Prepare to fall in love with Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, a creamy, dreamy side dish that transforms humble potatoes into a warm, fluffy cloud bursting with garlicky goodness. This recipe delivers pure comfort with every forkful, using just a handful of staple ingredients combined in a way that lets their flavors shine. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be devoured enthusiastically. Let’s dig into why these easy garlic mashed potatoes should be your new go-to!

Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes is in their simplicity. Each ingredient brings something vital: creamy texture, rich flavor, or that irresistible buttery finish. Here’s what you need—and why it matters.

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds): These varieties yield a fluffy, creamy mash with perfect texture; leave some skins on for a rustic touch.
Heavy/whipping cream (3/4 cup): Adds luscious richness and ensures a silky consistency you’ll love.
Butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Essential for depth of flavor and that classic, melt-in-your-mouth result.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gently cooked in cream infuses the whole dish with a savory kick—don’t skip this!
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and brightens every ingredient; taste and adjust.
Pepper (to taste): A little freshly cracked black pepper brings gentle heat and aromatic notes.
Chopped chives and/or parsley (optional, for serving): For a fresh pop of color and a mild, herbal bite on top.

How to Make Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling your potatoes for a classic, ultra-creamy finish—or leave a little skin on if you’re craving extra texture and nutrients. Be sure to scrub them clean! Cut them into thirds; this helps them cook evenly. Place the chunks in a big pot, cover them generously with cold water, salt the water, and bring it to a boil. Simmer until a knife slides in easily—this means they’re perfectly tender and ready to get mashed.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream with Garlic

While the potatoes are bubbling away, grab a small saucepan and add your cream, butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Warm it on low heat, letting the butter melt slowly while the garlic gently infuses its flavor into the cream. This step is a game-changer: it ensures every bite of your Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes is evenly seasoned and filled with subtle garlic warmth.

Step 3: Mash and Season

Once your potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to their pot. This helps evaporate any extra water for fluffier potatoes. Slowly pour in your fragrant cream mixture. With a handheld masher, start mashing everything together. Mix until the cream is fully absorbed and your potatoes are smooth, but don’t go overboard—over-mashing can make potatoes gluey. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Serve with Flair

Spoon your Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes into a serving bowl while steaming hot. For extra decadence, top with another pat of butter and a generous sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. The garnish isn’t just for looks—it adds freshness and a pop of color that takes your dish from homey to restaurant-worthy.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Topping your Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes with chopped chives or fresh parsley adds a burst of green color and light oniony or herbal notes. Don’t be shy with a final swirl of butter on top either; it pools into those delicious hills and valleys for extra flavor!

Side Dishes

These potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side. Pair them with roasted chicken, juicy steak, grilled salmon, or a rich vegetarian mushroom stew. They soak up gravies and sauces beautifully, making them a staple at any table from Sunday dinner to festive holiday spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes in a casserole dish, piped into swirls for special occasions, or even scooped onto individual plates with a drizzle of olive oil for a modern touch. For a rustic dinner, heap them high in a big, earth-toned bowl and let everyone dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (lucky you!), let them cool then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing their creamy charm.

Freezing

Mashed potatoes actually freeze well! Spread your completely cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label them, freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat your Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or milk to restore their velvety texture. The microwave works in a pinch—just heat in short bursts and stir between each to keep them fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! While Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes give you an ideal fluffy texture, you can try red potatoes for a slightly different, creamier consistency. Just be aware that waxier potatoes may not mash quite as smooth as the classics.

Is it better to peel the potatoes or leave the skins on?

It’s entirely up to your preference! For ultra-creamy Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, peel them. If you like more texture and a bit of earthiness, leave some (or all) skins on. Just be sure to scrub the skins really well if you keep them.

How much garlic flavor will I taste?

Four cloves infuse the mashed potatoes with a warm, garlicky backbone—but it won’t overpower the dish. For more punch, add another clove or two; for milder flavor, start with two and taste as you go.

Can I make Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for the dairy butter, and use a plant-based unsweetened milk or non-dairy cream alternative. The result will still be creamy and garlicky, just with a slightly different flavor profile.

How can I prevent mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

The trick is to drain the potatoes well and mash them just until smooth—don’t overwork them. Over-mixing releases too much starch, which creates that dreaded gluey texture. Always use a handheld masher (not a food processor) for best results.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, they’ll become a must-make for every comfort food craving, family dinner, or holiday celebration. Their rich flavor, silky-smooth texture, and simple prep mean they’ll disappear from your table in no time. Give them a try and enjoy your new favorite side dish!

Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy and flavorful, these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they are quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes

Cream Mixture:

3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper (to taste)

For serving:

Chopped chives and/or parsley (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Peel and Boil Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thirds. Boil until tender.
Prepare Cream Mixture: In a saucepan, warm the cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper over low heat.
Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes, add the cream mixture, and mash until smooth.
Serve: Top with extra butter, chives, and/or parsley before serving.