Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, Buttery, and Full of Flavor
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a rich, buttery texture to any meal. Made with creamy potatoes, roasted or sautéed garlic, and a touch of butter and cream, this dish pairs perfectly with everything from roasted meats to vegetable sides.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Mashed Potatoes
🥔 Creamy and Buttery Texture
The combination of heavy cream and butter makes these mashed potatoes irresistibly smooth and rich.
🧄 Full of Garlic Flavor
Roasted or sautéed garlic adds a deep, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste.
🕒 Easy to Make and Versatile
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes, and it pairs well with a variety of meals.
🌿 Customizable to Your Taste
You can adjust the level of garlic, add herbs, or mix in cheese for extra flavor.
Ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra melted butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions for Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes
- Fill a large pot with water and add the potato chunks.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Garlic
- For roasted garlic: Wrap unpeeled garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, until soft and golden.
- For sautéed garlic: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
3️⃣ Mash the Potatoes
- Place the drained potatoes back into the pot or a large mixing bowl.
- Add butter, heavy cream, sour cream (if using), roasted or sautéed garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4️⃣ Mix Until Creamy
- Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or an electric hand mixer for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or butter if needed.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra melted butter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips for the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes
🧄 Use Roasted Garlic for a Milder Flavor
Roasted garlic has a sweeter, nuttier flavor compared to raw minced garlic. If you want a strong garlic taste, use sautéed garlic instead.
🥔 Choose the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes give a fluffy texture, while Yukon gold potatoes add a naturally buttery flavor and creaminess.
🥛 Don’t Overmix
For the best texture, mash the potatoes just until creamy. Overmixing can make them gluey.
🌱 Enhance with Herbs and Cheese
Fresh thyme, chives, or rosemary can add depth, while Parmesan or cheddar cheese brings a savory kick.
Variations to Try
🧀 Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese for extra richness.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.
🥑 Dairy-Free Version: Replace butter and cream with olive oil and almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free option.
🥓 Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Top with crispy bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream for a loaded mashed potato experience.
Why Garlic Mashed Potatoes Are a Must-Try
Garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect balance of creamy, buttery, and savory flavors, making them a go-to side dish for any occasion. They are simple to prepare, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re serving them alongside steak, roast chicken, or holiday turkey, these mashed potatoes will elevate your meal and leave everyone asking for seconds. Try them today and enjoy a bowl of warm, garlicky goodness that never goes out of style.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic minced or roasted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For Garnish Optional:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Extra melted butter
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add the potato chunks.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and set aside.
- For roasted garlic: Wrap unpeeled garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, until soft and golden.
- For sautéed garlic: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Place the drained potatoes back into the pot or a large mixing bowl.
- Add butter, heavy cream, sour cream (if using), roasted or sautéed garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or an electric hand mixer for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or butter if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra melted butter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm and enjoy.