Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, this Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the ultimate side dish for comfort food lovers. Infused with tender garlic and finished with milk or cream, this easy, classic recipe delivers a silky, satisfying mash that pairs perfectly with everything from holiday roasts to weeknight dinners.
Whether you’re hosting a feast or just craving a warm, garlicky bite, this dish hits all the right notes—simple ingredients, full flavor, and that irresistible homemade touch.
Ingredients
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2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
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4 cloves garlic, peeled
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½ cup butter
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¾ cup milk or cream
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
-
½ cup sour cream (for tanginess)
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for richness)
-
2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (for freshness)
-
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra punch)
-
Olive oil drizzle (for a dairy-free finish)
Preparation
Boil the potatoes and garlic
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Peel and cube 2 pounds of potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Step 2: Add garlic to the pot
Add 4 peeled garlic cloves directly to the pot with the potatoes. This allows the garlic to soften and infuse its flavor throughout the mash.
Step 3: Boil until tender
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the garlic is soft.
Drain and mash
Step 4: Drain well
Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic thoroughly, then return them to the warm pot. This helps evaporate excess moisture and makes the mash smoother.
Step 5: Add butter and mash
Add ½ cup butter to the pot. Begin mashing the potatoes and garlic together using a potato masher or ricer until mostly smooth.
Add milk and seasonings
Step 6: Add milk or cream
Pour in ¾ cup milk or cream a little at a time, mixing between additions until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 7: Season to taste
Add salt and pepper to taste. For most, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper is a great starting point. Stir until well incorporated.
Step 8: Serve warm
Spoon the mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Top with a pat of butter, sprinkle of herbs, or drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and presentation.
Variation
Take your Garlic Mashed Potatoes to the next level with these delicious twists:
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Cheesy Mash: Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese.
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Roasted Garlic Mash: Use roasted garlic cloves for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
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Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: Swap milk with buttermilk for tangy richness.
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Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Mix in bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream.
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Vegan Garlic Mash: Use plant-based butter and warm almond or oat milk.
COOKING Note
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Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for mashed potatoes—creamy and starchy for the perfect texture.
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Boiling garlic with the potatoes softens its sharpness and infuses flavor without overpowering.
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Don’t overmix once the milk is added—this can make mashed potatoes gummy.
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For ultra-smooth mash, use a ricer or food mill instead of a masher.
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Warm the milk or cream before adding to help the potatoes absorb it more easily.
Tips
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Cut potatoes into uniform chunks so they cook evenly.
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Mash while hot for the smoothest texture.
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Keep warm in a slow cooker on low, stirring occasionally.
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Leftovers make excellent potato cakes, shepherd’s pie topping, or are great with gravy.
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Use roasted garlic for extra depth and gourmet appeal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
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Calories: 240
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 300mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on milk, butter, and add-ins used.
FAQs
What’s the best potato to use for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Golds offer a buttery texture, while Russets give fluffier results. Both work great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker with a splash of milk.
Can I use roasted garlic instead of raw?
Absolutely! Roasted garlic adds sweetness and complexity—use 1–2 heads depending on your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, though they’re best fresh. Freeze in a freezer-safe bag and thaw overnight before reheating with milk or cream.
Conclusion
This Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers everything you love about classic mashed potatoes—made even better with the mellow depth of garlic and rich, buttery creaminess. It’s easy enough for everyday meals and delicious enough to take center stage at any holiday table. Whether served under a ladle of gravy or alongside your favorite roast, this comforting dish brings warmth and flavor to every bite. Make a batch tonight—you’ll taste the homemade difference.
Print
Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
-
4 cloves garlic, peeled
-
½ cup butter
-
¾ cup milk or cream
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
-
½ cup sour cream (for tanginess)
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for richness)
-
2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (for freshness)
-
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra punch)
-
Olive oil drizzle (for a dairy-free finish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Peel and cube 2 pounds of potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Step 2: Add garlic to the pot
Add 4 peeled garlic cloves directly to the pot with the potatoes. This allows the garlic to soften and infuse its flavor throughout the mash.
Step 3: Boil until tender
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the garlic is soft.
Step 4: Drain well
Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic thoroughly, then return them to the warm pot. This helps evaporate excess moisture and makes the mash smoother.
Step 5: Add butter and mash
Add ½ cup butter to the pot. Begin mashing the potatoes and garlic together using a potato masher or ricer until mostly smooth.
Step 6: Add milk or cream
Pour in ¾ cup milk or cream a little at a time, mixing between additions until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 7: Season to taste
Add salt and pepper to taste. For most, 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper is a great starting point. Stir until well incorporated.
Step 8: Serve warm
Spoon the mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Top with a pat of butter, sprinkle of herbs, or drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
-
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for mashed potatoes—creamy and starchy for the perfect texture.
-
Boiling garlic with the potatoes softens its sharpness and infuses flavor without overpowering.
-
Don’t overmix once the milk is added—this can make mashed potatoes gummy.
-
For ultra-smooth mash, use a ricer or food mill instead of a masher.
-
Warm the milk or cream before adding to help the potatoes absorb it more easily.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4 g