Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

These creamy mashed potatoes combine fluffy russet cubes with gently sautéed garlic, rich butter, and warm milk for a comforting side dish. Start by simmering the potatoes until tender, then mash them with aromatic garlic and slowly fold in the warm milk-butter mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting texture to your liking. Whether served rustic with chunks or silky smooth, this dish pairs beautifully with meats or vegetables and adapts easily with herbs or cheese for extra flair.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:31:10 GMT
A bowl of mashed potatoes with a fork in it. Bookmark
A bowl of mashed potatoes with a fork in it. | foodbymary.com

Servings

6-8 servings

Prep time

5 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Calories

288 kcal

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Garlic cloves: 2, minced, or more to taste
  • Milk: 1 cup
  • Butter: 1/2 cup
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Instructions

Boil potatoes:
Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring them to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Mash with garlic:
Drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pot. Add the minced garlic. Mash the potatoes and garlic together with a potato masher until smooth.
Add milk and butter:
Warm the milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted. Slowly incorporate the milk mixture into the mashed potatoes, mashing continuously until the potatoes reach the desired consistency.
Season and serve:
Season them generously with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!
A bowl of mashed potatoes with black pepper on top. Bookmark
A bowl of mashed potatoes with black pepper on top. | foodbymary.com

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcal Carbohydrates: 30g Protein: 5g Fat: 14g Saturated Fat: 9g Cholesterol: 39mg Sodium: 129mg Potassium: 878mg Fiber: 4g Sugar: 3g Vitamin C: 38mg

A bowl of mashed potatoes with a spoon in it. Bookmark
A bowl of mashed potatoes with a spoon in it. | foodbymary.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of potatoes work best?

Starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes create the fluffiest texture when mashed.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, reheat over low heat with added milk or butter to restore creaminess before serving.

→ How do I make them chunkier or smoother?

For chunkier texture, mash lightly. For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a ricer or food mill.

→ Can I add extra flavors?

Absolutely. Mix in herbs like chives or thyme, roasted garlic, cream cheese, or grated parmesan for added depth.

→ Is peeling the potatoes necessary?

Peeling is optional. Leaving skins on adds texture and nutrients, especially with thin-skinned potatoes.

→ What’s the best way to season them?

Use salt and pepper to taste. Season the boiling water and adjust after mashing for balanced flavor.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes with garlic, butter, and warm milk. Smooth, flavorful, and ideal for any meal.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Side Dishes

Recipe Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Serves: 8 Serving Size (6–8 servings)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
Ingredient 02 2 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 03 1 cup whole milk
Ingredient 04 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Ingredient 05 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 06 Black pepper, to taste

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 02

Drain potatoes and return to hot pot. Add minced garlic and mash until smooth using a potato masher.

Step 03

Warm milk and butter in a small saucepan over low heat until melted. Gradually stir into mashed potatoes while mashing until creamy.

Step 04

Season mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Begin cooking potatoes in cold water to ensure even cooking throughout.
  2. Use a ricer for ultra-smooth texture or mash lightly for rustic consistency.
  3. Enhance flavor with additions like herbs, cheese, or roasted garlic.

Must-Have Tools

  • Large cooking pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Small saucepan

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 288
  • Fats: 14 grams
  • Carbs: 30 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams