Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the side dish dreams are made of. With a silky-smooth texture, buttery richness, and a comforting garlicky depth, this recipe brings all the cozy to your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just need the perfect pairing for roasted chicken, these mashed potatoes will quickly become a go-to classic.

What sets this version apart is the balance between creaminess and flavor—not too rich, not too light, and never bland. The garlic is gently simmered to mellow its sharpness, then whipped into fluffy Yukon Gold potatoes with plenty of butter and cream. The result? A luxurious mash that melts in your mouth and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Rich and buttery: A generous amount of butter and cream make these mashed potatoes taste like velvet.
• Perfectly garlicky: Simmered garlic adds warmth without overpowering.
• Versatile side: Pairs beautifully with everything from steak to roasted veggies.
• Holiday-worthy and weeknight-easy: Elegant enough for Thanksgiving, simple enough for any weeknight meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepped in advance and reheated without losing their smooth texture.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the magic of mashed potatoes, let’s set up your kitchen for success. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling potatoes evenly and giving them enough space to cook without becoming mushy.
• Colander: To drain the potatoes thoroughly, ensuring the final mash isn’t watery.
• Potato Masher or Ricer: A potato ricer gives you ultra-smooth results, but a masher works well for a more rustic texture.
• Small Saucepan: To infuse the cream and butter with garlic, maximizing flavor.
• Electric Hand Mixer (optional): For those who prefer an extra whipped, restaurant-style finish.

Having everything in place ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. Now that your tools are ready, it’s time to talk ingredients and technique.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their naturally buttery texture and golden color make them ideal for mashing.
• Garlic Cloves: Infused in butter and cream to add a subtle, sweet garlic essence throughout.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the mash, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth factor.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for that creamy, indulgent texture. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning and balance.
• Fresh Chives (optional): A fresh, herby finish that enhances the flavors without overpowering.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook at the same rate and mash evenly.

Step 2: Boil Until Tender

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse the Garlic

While the potatoes cook, heat the butter and cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Add peeled garlic cloves and let them simmer until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove the cloves and mash them into the mixture.

Step 4: Drain & Dry

Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot. Let them sit for a few minutes to steam dry—this prevents watery mashed potatoes.

Step 5: Mash & Blend

Mash the potatoes using a ricer or masher. Gradually add the garlic-infused butter and cream mixture, blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Scoop into a serving bowl, top with a pat of butter and chopped chives. Serve warm and creamy.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are a dream pairing for anything savory. Serve them alongside classic meatloaf, grilled steak, roast chicken, or even as a bed for braised short ribs. They’re also a perfect match for festive holiday dinners and cozy Sunday suppers.

To store, let the mashed potatoes cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of cream or milk, stirring gently until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep mashed potatoes from getting gummy?

Overmixing is usually the culprit. Use a masher or ricer instead of a food processor, and add the liquid gradually.

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! They reheat beautifully. Just add a splash of cream or milk while reheating on the stove to bring back the creamy texture.

What kind of garlic works best?

Fresh garlic cloves are best. Avoid pre-minced garlic for this recipe—it can taste bitter.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Absolutely. The result will be slightly lighter, but still delicious.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 6 servings, depending on portion size.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try mixing in sour cream, Parmesan cheese, or roasted garlic for a richer twist.

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Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If these creamy mashed potatoes hit the spot, you’ll love exploring more comforting sides:

• Try our Roasted Parmesan Green Beans for a crispy contrast.
• Dive into the Simple Cheesy Potatoes if you love all things buttery and baked.
• Pair with the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a full garlic-forward meal.
• Looking for a lighter dish? Simple and Quick German Potato Salad brings a tangy flair to the table.
• Or go hearty with French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it classic or throw in your own twist? Did you try it with roasted garlic or topped it with cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, together.

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