Few side dishes bring warmth and comfort to the table quite like Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of creamy, buttery potatoes infused with rich roasted garlic flavor — the perfect complement to any family meal, weeknight dinner, or festive holiday spread. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something cozy, these mashed potatoes deliver that classic, homemade taste everyone loves.
I’ve made plenty that he’s liked in the past, see these Potato Chicken, and Leek Soups.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
There’s something irresistible about creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic — they’re hearty, satisfying, and always a hit. This recipe keeps things simple with everyday ingredients but still delivers restaurant-quality results.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Rich and Creamy: Yukon Gold potatoes make the texture naturally buttery.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The garlic adds depth without overpowering the dish.
- Family-Friendly: No alcohol, no complicated steps — just wholesome flavor.
- Versatile: Works beautifully with chicken, steak, turkey, or roasted veggies.
You can also try this app; everyone who has tried it has loved it. Chicken and Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients for Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These simple ingredients combine to make an incredibly flavorful side dish.
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup salted butter
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds give a naturally creamy texture and rich color. Russets are slightly fluffier and absorb the garlic butter beautifully.
- Butter: If you prefer a lighter version, swap butter for olive oil or plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly option.
- Milk: Whole milk makes the mash rich and smooth, but you can use oat, almond, or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best, but pre-minced will work if you’re short on time. Avoid garlic powder — it won’t deliver the same flavor depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste. If using unsalted butter, increase salt by about ¼ teaspoon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes that turn out creamy and flavorful every time.
Step 1 – Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Start by washing and scrubbing your potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for a rustic finish. Chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks for quick and even cooking.
Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender — usually around 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2 – Infuse the Garlic Butter Mixture
While the potatoes cook, make the garlic infusion. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine milk, butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture gently warm for about 3–4 minutes — just enough for the garlic to soften and infuse its aroma into the milk and butter. Do not let it boil, as this can alter the flavor and texture.
Step 3 – Mash Everything Together
Once the potatoes are soft, drain them well and return them to the pot. Pour in the warm garlic-infused milk mixture. Using a potato masher or electric mixer, blend until smooth. For a more rustic texture, leave a few small chunks.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm. The buttery, garlicky aroma alone will bring everyone to the table!
Pro Tips for Success
- Start with cold water: Always add potatoes to cold water before boiling — this ensures they cook evenly.
- Don’t overmix: Mixing too long can make mashed potatoes gummy. Stop when creamy and just combined.
- Warm the milk and butter: Cold dairy can cause the potatoes to stiffen; warm them gently before mixing.
- Season in layers: Add salt to the cooking water and again during mashing for balanced flavor.
- Use the right tool: A hand masher gives a rustic feel; a ricer or mixer creates silky smooth potatoes.
- Keep warm: To hold them before serving, cover the pot and set over very low heat, stirring occasionally.
Flavor Variations
Want to put your own twist on this classic? Try one of these delicious variations:
- Roasted Garlic Mash: Roast whole garlic cloves in the oven until golden and soft, then mash into the potatoes for a mellow sweetness.
- Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Stir in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan, cheddar, or cream cheese.
- Herb-Infused Mash: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme for a fresh flavor.
- Creamy Vegan Version: Replace butter with olive oil and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Loaded Garlic Mash: Top with crispy turkey bacon bits, shredded cheese, and green onions.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with almost any main course.
Here are some great serving ideas:
- With roast chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon for a balanced dinner.
- Alongside Thanksgiving turkey, gravy, and stuffing.
- As a cozy base under beef stew or creamy mushroom sauce.
- Serve leftovers with fried eggs and sautéed veggies for a comforting breakfast bowl.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To store:
Let mashed potatoes cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
To freeze:
Place cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 247 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 398 mg |
Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands or portion size.
FAQ About Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Can I make garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When reheating, stir in a little extra milk or butter to bring back the creamy consistency.
What’s the best potato for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Golds are ideal for their buttery texture, while Russets create a fluffier mash. You can even mix the two for a perfect balance of creamy and light.
Can I roast the garlic instead of cooking it in milk?
Absolutely! Roasting garlic gives it a deeper, sweeter flavor. Simply roast the cloves wrapped in foil with olive oil at 400°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes, then mash into your potatoes.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use olive oil or vegan butter in place of dairy butter, and swap milk for oat, almond, or soy milk. The flavor remains rich, and the texture stays smooth and fluffy.
Can I use a blender or food processor to mash potatoes?
It’s better to avoid them — high-speed blades can turn potatoes gluey. Use a masher, ricer, or hand mixer for the best texture.
Print
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Simple & Delicious Side
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with rich roasted garlic flavor — ready in just 20 minutes and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes)
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup salted butter
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash, scrub, and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 10–15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Warm gently for 3–4 minutes without boiling.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Pour in the garlic butter mixture and mash until smooth or slightly chunky as desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creaminess or Russets for fluffiness. Don’t overmix to avoid gummy texture. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil and plant-based milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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Final Thoughts
These Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With their creamy texture, rich garlic aroma, and perfectly balanced seasoning, they’re the kind of side dish that makes any meal memorable. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a festive celebration, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite.
Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to mashed potato recipe for years to come.