Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery garlic mashed potatoes made the classic way — with roasted or simmered garlic, real butter, and warm cream. This reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe delivers silky, fluffy mashed potatoes with a rich garlic flavor every time. Perfect as a weeknight side or a holiday showstopper.

6 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 30 min · Total 45 min

Side Dish

  • 3 lb Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces, room temperature
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream warmed
  • 0.25 cup whole milk warmed
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt plus more for the cooking water
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter for serving on top

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Blender
  • Stand Mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pot
  • Fork
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Spatula
  • Pan
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Saucepan (1 Quart)
  • Dipping Fork
  • Potato Masher
  • Colander

Instructions

  1. Place the @[Yukon Gold Potatoes] chunks and smashed @[Garlic] cloves in a large #[Pot]. Cover with cold water by at least 1 inch and add a generous pinch of @[Kosher Salt] (about 1 tablespoon). Starting in cold water ensures the potatoes cook evenly all the way through.
  2. Bring the #[Pot] to a boil ^[over high heat], then reduce to a steady simmer. Cook until the @[Yukon Gold Potatoes] are completely tender and a fork slides in with no resistance, ~[about 18–22 minutes].
  3. While the potatoes cook, warm the @[Heavy Cream] and @[Milk] together in a small #[Saucepan] ^[over low heat], or microwave in a #[Measuring Cups] for ~[about 60 seconds].
  4. Drain the @[Yukon Gold Potatoes] and @[Garlic] thoroughly in a #[Colander], then return them to the hot #[Pot]. Shake the pot ^[over low heat] for ~[1–2 minutes] to evaporate any remaining moisture.
  5. Use a #[Potato Masher] or ricer to mash the @[Yukon Gold Potatoes] and @[Garlic] together until smooth. If using a ricer, pass the @[Garlic] through separately or mash it first with a fork. Avoid using an electric mixer or blender — over-working releases too much starch and makes the potatoes gluey.
  6. Add the room-temperature @[Butter] pieces and stir them in with a #[Wooden Spoon] or #[Spatula] until fully melted and incorporated.
  7. Pour in the warm @[Heavy Cream] and @[Milk] gradually, stirring gently after each addition, until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. Add a splash more warm @[Milk] if you prefer them looser. Season with 1½ teaspoons @[Kosher Salt] and freshly ground @[Black Pepper], then taste and adjust.
  8. Transfer to a warm serving bowl. If desired, make a small well in the center and add a pat of @[Butter]. Garnish with fresh @[Chives] and an extra crack of @[Black Pepper]. Serve immediately.