Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish that can elevate any meal. This recipe is simple, yet the combination of creamy potatoes and garlic-infused butter makes it feel like a gourmet dish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, this easy garlic mashed potatoes recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This garlic mashed potatoes recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying side dish that doesn’t take too much time or effort. The addition of garlic, butter, and cream creates a rich, smooth texture with a hint of savory depth. You can customize the recipe to suit your taste, making it as buttery or garlicky as you want. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of main dishes, from roasted chicken to grilled vegetables.

Ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful mashed potatoes:

• 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
  These varieties are perfect for mashed potatoes due to their starchy and creamy textures. Yukon Golds give a slightly buttery flavor naturally, while Russets make for fluffy, smooth potatoes.
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
  The cream adds richness and ensures that the mashed potatoes are silky and smooth.
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
  Butter not only enhances the creaminess but also adds an essential flavor. Feel free to use salted or unsalted butter.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Garlic gives the potatoes a deliciously savory taste, especially when it’s slightly cooked and infused into the cream mixture.
• 1 teaspoon salt
  Seasoning is important to bring out the flavors in the potatoes. Adjust the salt to taste.
• Pepper to taste
  A pinch of pepper provides just the right amount of seasoning to balance the richness of the potatoes.

this RECIPE

Choosing the Right Potatoes

For this recipe, you can choose between Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russet potatoes are starchy, making them ideal for a fluffy mash. On the other hand, Yukon Golds have a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, which results in a rich and velvety mash. If you prefer a smoother, denser consistency, Yukon Golds are your best bet. However, if you want an airier texture, go for Russets. You can even mix both varieties for the best of both worlds!

How to Prepare Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect garlic mashed potatoes:

1. Prepare the potatoes:
   Start by peeling the potatoes, but you can also leave some of the skins on for a more rustic texture. Cut them into thirds so they cook evenly.
2. Boil the potatoes:
   Add the potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Boil them until a sharp knife easily pierces through, which should take about 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the potato pieces.
3. Infuse the garlic with cream and butter:
   While the potatoes are boiling, heat the cream, butter, garlic, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. This allows the garlic to slowly cook, infusing its flavor into the cream. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.
4. Mash the potatoes:
   Once the potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Slowly pour in the garlic-infused cream mixture and mash using a potato masher. Mash until smooth, but avoid over-mashing to prevent the potatoes from becoming gluey.
5. Season and serve:
   Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately with a pat of butter on top, if desired, for an extra touch of richness.

Tips for Creamy, Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

To get the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes possible, make sure you follow these tips:

• Don’t over-boil the potatoes:
  Overcooking potatoes can cause them to absorb too much water, leading to a watery mash. Be sure to cook them just until a fork easily pierces through.
• Warm the cream and butter:
  Warming the cream and butter mixture before adding it to the potatoes ensures that everything blends together smoothly, giving you a lump-free mash.
• Mash gently:
  Over-mashing can release too much starch, which makes the potatoes sticky or gluey. Use a gentle hand and stop mashing as soon as the cream is fully incorporated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mashed potatoes seems simple, but there are a few pitfalls you should avoid:

• Over-mixing:
  Mixing the potatoes too vigorously breaks down the starch, creating a gluey texture. Mash gently, and avoid using a hand mixer or blender.
• Undercooked potatoes:
  If your potatoes aren’t cooked through, you’ll end up with lumpy mashed potatoes. Be sure to check with a fork or knife before draining them.
• Not seasoning properly:
  Potatoes can taste bland without enough salt. Make sure to salt the water when boiling the potatoes and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that goes well with nearly any meal. Serve them with:

• Roasted chicken, turkey, or beef
• Grilled vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
• A simple green salad for a lighter pairing

For presentation, try spooning the mashed potatoes into a serving dish, creating little peaks with the back of the spoon. Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Variations on Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This garlic mashed potatoes recipe is adaptable to suit your preferences. Here are some variation ideas:

• Roasted garlic:
  Swap the minced garlic for roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
• Herbs:
  Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to add another layer of flavor.
• Cheese:
  For extra indulgence, mix in shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese just before serving.
• Dairy-free option:
  Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil, and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream in place of heavy cream.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little extra cream or milk to the potatoes to help restore their creamy texture. Heat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

FAQs

Can I make garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these mashed potatoes a day in advance. Reheat them with a little extra cream or butter to bring back the creamy texture.

How do I keep my mashed potatoes from being lumpy?
Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before mashing, and warm the cream and butter before adding them. This ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.

What’s the best way to mash potatoes?
A hand-held potato masher works best for a classic mashed potato texture. Avoid using a blender or food processor, which can overwork the potatoes and make them gluey.

Conclusion

This easy garlic mashed potatoes recipe is perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. The creamy texture and rich garlic flavor make it a go-to side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it with roasted meats or vegetables, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas!

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