
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
Ingredients
Open in recipe scaler →
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
- 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.
- 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].
- 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].
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the room-temperature @[Butter] pieces and stir them in with a #[Wooden Spoon] or #[Spatula] until fully melted and incorporated.
- 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.
- 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.
