Home Food Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Jo Cooks

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Jo Cooks

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Creamy, comforting, and oh-so delicious, Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish! Made with rich Yukon Gold potatoes, a touch of butter, and the magic of freshly roasted garlic, these velvety potatoes melt right in your mouth! 

a white bowl with garlic mashed potatoes and a pat of butter on top and garnished with chives.

The Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Prepare to elevate your potato game as we dive headfirst into the realm of creamy garlic mashed potatoes! This incredible dish takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level by incorporating roasted garlic, going beyond the everyday ordinary mashed potatoes. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones for a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting indulgence, these garlic-infused mashed potatoes promise an unforgettable and flavorful experience.

ingredients needed to make garlic mashed potatoes.
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: These yellow-fleshed potatoes are naturally buttery and creamy, providing the ideal base. You can also use Russet potatoes, but they will produce a slightly different texture. 
  • Garlic: The star of this recipe! Once roasted, the garlic infuses the potatoes with a sweet, nutty flavor. 
  • Butter: Adds a buttery richness that complements the roasted garlic. You should always use unsalted butter in cooking to control the saltiness of the final dish.  
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances the creaminess and gives the garlic mashed potatoes their dreamy texture. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer.
  • Salt: An essential seasoning that brings the dish together. 
  • Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness of the butter and cream. 
  • Chives: Provide a burst of color and a hint of oniony freshness. You can also garnish the potatoes with green onions or fresh parsley as alternatives.

Making homemade mashed potatoes is super easy! With just a few simple steps, you can transform humble ingredients into a side dish that’s both comforting and delicious.

process shots showing how to make garlic mashed potatoes.

To begin you need to roast your garlic! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then take the garlic and cut the top off each head to expose the garlic cloves. Now, wrap each head in foil and put them in the oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. When done, the cloves should be soft and slightly caramelized. Then set them aside to cool.

process shots showing how to make garlic mashed potatoes.

While the garlic is roasting, peel your potatoes and cut them into quarters that are all about the same size. Next, put them into a large pot, add just enough water to cover them, and then add a generous amount of salt to season the water.

process shots showing how to make garlic mashed potatoes.

After you’ve prepped your potatoes, bring them to a rapid boil over medium-high heat. Then once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork tender. 

process shots showing how to make garlic mashed potatoes.

With the garlic roasted and potatoes cooked, it’s time to start bringing the elements together. First, drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Next, use your fingers to squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and add it to the pot with the cooked potatoes.

process shots showing how to make garlic mashed potatoes.

Time for potato mashing magic! Add the unsalted butter and heavy cream to the pot. Then use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and garlic together until they become a smooth and creamy consistency. You can also use an electric hand mixer if you prefer an even smoother texture. Then give your mashed potatoes a taste and season them with salt and pepper as needed.

Once mashed, garnish your roast garlic mashed potatoes with some freshly chopped chives and a pat of butter. Then serve them on the side with some Instant Pot turkey breast or Swedish Meatballs if you like! 

a white bowl with garlic mashed potatoes and a pat of butter on top and garnished with chives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I add to the potatoes?

You can certainly get creative and add extra ingredients or garnishes to suit your taste. Some popular additions include grated cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of truffle oil.

How do you fix gluey mashed potatoes?

If your potatoes turn out gluey, it’s typically due to overmixing or overcooking. To fix this, gently reheat the mashed potatoes and gradually incorporate more hot milk or cream, while stirring. But be careful not to overdo it. You need to add the liquid in small increments until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.

Why are my mashed potatoes not mashing?

It might be because you didn’t cook them long enough or you didn’t use the right type of potatoes. It’s important to cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender. You can also use a potato ricer to try to fix the texture.

a white bowl with garlic mashed potatoes and a pat of butter on top and garnished with chives.

Storage

You can store leftover garlic mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little extra cream or milk to restore their creamy texture and warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.

It’s also possible to freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. Then simply let them thaw out overnight in the fridge and reheat them to enjoy.

a white bowl with garlic mashed potatoes and a pat of butter on top and garnished with chives.

Discover More Great Sides

a white bowl with garlic mashed potatoes and a pat of butter on top and garnished with chives.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 1 hour

Total 1 hour 15 minutes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Garlic Mashed Potatoes, a harmonious blend of creamy Yukon Gold potatoes and roasted garlic. Every bite offers a velvety texture and a rich depth of flavor, elevated by the lusciousness of butter and heavy cream.

Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of each head of garlic to expose the cloves, leaving the head itself intact. Wrap each head with foil and place in the oven for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and slightly caramelized. Let cool

  • While the garlic is roasting, peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Place them in a large pot and add enough water to cover the potatoes. Add a generous amount of salt.

  • Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and add it to the pot with the potatoes.

  • Add the butter and heavy cream to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and garlic until they are smooth and creamy. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also use an electric mixer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well.

  • Garnish with chopped fresh chives and a pat of butter.

Notes

  1. Potato Type: Yukon Gold potatoes are chosen for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, but Russets can also be used if preferred.
  2. Roasted Garlic: If in a hurry, minced garlic sautéed in butter can be substituted, but roasted garlic gives a richer, more mellow flavor.
  3. Creaminess Level: Adjust the heavy cream amount to achieve desired consistency. For lighter potatoes, substitute with half-and-half or milk.
  4. Mashing Technique: For ultra-smooth potatoes, consider passing them through a potato ricer before mashing or use a hand mixer to mix them well.
  5. Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the seasoning. Some might prefer a more pronounced garlic or pepper punch.
  6. Storing & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 460kcal (23%)Carbohydrates: 44g (15%)Protein: 7g (14%)Fat: 30g (46%)Saturated Fat: 19g (119%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mg (28%)Sodium: 28mg (1%)Potassium: 1039mg (30%)Fiber: 5g (21%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 1134IU (23%)Vitamin C: 49mg (59%)Calcium: 76mg (8%)Iron: 2mg (11%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

a white bowl with garlic mashed potatoes and a pat of butter on top and garnished with chives.

Did You Make This?

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @jocooks or hashtag #jocooks so we can see your creations!