Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and infused with a delightful garlic flavor, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this recipe always shines. It’s easy to whip up and brings a warm, homey vibe to the table.

What makes this Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe truly special is its simplicity. Using just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a dish that everyone will love. Plus, with the rich flavor of garlic, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes total time, you can have this delicious side ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and savory taste of garlic mashed potatoes.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or even your favorite plant-based main course.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the potatoes in advance and reheat them for an easy meal on busy nights.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible taste that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe calls for simple and wholesome items that you probably already have in your kitchen.

For the Potatoes

• 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes)

For the Garlic Mixture

• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup salted butter
• 8 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with flavors and textures to suit your taste.

• Add herbs: Toss in some fresh parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor.
• Creamy alternative: Substitute half of the milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tanginess.
• Cheesy goodness: Mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for a rich twist.
• Roasted garlic: For a sweeter flavor, roast your garlic cloves before adding them to the milk mixture.

How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing your 3 lbs of Yukon gold potatoes until they’re clean. Then chop them into small chunks. This step is important because smaller pieces cook more evenly and quickly!

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Add the chopped potatoes to a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce it to let simmer until the potatoes are very soft when poked with a fork. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Cooking them well is crucial for achieving that smooth texture we all crave.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Mixture

While your potatoes are cooking away, grab a saucepan and combine ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup salted butter, 8 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp ground black pepper over low heat. Gently warm this mixture without letting it boil for about 3-4 minutes. This step allows the garlic to infuse its wonderful flavor into the milk!

Step 4: Drain and Combine

Once your potatoes are fork-tender, drain out the water but keep those fluffy gems in the pot. Pour in your fragrant garlic milk mixture and give everything a good mix using either a hand masher or an electric mixer. You can leave some small chunks if you prefer a bit more texture—it’s all about what makes you happy!

And there you have it! Your Garlic Mashed Potatoes are ready to be served! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect garlic mashed potatoes is a delightful journey, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to the next level!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are creamy and flavorful, making them perfect for mashing. Russet potatoes are also great but can be a bit fluffier. Mixing the two can provide a lovely texture contrast.

• Don’t skip the soaking: After chopping your potatoes, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, leading to creamier mashed potatoes without any gumminess.

• Infuse the milk carefully: When warming your milk and garlic mixture, keep it on low heat to allow the flavors to meld without boiling. This gentle process enhances the garlic’s flavor without overpowering the creamy base.

• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer creamier mashed potatoes, gradually add more milk until you reach your desired texture. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away!

• Season well: Taste as you go! Adjusting salt and pepper at different stages ensures that your mashed potatoes are perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes make a comforting side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top not only add a pop of color but also provide a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds depth and richness while enhancing the garlic flavor.
• Toasted breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs over your mashed potatoes just before serving.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus pair wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes. Their caramelized sweetness balances out the creamy goodness.
• Grilled chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breast provides a lean protein option that complements the buttery flavors of the mashed potatoes without overshadowing them.
• Green salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the dish, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Steamed broccoli: The slight bitterness of steamed broccoli is a great contrast to the rich and creamy mashed potatoes, providing both nutrition and color to your plate.

With these tips and suggestions in mind, you’re all set to create an unforgettable meal centered around your garlic mashed potatoes. They’re sure to be a hit at any table! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not just a fantastic side dish; they also shine as a meal prep hero. Making them ahead of time saves you valuable moments during busy weeknights or family gatherings. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious garlic-infused creation!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the mashed potatoes cool entirely after cooking.
• Scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
• For frozen garlic mashed potatoes, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or microwave until heated through.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and enjoy their comforting flavor again!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

Can I make Garlic Mashed Potatoes without butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter for a lighter option while still achieving that creamy texture.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like chives or rosemary. You can also mix in cream cheese or sour cream for a tangy twist!

What is the best potato type for Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Yukon gold potatoes are ideal due to their buttery flavor and creamy texture, but russet potatoes work well too if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I prepare Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can store them in the fridge or freezer and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I keep my Garlic Mashed Potatoes from being gluey?

Make sure not to overmix your potatoes when mashing them. Mixing just until combined will help retain their fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Garlic Mashed Potatoes as much as I do! They bring warmth and comfort to any meal, making it all the more special. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these creamy potatoes are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out—your taste buds will thank you!