Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for mashed potatoes with extra flavor, this Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect! Creamy, buttery, and filled with just the right amount of garlic and parmesan.

Reasons to Love These Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are all about big flavor and creamy texture! They’re not your average mash—rich and buttery, with a perfect hit of garlic that doesn’t overwhelm. The parmesan adds a delicious depth, while sour cream keeps them extra smooth and just a bit tangy. Whether you're serving them with a holiday roast or a simple weeknight meal, these mashed potatoes will be the standout on your table.

Be sure to check out our Boursin Mashed Potatoes, Caramelized Shallot Mashed Potatoes, or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes!

Ingredient Notes

• Potatoes: For the best texture, go with Russet potatoes for fluffiness, Yukon Golds for creaminess, or a mix for a perfect balance. Yukon Golds add a naturally buttery taste, while Russets bring that classic fluffy texture. Peel them fully, or leave a little skin on for rustic flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential. Finely chop or crush 6-8 cloves to bring out a robust flavor that’ll infuse right into the potatoes. Sautéing the garlic briefly in butter before adding it to the mash mellows and sweetens the flavor.
• Milk: Use hot milk to keep the potatoes warm and fluffy as you mash. Whole milk gives the best creaminess, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer.
• Butter: Softened, room-temperature butter blends seamlessly into the mash. This step is key—using cold butter can lead to uneven melting and a lumpy consistency.
• Sour Cream: Reduced-fat sour cream brings tang and creaminess without overpowering the garlic or adding too many calories. If you’re looking for a richer mash, go for full-fat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is optional, but it adds an amazing depth of flavor and just the right touch of umami. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it won’t melt in as smoothly.
• Seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper at the end enhances every layer of flavor. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning for your perfect balance.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a bright finish, sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich, garlicky flavor beautifully.
• Chives: They are an elegant garnish, offering a delicate onion flavor and vibrant color.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Prepare and Cook Potatoes: Peel and quarter the potatoes, then place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Make Garlic Butter: While the potatoes cook, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Set aside.

Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes. Add the remaining butter, sautéed garlic, hot milk, and sour cream, then mash by hand until smooth. For an extra creamy texture, use a stand mixer on low speed, being careful not to overmix.

Finish and Serve: Stir in parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chives and parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Storage and Reheating

• To store, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or butter as needed to restore the creamy texture.
• To reheat, warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter to bring back their creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, stirring every 30-45 seconds until heated through. For the best texture, avoid high heat, which can cause the potatoes to dry out.

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Print Recipe

Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Creamy, buttery garlic mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth! Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly smooth, this recipe is your go-to for a comfort-packed side dish that's easy to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or cozy family meals!

Author: chefjar

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 369kcal

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes Russet Yukon Gold, or mix of Yukon Gold and Russet
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened room temperature, divided
• 6-8 cloves garlic finely chopped
• ¾ cup milk hot
• ¼ cup sour cream reduced-fat (10-14% fat)
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese fresh shredded optional
• 1 pinch salt to taste
• 1 pinch pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon EACH: fresh parsley and chives chopped to garnish, optional

Instructions

• Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters, removing any dark spots or knots.
• Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot (6-quart) and cover with cold water, adding salt until it’s lightly salted. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the potatoes are cooking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Set aside and keep warm.
• Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.  Option 1 (By Hand): Add the remaining butter, the sautéed garlic, hot milk, and sour cream. Using a potato masher, mash until smooth, adding a little extra milk if needed for your desired consistency. Option 2 (Stand Mixer): Transfer the potatoes to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the remaining butter, the sautéed garlic, hot milk, and sour cream. Mix on low speed, adding a little extra milk if needed, until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
• Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chives and parsley.
• Serve warm and enjoy your perfectly creamy mashed potatoes!

Notes

To store, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or butter as needed to restore the creamy texture.

To reheat, warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or a pat of butter to bring back their creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, stirring every 30-45 seconds until heated through. For the best texture, avoid high heat, which can cause the potatoes to dry out.

Nutrition

Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 734mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g

Course: Side dishes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: garlic mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes recipe

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