to the pot, add butter, and mash until smooth. Slowly stir in milk and sour cream, continue mashing until creamy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with chives or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, roast the garlic instead of boiling it.
- You can make these ahead and reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen them up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
