How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A Simple Guide for Home Cooks
Mashed potatoes are comfort food at its best—warm, creamy, and full of flavor. But when you add garlic to the mix, they become something truly special. Garlic mashed potatoes are an easy way to upgrade a classic dish and impress your family or guests. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make creamy garlic mashed potatoes step by step. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just simple tools and a little bit of love in the kitchen.
Why Garlic Mashed Potatoes Taste So Good
Garlic adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural creaminess of potatoes. When roasted or sautéed, garlic becomes slightly sweet and mellow, blending seamlessly into the dish. Add butter and cream to the mix, and you’ve got mashed potatoes that taste indulgent and irresistible.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, take a look at the ingredients and tools you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best)
- 4–5 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ cup of milk (whole milk or a mix of milk and cream)
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Tools:
- Large pot
- Potato peeler
- Knife and cutting board
- Masher or potato ricer
- Mixing spoon
- Small pan or skillet
- Bowl for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic
First, peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. This removes dirt and starch. Then, cut them into even chunks, about 1–2 inches wide, so they cook evenly.
For the garlic, peel 4–5 cloves and set them aside. If you want a more subtle garlic flavor, sautée or roast the cloves before adding them to the mashed potatoes (more on this later).
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the potatoes. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water—this helps season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, add the potato chunks and reduce the heat slightly.
Cook the potatoes for about 15–20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. To check, stick a fork into one piece; if it goes in easily, they’re ready.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic
While the potatoes are boiling, you can prepare the garlic. There are two ways to do this:
- Roasting: Roast the peeled garlic cloves in a small amount of olive oil in the oven at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until soft and golden brown.
- Sautéing: Sauté the garlic cloves in a small pan with butter or olive oil over low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Either method enhances the natural sweetness of the garlic and removes the sharp raw flavor. Once done, set the garlic aside.
Step 4: Drain the Potatoes
When the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot. Let them sit for a minute or two—this helps evaporate any remaining water.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes
Start mashing the potatoes using a masher or ricer. If you want extra-smooth mashed potatoes, use a ricer. For a chunkier texture, stick with a classic potato masher.
Step 6: Add Garlic, Butter, and Milk
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Warm the milk slightly (so it blends smoothly with the potatoes) and melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat.
Add the roasted or sautéed garlic, melted butter, and warm milk to the potatoes. Stir everything together until creamy and well combined. Taste your mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Optional Extra Creaminess
If you want even richer mashed potatoes, you can add a splash of heavy cream or extra butter at this stage. Stir well until incorporated.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your creamy garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like. Dig in while they’re warm and fresh! These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roast chicken, steak, or Thanksgiving dinners—but honestly, they’re delicious all on their own.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy and buttery, while Russet potatoes are fluffier and starchy. Both work well for mashed potatoes, but Yukon Golds are a favorite for a richer texture.
- Don’t skimp on the butter and cream: These ingredients are what make the mashed potatoes so indulgent. To cut calories, you can use low-fat milk, but the final dish won’t be quite as creamy.
- Adjust garlic strength: For a bold garlic flavor, use more cloves—or add a teaspoon of garlic powder for an added punch.
- Mash, don’t mix: Avoid using a mixer or blender, as this can make your mashed potatoes gummy instead of fluffy.
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are easier to make than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and watch your family go back for seconds—or thirds!
