This Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe will give you incredibly smooth and delicious mashed potatoes with the flavor of garlic that takes them to the next level. The combination of those buttery, creamy russets mixed with heavy cream and butter makes for a super silky texture. Then, the garlic brings that unexpected punch of flavor that'll have you going back for seconds and thirds.

Garlic mashed potatoes are way more than a side dish - it's a hearty, comforting food perfect for any occasion. It's the kind of cozy homestyle dish that brings back memories of holidays around the dinner table with family, and making tasty food doesn't get much easier than this. What’s best is that the ingredients are simple and easy to find, too!
The secret to getting these mashed potatoes so light and cloud-like is using russets. Their high starch content gives you that fluffy texture you want. Mixing in that garlicky butter adds a rich, savory flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess. Make this garlicky mashed potato recipe at home and be transported with each bite to comfort and nostalgia.
Want to learn how to make this garlic mashed potatoes recipe? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- What are Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
- What Makes This Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe Special?
- What You Need to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes at Home
- How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
- How to Boil Potatoes
- Tips for Making the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes Ever
- Serving Suggestions for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
- Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Creamy and Holiday Ready!)
- Comments
What are Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
Garlic mashed potatoes put a fun spin on regular mashed potatoes. It's creamy potatoes mixed with the strong flavor of garlic to make a filling side that tastes incredible! This side dish really takes humble mashed potatoes up a notch. The main ingredients are potatoes, garlic cloves, butter, and heavy cream. Simple but so tasty.
Lately, we’ve been in love with these garlic mashed potatoes. They're pretty easy to throw together at home, whether it's for a laidback family dinner or a fancy holiday meal. The recipe isn't complicated at all, so cooks of any skill level can totally handle it.
And the flavor combo of creamy potatoes and aromatic garlic is just incredible. It's so comforting and satisfying. These mashed potatoes pair nicely with lots of entrees, too like roasted chicken or turkey. It’s such a versatile side dish. I could eat these garlic mashed potatoes every day and never get bored! I’m sure you’re going to love it.
What Makes This Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe Special?
Family-favorite: This recipe uses ingredients that are classic and universally loved, like russet potatoes, cream cheese, and salted butter. The addition of fresh dill and sautéed garlic gives it a unique flavor that will make it a hit with the whole family.
Versatile: These creamy garlic mashed potatoes can be served as a side dish with almost anything, from roast turkey to grilled chicken. You can even substitute the russet potatoes with Yukon golds or red potatoes for a different texture.
Delicious: The combination of creamy potatoes, garlic flavor, and a hint of fresh dill makes this dish incredibly tasty. The final drizzle of garlic butter adds an extra layer of flavor that takes these mashed potatoes to the next level.
Crowd pleaser: Whether it is a family dinner or a large gathering, these garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd, and the end result is a creamy, flavorful side dish that everyone will love. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
What You Need to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this garlic mashed potatoes recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- Russet or Yellow Potatoes: The star of this recipe, russet potatoes, are perfect for mashing due to their high starch content. This gives the mashed potatoes a fluffy texture.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient in any dish, salt enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and garlic.
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds a tangy taste and contributes to the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The heavy cream contributes to the richness and creaminess of the dish. It also helps to smooth out the mashed potatoes.
- Salted Butter: The butter in this recipe gives the mashed potatoes a beautiful buttery flavor. It also adds to the overall creaminess.
- Garlic Cloves: Garlic cloves infuse the potatoes with a warm, aromatic flavor. Roasting the garlic beforehand can enhance its flavor.
- Fresh Dill: This herb is used for topping, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor that compliments the creamy, garlicky potatoes. You can even add chives if you like!
How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible garlic mashed potatoes is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Boil Potatoes
Firstly, you'll need to prepare your potatoes. For this recipe, you can use Yukon golds, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Start by peeling your potatoes. Once peeled, rinse the potatoes thoroughly to get rid of any residual dirt. Then, cut each potato into four quarters. Place these quartered potatoes back into the bowl and rinse again under running water to make sure that they are completely clean.
Next, transfer the clean, quartered potatoes into a large pot. Fill the pot with water until all the potatoes are submerged. Season the water with one tablespoon of salt, or adjust to your personal taste.
Now it is time to cook your potatoes. Bring the pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low so the potatoes are lightly boiling or steaming. Over-boiling can cause the potatoes to fall apart, so be careful here.
Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. This will help preserve the texture of the potatoes and prevent them from falling apart.
The potatoes will need to boil for about half an hour, or until they are tender enough to be easily sliced with a knife. Once your potatoes are cooked, drain them and set them aside with the lid on to keep them warm.
Preparing the Garlic Butter
While your potatoes are boiling, it is time to prepare the garlic. Finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside. You'll also need to heat your heavy cream on the stove and set it aside for later.
To make the garlic butter, melt your butter in a small skillet. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about thirty seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, it should reach a very light golden color.
How to Assemble
Now, it is time to mash your potatoes. Using a potato masher, hand mixer (my preference), or potato ricer, mash the potatoes until they're creamy. Then, add three-quarters of your hot garlic butter to the potatoes. Reserve the remaining quarter for later. Beat the potatoes and garlic butter together using a hand mixer on high for about thirty seconds.
Next, add softened cream cheese to the mixture and beat it again for another thirty seconds or until well mixed. Finally, add your hot, heavy cream to the potatoes and beat until the mixture is well-aerated and looks like a puree.
Transfer your mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Drizzle the top with the reserved garlic butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped dill for a finishing touch. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful garlic mashed potatoes!
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes Ever
Choose the right potatoes: For the creamiest texture, choose Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They have the perfect balance of starch and moisture, making them ideal for mashing.
Don't forget to rinse: After peeling and cutting your potatoes, rinse them under cold water. This helps to remove any excess starch which can make your mashed potatoes gummy instead of fluffy.
Boil potatoes properly: Start boiling your potatoes in cold water, not hot. This helps make sure that they cook evenly and become perfectly tender, not mushy or falling apart.
Season throughout the process: Don't wait until the end to add salt. Season your potatoes when you start boiling them. This allows the salt to penetrate the potatoes, giving them more flavor.
Heat your dairy: Warm your butter and heavy cream before adding them to your potatoes. This prevents the potatoes from cooling down too quickly and helps to achieve a silky, creamy texture.
Saute the Garlic: For a strong garlic flavor, sauté your garlic cloves in butter before mixing them into the potatoes. This not only softens the garlic but also infuses the butter with garlic flavor.
Garnish for a gourmet touch: Finish your garlic mashed potatoes with a drizzle of garlic-infused butter and a sprinkling of fresh dill. This adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Pair these garlic mashed potatoes with a roast turkey or chicken for a hearty and satisfying main course. The robust flavors of the poultry perfectly complement the creamy texture and rich garlic flavor of the potatoes.
- For a delicious side dish, serve these garlic mashed potatoes alongside steak. The buttery, creamy potatoes provide a great contrast to the savoriness of the steak.
- If you're in the mood for comfort food, try serving these garlic mashed potatoes with meatloaf. The rich, hearty flavors of the meatloaf meld wonderfully with the creamy, garlicky potatoes.
- These garlic mashed potatoes also make a fantastic side for grilled fish. The delicate flavors of the fish are beautifully enhanced by the robust, creamy potatoes.
- For a simple, satisfying vegetarian meal, pair these garlic mashed potatoes with a selection of your favorite roasted vegetables. The earthy, caramelized flavors of the vegetables provide a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy potatoes.
- If you're looking for a lighter option, serve these garlic mashed potatoes with a fresh, crisp salad. The cool, crunchy textures of the salad balance the warmth and creaminess of the potatoes.
- These garlic mashed potatoes are also perfect for a holiday feast. Serve them with roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and your favorite side dishes for a meal that's sure to impress.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This delicious garlic mashed potatoes recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Go Dairy-Free: If you're lactose intolerant or just prefer to avoid dairy, you can still enjoy this recipe. Substitute the heavy cream and butter with almond milk and olive oil. You'll still achieve that creamy texture and delicious taste with fewer calories.
Roasted Garlic Twist: For a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves in the oven before adding them to the potatoes. Wrap the cloves in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until tender. This will give your mashed potatoes a deep, rich garlic flavor that's absolutely divine.
Use Different Potatoes: Experiment with different types of potatoes for a change in texture and flavor. Try using Yukon golds or red potatoes instead of russets. Yukon golds have a buttery flavor and creamy texture, while red potatoes have a slightly sweet taste.
Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, use a potato ricer instead of a masher. This tool pushes the potatoes through small holes, resulting in a smoother, creamier mash.
Add a Touch of Heat: If you're a fan of spicy foods, why not add a little heat to your garlic mashed potatoes? Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes with the cream mixture before adding it to the potatoes. The heat will add a nice contrast to the creaminess of the mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should use Russet potatoes for this garlic mashed potatoes recipe. They are starchy potatoes that mash up light and fluffy, and they absorb the butter, cream, and garlic flavor well.
You should boil the potatoes for about thirty minutes or until they are fork tender. This means that when you stick a fork into a potato, it should slide in easily without any resistance.
Yes, you can use a potato masher for this recipe. It will give your mashed potatoes a chunkier texture. If you prefer smoother, creamier mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer.
You can substitute heavy cream with almond milk for a dairy-free alternative. It will reduce the overall calories but may slightly affect the creaminess of your mashed potatoes.
Yes, you can make these garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time. Just reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop and drizzle with the reserved garlic butter before serving.
How to Store Leftover Garlic Mashed Potatoes
After enjoying a hearty meal with garlic mashed potatoes as one of your side dishes, you might find yourself with leftovers. No worries, here's how to store your garlic mashed potatoes properly so you can enjoy them another day.
Refrigerating Leftovers: Transfer your leftover garlic mashed potatoes into an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to three to five days. Make sure to keep the temperature of your fridge at or below the recommended temperature of about zero degrees Fahrenheit to maintain the freshness and creaminess of the potatoes.
Reheating Instructions: When you're ready to enjoy your leftover garlic mashed potatoes, you have a couple of options. You can reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.
For the oven, preheat it to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the mashed potatoes in a baking dish, drizzle a little bit of cream or butter over the top to prevent them from drying out, and cover the dish with foil. Bake for about half an hour, or until they're heated through.
For the stovetop, place the mashed potatoes in a large pot over low heat. Add a splash of dairy or almond milk to restore the creaminess, stirring occasionally until they're hot.
Freezing Mashed Potatoes: Freezing is a bit of a tricky situation when it comes to mashed potatoes. While it is technically possible, it is not always recommended.
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See all main dish recipes.
Recipe Card
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Creamy and Holiday Ready!)
Ingredients
For Garlic Mashed Potato
- 5 lbs. – Russet or yellow potatoes (I used homegrwon yellow potatoes)
- 1 tbsp. - sea salt
- 4 tbsp. – salted butter
- 2 large – garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp. – cream cheese
- ½ cup – heavy whipping cream
Fro Garlic Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 tbsp. - fresh dill
- 2 tbsp. - melted butter
- Fried bacon (optional)
Instructions
How to Boil Potatoes
- Firstly, you'll need to prepare your potatoes. For this recipe, you can use Yukon golds, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Start by peeling your potatoes. Once peeled, rinse the potatoes thoroughly to get rid of any residual dirt. Then, cut each potato into four quarters. Place these quartered potatoes back into the bowl and rinse again under running water to make sure that they are completely clean.
- Next, transfer the clean, quartered potatoes into a large pot. Fill the pot with water until all the potatoes are submerged. Season the water with one tablespoon of salt, or adjust to your personal taste.
- Now it is time to cook your potatoes. Bring the pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low so the potatoes are lightly boiling or steaming. Over-boiling can cause the potatoes to fall apart, so be careful here.
- Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. This will help preserve the texture of the potatoes and prevent them from falling apart.
- The potatoes will need to boil for about half an hour, or until they are tender enough to be easily sliced with a knife. Once your potatoes are cooked, drain them and set them aside with the lid on to keep them warm.
Preparing the Garlic Butter
- While your potatoes are boiling, it is time to prepare the garlic. Finely chop the garlic cloves and set them aside. You'll also need to heat your heavy cream on the stove and set it aside for later.
- To make the garlic butter, melt your butter in a small skillet. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about thirty seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, it should reach a very light golden color.
How to Assemble
- Now, it is time to mash your potatoes. Using a hand mixer, potato masher, or potato ricer, mash the potatoes until they're creamy. Then, add three-quarters of your hot garlic butter to the potatoes. Reserve the remaining quarter for later. Beat the potatoes and garlic butter together using a hand mixer on high for about thirty seconds.
- Next, add softened cream cheese to the mixture and beat it again for another thirty seconds or until well mixed. Finally, add your hot, heavy cream to the potatoes and beat until the mixture is well-aerated and looks like a puree.
- Transfer your mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Drizzle the top with the reserved garlic butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped dill for a finishing touch. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful garlic mashed potatoes!
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