If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, then you’ve come to the right place! These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not only creamy and delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. The rich flavor of garlic mixed with buttery potatoes will make everyone at your table feel right at home.

I love making these mashed potatoes because they remind me of family meals where laughter and good food go hand in hand. Plus, they’re so simple that even on the busiest weeknights, you can have a scrumptious side dish ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family Favorite: Everyone loves creamy mashed potatoes! This dish is sure to please picky eaters and delight the whole family.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance and warm them up when it’s time to eat, making meal prep a breeze.
Flavorful Twist: The addition of garlic gives these mashed potatoes an irresistible flavor that elevates any meal.
Versatile Dish: Pair them with almost any main course, from roasted veggies to grilled chicken, for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Get ready to create something delicious!

3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes)
½ cup whole milk
1/2 cup salted butter
8 minced garlic cloves
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Variations

This Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize it just the way you like:

Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some chopped parsley or chives for an aromatic finish.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for an extra cheesy version.
Creamy Alternative: Swap whole milk with heavy cream or sour cream for an even richer texture.
Roasted Garlic Twist: Instead of minced raw garlic, use roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow flavor.

How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing the Yukon gold potatoes. Chop them into small chunks for even cooking. This step ensures that your potatoes will become soft and fluffy when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add the chopped potatoes to a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce it to let simmer until they’re very soft when poked with a fork. Cooking them thoroughly is key to achieving that creamy texture we all love!

Step 3: Infuse Flavor into the Milk

While those wonderful potatoes are simmering away, take a saucepan and add whole milk, salted butter, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Heat gently over low heat for about 3-4 minutes until the garlic infuses its delicious flavor into the milk. This step adds depth that makes these mashed potatoes truly special.

Step 4: Drain and Combine

Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, drain them while leaving them in the pot. Pour in your fragrant garlic milk mixture. Now comes the fun part: mix everything together using either a hand masher or an electric mixer. Feel free to leave some small chunks for added texture—this is my personal favorite way!

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful dish! Serve it alongside your favorite entrees or just dig in with a spoon—no judgment here!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Making the perfect garlic mashed potatoes is all about technique and a bit of love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy and flavorful every time!

Choose the right potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, but Russets work well too. The starch content in these potatoes gives your mash that fluffy consistency we all love.
Don’t rush the cooking process: Cook the potatoes until they’re very soft. This step is crucial, as undercooked potatoes can lead to a lumpy mash. Take your time; perfection is worth it!
Infuse the flavors carefully: Gently cooking the garlic in milk and butter allows those flavors to meld beautifully without becoming overpowering. This creates a rich and aromatic base for your mashed potatoes.
Mix just enough: When combining the potatoes with the garlic milk mixture, mix until just combined. Leaving some small chunks adds delightful texture, making each bite more interesting.
Adjust to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add herbs like chives or parsley to personalize your mashed potatoes.

How to Serve Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways that will impress your guests or simply make family dinners feel special. Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting side dish.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the creamy potatoes beautifully.
Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil not only adds flavor but also gives your dish a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans provide a crunchy contrast to the creaminess of mashed potatoes while adding nutritional value.
Grilled chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs makes for a healthy protein option that pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes.
Baked salmon: The richness of salmon balances perfectly with the savory mashed potatoes, making for an elegant meal that’s quick to prepare.
Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and a nutritious element to your plate, creating a well-rounded meal that’s pleasing to both the eyes and palate.

Now you’re all set to enjoy delicious garlic mashed potatoes! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make them in advance, which makes weeknight dinners or gatherings so much easier. Here’s how to store and reheat them perfectly.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing!

Freezing

Portion the Garlic Mashed Potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat from the fridge, place the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
If reheating from frozen, thaw first and then heat in a saucepan or microwave. Add a splash of milk or a bit of butter if they seem dry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Garlic Mashed Potatoes that might help you out!

Can I make Garlic Mashed Potatoes without cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. This will still give you creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes.

What is the best way to store Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

The best way to store Garlic Mashed Potatoes is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

Can I add more garlic to my Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Definitely! Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference. Just remember that roasting it first can mellow out its flavor if you prefer a milder taste.

How do I make my Garlic Mashed Potatoes extra creamy?

To achieve extra creaminess, try adding a little more butter or milk while mashing. For an even richer texture, consider mixing in some cream cheese or sour cream alternatives!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Garlic Mashed Potatoes—they’re not just a side dish; they’re comfort food that brings warmth and love to any table. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!