Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients You Need

Potatoes

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Garlic Cream Mix

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 4–6 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for a richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (for color and freshness)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

(Step-by-step instructions)

1. Prep the potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes.
2. Cut them into even chunks so they cook at the same speed.
3. Place the chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water.

2. Boil the potatoes

1. Add 1 tablespoon salt to the pot.
2. Bring the water to a boil.
3. Cook the potatoes for 15–20 minutes, or until a fork slides in without resistance.
4. Drain the potatoes well to remove extra water.

3. Make the garlic cream mix

1. Add 6 tablespoons butter to a small saucepan.
2. Add 4–6 garlic cloves (minced or crushed).
3. Cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes. Don’t brown the garlic.
4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half.
5. Add 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon salt.
6. Heat the mixture until warm, but don’t boil it.

4. Mash the potatoes

1. Place the drained potatoes back in the warm pot.
2. Mash them with a masher or use a hand mixer on low.
3. Pour in half of the garlic cream mix. Mash again.
4. Add the rest of the mix until you reach the texture you like.

5. Add optional mix-ins (if using)

1. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream for a richer texture.
2. Add 1/2 cup Parmesan if you want a savory flavor.
3. Fold in 2 tablespoons chives or parsley for color.

6. Taste and adjust

1. Add more salt if needed.
2. Add a splash of warm cream if the potatoes feel thick.
3. Serve warm.

Why This Recipe Works

• Warming the cream and butter keeps the mash fluffy and prevents the potatoes from turning gummy.
• Cooking the garlic softens its flavor so it blends smoothly.
• Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes give a soft, creamy texture without extra effort.

Serving Ideas and Variations

• Serve with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or turkey.
• Add Parmesan or cream cheese for a richer mash.
• Stir in fresh chives or parsley for color.
• Use roasted garlic if you like a sweeter garlic flavor.

Internal link idea: link to your roasted chicken, pot roast, or creamy chicken pasta recipe.
External link idea: USDA safe temp chart for meats you may serve with potatoes.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back moisture.
• Freeze portions and reheat them when needed for meal prep.

Recipe FAQ,s

What potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold gives a creamy texture. Russet gives a fluffy texture. Both work well.

Can I make mashed potatoes ahead?
Yes. Reheat with extra cream or milk to keep them smooth.

How do I keep mashed potatoes from turning gluey?
Don’t over-mix. Mash gently and add the warm cream mixture, not cold dairy.

Can I use roasted garlic?
Yes. It gives a soft, sweet flavor.

Why warm the cream and butter?
Cold dairy cools down the potatoes and makes the mash heavy.

Conclusion & Next Steps

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes stay smooth with a simple method. They fit weeknight meals and holiday spreads. You can adjust the garlic, add cheese, or stir in herbs. Once you try the base recipe, you can make new versions without extra steps.

Related Recipes

Try also:

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe
Pairs well with the potatoes for a full meal.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast
A tender main dish that matches the rich mash.

Creamy Chicken Pasta
Another simple comfort dish for busy nights.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

These Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are ultra-smooth, buttery, and packed with roasted garlic flavor. Made with simple ingredients and whipped to fluffy perfection, they’re the ultimate comfort side dish for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any meal that needs something warm and delicious. Perfectly creamy every time and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

  

Potatoes

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water

Garlic Cream Mix

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 4 –6 garlic cloves minced or crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup sour cream for extra creaminess
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for a richer flavor
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley for color and freshness

Instructions  

1. Prep the potatoes

• Peel the potatoes.
• Cut them into even chunks so they cook at the same speed.
• Place the chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water.

2. Boil the potatoes

• Add 1 tablespoon salt to the pot.
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Cook the potatoes for 15–20 minutes, or until a fork slides in without resistance.
• Drain the potatoes well to remove extra water.

3. Make the garlic cream mix

• Add 6 tablespoons butter to a small saucepan.
• Add 4–6 garlic cloves (minced or crushed).
• Cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes. Don’t brown the garlic.
• Pour in 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Heat the mixture until warm, but don’t boil it.

4. Mash the potatoes

• Place the drained potatoes back in the warm pot.
• Mash them with a masher or use a hand mixer on low.
• Pour in half of the garlic cream mix. Mash again.
• Add the rest of the mix until you reach the texture you like.

5. Add optional mix-ins (if using)

• Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream for a richer texture.
• Add 1/2 cup Parmesan if you want a savory flavor.
• Fold in 2 tablespoons chives or parsley for color.

6. Taste and adjust

• Add more salt if needed.
• Add a splash of warm cream if the potatoes feel thick.
• Serve warm.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

• Use Yukon gold or russet potatoes for the creamiest texture.
• Boil potatoes evenly cut for uniform cooking and smooth mashing.
• Add roasted or sautéed garlic for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Warm the cream and butter before mixing for ultra-smooth results.
• Do not overmix to avoid gummy texture.
• Season gradually and taste as you go for perfect flavor balance.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 210 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 28 g,
Fiber: 3 g,
Sugars: 2 g,
Protein: 4 g,
Fat: 10 g,
Saturated Fat: 6 g,
Cholesterol: 35 mg,
Sodium: 180 mg,
Potassium: 620 mg,
Calcium: 40 mg,
Iron: 1.2 mg

Keyword Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe