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    Home » Appetizers & Sides

    Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Published: Jul 7, 2020 / Updated: Aug 7, 2022 / 53 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    These garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Restaurant-style mashed potatoes are totally doable in your own kitchen!

    You may also like my Make Ahead Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (Creamy & Garlicky) for similar recipes with different cooking methods.

    the best garlic mashed potatoes in a beige bowl with plenty of butter on top!

    Why you'll love them

    In my opinion, when you're making mashed potatoes, this ain't the time to go easy on the butter or cream. I remember Bobby Flay saying the same thing, and I was happy that he agrees with me. 😉 Ever wonder why mashed potatoes taste so good at steakhouses? They are absolutely loaded with butter and cream. So don't skimp on them, whatever you do!

    There are, of course, many ways to make mashed potatoes from scratch, but my all-time favorite is to use cream, making it the ultimate side dish that goes with practically everything. The classics really never fail. If you're wondering how to make garlic mashed potatoes, you've come to the right place. I like to keep it simple since you can never go wrong with a tried and true method.

    What you'll need

    • Potatoes - I usually like Russets for mashed potatoes, but Yukon Gold are a close second if they're unavailable
    • Heavy cream - for that signature creamy texture
    • Butter - what makes really good mashed potatoes special
    • Garlic - it's way easier to mince garlic with a garlic press vs. chopping it since you don't even need to peel the cloves first
    • Salt & pepper - it's important to be generous with salt especially to bring out the flavors

    Pro tips

    • When I make mashed potatoes, I always add garlic. My mom did it that way, and it just tastes right to me. I used four fairly normal sized cloves of garlic. I notice garlic cloves are getting bigger and bigger these days, but I didn't use the huge ones.
    • With that said, you can add as little or as much garlic as you want. I tried to make this recipe not too garlicky since not everyone is a massive garlic lover like me, but you can definitely taste it. My little trick is to slightly cook the garlic in the butter and cream mixture to take the edge off so you don't have that stronger raw garlic taste. 
    boiling potatoes and making creamy mixture in a saucepan

    How to make garlic mashed potatoes

    This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    • Clean and peel the potatoes, and cut them into thirds. Boil them in a pot of salted water.
    • While they're boiling, add the ingredients for the cream mixture to a small pan. Warm through until the garlic cooks a little.
    • Thoroughly drain the potatoes, and return them to the pot. Pour in the cream mixture slowly, and mash using a handheld potato masher until smooth without overworking them. Top with extra butter and chopped parsley or chives if desired.

    Substitutions and variations

    • Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold make the best mashed potatoes. You can use other varieties like red potatoes; just take extra care not to overwork them since they can end up gluey.
    • You can definitely include potato skins if you want. It's totally up to you. You could even peel a couple of the potatoes and leave the others as-is. Just be sure they're scrubbed clean beforehand.
    • I don't recommend substituting the butter or cream for lower fat alternatives. It just won't taste nearly as good! However, you could even add a bit more of each than I recommend if you really want to go all out.

    What to serve with them

    • I highly recommend serving my popular Creamy Garlic Chicken with mashed potatoes. Throw in a salad with my Easy Caesar Dressing, and it's an amazing homemade meal!
    • If you're cooking this for the holidays, you'll want to make it with my Easy Roast Turkey and classic side dishes like Green Bean Casserole.
    garlic mashed potatoes in a yellow Le Creuset pot

    Leftovers and storage

    • They're best fresh, but leftover mashed potatoes will keep for a few days in an airtight container in the fridge.
    • I reheat them on a low heat and add a splash more cream and then mash them again to restore them to their former glory.

    More delicious mashed potato recipes

    • Bacon Ranch Mashed Potatoes
    • Easy Instant Pot Colcannon Recipe
    • Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
    • Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
    • Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes) with Bacon
    close-up of creamy garlic mashed potatoes in a serving bowl

    I hope you'll love this garlic mashed potatoes recipe as much as I do! Questions? Made it? Tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram, and leave me a comment below. 🙂

    the best garlic mashed potatoes in a beige bowl with plenty of butter on top!

    Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    These garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Restaurant-style mashed potatoes are totally doable in your own kitchen!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 315 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled
    • 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • Pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Peel the potatoes (or leave some/all of them unpeeled if you prefer, just make sure to scrub them well) and cut them into thirds. Add them to a salted pot of water and boil until a sharp knife easily pierces them.
    • Meanwhile, while the potatoes are boiling, add the cream, butter, garlic, and salt & pepper to a small saucepan over low heat. I let it slowly warm through (and the garlic slightly cooks). The garlic flavor nicely infuses the cream so the potatoes are more evenly flavored.
    • Drain the potatoes thoroughly and leave them in the pot. Slowly pour in the cream mixture and mash the potatoes using a hand-held potato masher. Mash until the cream has been absorbed and you've got a nice, smooth mash. Don't over-mash or they may end up gluey.
    • Serve potatoes with extra butter (if desired). I also sometimes like to sprinkle some chopped parsley and/or chives over top (optional).

    Notes

    • Serves 6-8 depending on portion size.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 409mgPotassium: 732mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 683IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword garlic mashed potatoes recipe
    Author Natasha Bull
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    1. Tamara says

      January 13, 2023 at 10:44 AM

      Can you make these garlic mashed potatoes a day ahead and then just warm them in a casserole dish in the oven the next day?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 13, 2023 at 11:38 AM

        You could try that for sure. I'd probably add a splash more milk or cream and re-mash as needed.

        Reply
    2. Rhonda Nunan says

      December 12, 2022 at 11:30 AM

      5 stars
      This was better than expected doing it this way does spread the flavors evenly through the mash. Il make again and again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 12, 2022 at 12:52 PM

        Great!

        Reply
    3. Gaby says

      November 20, 2022 at 2:37 PM

      How do would you double this for 16 servings ?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 20, 2022 at 3:03 PM

        I would double every ingredient and use a large pot.

        Reply
    4. Tammy says

      August 4, 2022 at 5:16 PM

      5 stars
      My family loves these potatoes and there so easy

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 4, 2022 at 6:39 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that!! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Gabrielle says

      November 21, 2021 at 6:25 AM

      Can I make these a day ahead of time? If so, what's the best way to reheat?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 21, 2021 at 9:53 AM

        Yes! You could reheat in a Crockpot, but I usually just reheat them in a covered pot on the stove over a low heat. I usually add a splash more cream and re-mash them to get that creamy texture back.

        Reply
    6. Kristina M. says

      October 26, 2021 at 11:23 AM

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious!!! Best garlic mash I've ever had!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 26, 2021 at 11:28 AM

        I'm thrilled to hear that!! Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Jessica says

      June 28, 2021 at 5:01 PM

      5 stars
      This is my go-to mashed potato recipe. Thank you for this!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 28, 2021 at 5:35 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that, Jessica! You're very welcome.

        Reply
    8. Shana says

      May 23, 2021 at 2:57 PM

      Use a pressure cooker for the potatoes. Small ones or larger ones quartered take 6 minutes to cook at full pressure. No stirring or scorching-guaranteed.

      Reply
    9. Sam says

      April 24, 2021 at 5:09 PM

      5 stars
      Best mashed potatoes I have tried!! Very garlicky and perfectly seasoned. I used a hand mixer and it mashed very well and wasn’t gummy. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 24, 2021 at 5:26 PM

        That great to hear!! Thank you for leaving me a review! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Lynne Brown says

      February 22, 2021 at 8:27 PM

      5 stars
      I made these this evening. They were great!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 23, 2021 at 9:36 AM

        Thanks so much!! 😀

        Reply
    11. Sherri Le Saulnier says

      February 2, 2021 at 11:37 AM

      When your heating your creme butter garlic mixture are your cloves whole and then mashed when you mash the potatoes?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 2, 2021 at 12:20 PM

        Nope, they're minced (it says in the ingredients list). I think that if you wanted to use whole cloves, you may be better off roasting them... but I sure do love that idea... yum!

        Reply
    12. Jody says

      January 28, 2021 at 5:32 PM

      Wow love the recipe & I just love homemade mashed potatoes instead of the box potatoes 🤗

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 29, 2021 at 11:52 AM

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    13. Debra says

      November 26, 2020 at 8:37 AM

      5 stars
      Delicious! I made these today for our small Thanksgiving dinner. I used milk as I didn’t have heavy cream. They came out great. This one is a keeper! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 26, 2020 at 10:18 AM

        That's great! So happy they worked out.

        Reply
    14. Arpita P says

      November 26, 2020 at 6:09 AM

      5 stars
      Made this today for Thanksgiving dinner. It was an easy recipe to follow and the mashed potatoes turned out creamy and garlicy just like the way my family likes it. Yummy!!! Thank you for this recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 26, 2020 at 8:17 AM

        Wonderful! Happy Thanksgiving ♥️♥️

        Reply
    15. Indira says

      November 25, 2020 at 9:44 PM

      How many russet potatoes will I need?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 25, 2020 at 9:46 PM

        3 pounds worth (it says in the recipe card... just scroll down to the bottom of the post).

        Reply
        • Indira says

          November 26, 2020 at 9:17 AM

          Unfortunately I don’t have a scale so I’m not sure how many would equal 3pounds....

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            November 26, 2020 at 10:15 AM

            I know you're probably not able/don't want to go to the store today since it's Thanksgiving, but for future reference, you just weigh them at the store (every produce section of every major grocery store has a scale). I don't give the # of potatoes for recipes like this because potato sizes vary so much. If you're using Russets, generally 2-3 Russets will weigh a pound (so like 2 large ones would weigh a pound or so), but sizing can vary. Let me know if you end up trying the recipe. I will say mashed potatoes are somewhat forgiving, so I think you'll be ok. You may need to adjust the liquid quantities if the potatoes seem too wet/dry so add it in gradually. Happy Thanksgiving!

            Reply
          • Drew says

            April 11, 2021 at 11:24 AM

            Typically you will buy 2lb, 3lb or 5lb bags at the store. I buy whatever bag the recipe calls for to make it easy.

            Reply
    16. smalls says

      November 25, 2020 at 8:21 PM

      5 stars
      So good, garlicky and creamy!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 25, 2020 at 8:24 PM

        So glad you enjoyed 'em! 🙂

        Reply
    17. Charlotte Gaetano says

      November 24, 2020 at 1:32 PM

      5 stars
      Love this recipe easy to do and very tasty. My Husband loved it so did I. A definite keeper

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 25, 2020 at 1:35 PM

        That's great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to review it! 🙂

        Reply
    18. Megan says

      November 23, 2020 at 8:09 PM

      Can I make this a day ahead of time and reheat in a crockpot?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 23, 2020 at 8:15 PM

        I think that should work fine! You may need to re-mash them a bit (possibly add more cream or chicken broth if needed).

        Reply
    19. Michelle says

      November 23, 2020 at 3:18 PM

      Looking forward to making these for Thanksgiving. Should I use salted or unsalted butter? Or does it even matter?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 23, 2020 at 4:57 PM

        I always use unsalted because then it's easier to control the amount of salt. If you use salted butter, I'd add less than the suggest 1 teaspoon of salt (at least to start with, and you can taste & adjust as needed). Hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    20. Sarah says

      November 23, 2020 at 12:22 PM

      Totally going to use this for Thanksgiving this week! Quick question: can I replace the minced garlic with garlic powder? If so, what would that the equivalent be? Thanks! xx

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 23, 2020 at 12:35 PM

        Awesome! I hope you enjoy it. Hmmm... I don't see why that wouldn't work! I would start with 1/2 teaspoon, mash it, and then add more if needed. I'm starting on the low side just in case you find it a bit overpowering.

        Reply
    21. Krystyna says

      November 14, 2020 at 5:50 PM

      Love this recipe! I'm Polish and love garlic so I put more in then your recipe states. Mmm-mmm good. Loved by the whole family!!. First time using cream, won't be the last. Quick, easy and tasty Thank you!

      Reply
      • Krystyna LaPlante says

        November 14, 2020 at 5:52 PM

        5 stars
        Sorry meant to put that above

        Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 14, 2020 at 8:26 PM

        I also add extra garlic to everything haha. So glad you enjoyed the cream too! Thank you!

        Reply
    22. Rosie says

      November 7, 2020 at 7:43 PM

      5 stars
      Loved loved this recipe! I was trying to mash it super smooth since my husband has texture issues and I ended up adding it to the blender... Bad idea lol made it whipped mash! Other than my bad idea, they were amazing before I blended them up lol thought you would appreciate my oopsie

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 7, 2020 at 8:10 PM

        Hahha your comment made me laugh. That is too funny. Oh well, I'm glad that they tasted good at least. 😀

        Reply
    23. Humberto says

      October 28, 2020 at 12:39 PM

      5 stars
      Great recipe very easy to follow .
      Added extra garlic and use nonfat half and half instead .
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 28, 2020 at 1:46 PM

        Awesome! Glad you liked it! 🙂

        Reply
    24. Helen says

      September 26, 2020 at 5:07 PM

      Can I use half-n-half instead of heavy whipping cream??

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 26, 2020 at 6:28 PM

        Sure, but the recipe may not turn out the same.

        Reply
        • Helen says

          September 29, 2020 at 3:49 PM

          5 stars
          Decided to wait until I had heavy cream in the house and it was well worth it. They are delicious and were a big hit with my family. Thanks!

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            September 29, 2020 at 6:15 PM

            Awesome!!

            Reply

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