Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the best side dish of all time, and these garlic mashed potatoes are my favorite way to prepare them! You’ll have the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potato using only a few ingredients.

Imagine the ultimate comfort food with a light and creamy texture, fresh garlic and butter flavor and minimal prep. With mashed potatoes, you can have a crowd pleasing delicious side dish for any meal!

Serve garlic mashed potatoes with tender moist Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs or Creamy Tuscan Salmon for an elevated yet classic comfort food dinner.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I know there are a lot of mashed potato recipes out there. But once you make these heavenly potatoes, you will want to make them again and again!

Here are all the reasons why I know you’ll love them:

• Creamy Potatoes: The secret to creamy mashed potatoes is using liquid and butter. I love using heavy cream and milk to create insanely delicious mashed potatoes.
• Easy to Make: No, seriously. Mashed potatoes require minimal ingredients and easy steps. It’s a classic no-fuss recipe that provides pure comfort food.
• Perfect for Families: This family-friendly side dish is amazing for crowds. Serve it for weeknight dinners or holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and East. Everyone loves mashed potatoes, even the pickiest of eaters!
• Affordable Side Dish: The average cost to make a large batch of mashed potatoes is under $1 per serving.
• Customizable: Yes, you can fully customize mashed potatoes! Feeling like adding cheese, add in Parmesan cheese for a nice and cheesy touch. Or adjust the amount of herbs or garlic for more or less flavor.

Ingredients You Need

All of the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. You may already have them in your kitchen!

NOTE: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.

• Potatoes: For the best texture and flavor, use Yukon gold potatoes. You can also use Russet potatoes or red potatoes.
• Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest buttery flavor. You can substitute with dairy free milk, but I do not guarantee results as this recipe has not been tested with dairy free milk.
• Heavy Cream: A must for the best mashed potatoes texture and flavor!
• Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic cloves. If you have roasted garlic, use it for roasted garlic flavor.
• Butter: I love using salted butter for the best flavor, but you can use unsalted butter and adjust the amount of additional salt to taste.
• Seasonings: I use freshly chopped herbs like fresh rosemary and fresh parsley for texture, color and flavor. Rosemary has the best flavor so that is what I prefer for mashed potatoes, but you can add whatever you like. You will also need salt and pepper.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Craving creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes? Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for cheesy flavor.
• Garnish (Optional): I love garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, scallions or chives.

How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This garlic mashed potato recipe comes together with just a few simple steps. This easy recipe will soon make an appearance on your dinner table!

1. Cook the Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are cut into large even-sized pieces. Add them to a large pot and fill the pot with water, covering the potatoes completely. Bring the potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
2. Make the Creamy Seasoned Liquid Mixture: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the butter, heavy cream, milk and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted.
3. Mash and Finish the Potatoes: Strain the potatoes and cook on low heat for a few minutes, stirring rapidly to dry out the remaining moisture. Turn off the heat and slowly mash the potatoes (use a potato masher or handheld mixer), while pouring in the butter and milk mixture into the pot. Repeat until all of the liquid is incorporated and the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Stir in the salt, pepper, fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese (if using.) Serve hot garnished with freshly chopped parsley, scallions or chives.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mashed Potatoes

• Use the right potatoes: My favorite potato for mashed potatoes is Yukon Gold potatoes, but Russet potatoes are also a great option. If you like skin in your potatoes, use red potatoes.
• Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces: Potatoes come in all different shapes and sizes. Make sure to cut them into large chunks that are evenly sized to ensure they cook evenly.
• Bring your potatoes to a light boil: Mashed potatoes are perfectly creamy when you cook the potatoes to a light boil compared to a rapid boil. Start using cold water to boil your potatoes and strain after 15 minutes. 
• Don’t over-mash your garlic mashed potatoes: Making sure your potatoes are hot when mashing and slowly pouring in your liquid results in a creamier mash that’s easier to break down. Be careful not to over-mash your potatoes, or they can turn out gummy in texture.
• Adjust the flavor: Add more or less garlic, salt, black pepper and herbs to taste. The flavor is fully customizable!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on the stove top. Add a splash of milk and stir until creamy. Or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until warmed through.

Want to watch a video of themoodyfoody making mashed potatoes? Check it out!