The ultimate comforting holiday side dish
Garlic mashed potatoes are the cozy, creamy side dish that belongs at every holiday table! Fluffy potatoes blended with roasted garlic and butter create a smooth, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with turkey, beef roast, or any festive main course. The best part? This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a side that everyone will be scooping seconds of. Whether you love them buttery, garlicky, or with a touch of cream, these mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food you’ll keep making again and again.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk (warm)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes & garlic: Place potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain well: Drain potatoes and garlic in a colander, then return them to the hot pot to steam dry for 1 minute (this keeps them fluffy). 🌬️
- Mash & mix: Add butter, warm milk, cream (if using), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. 🥔✨
- Taste & adjust: Add more salt or milk if needed for your perfect texture.
- Garnish & serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives, and serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Roasted Garlic Upgrade: For deeper flavor, roast the garlic in the oven before adding it to the potatoes.
- Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter twist.
- Serving Idea: Top with melted butter and crispy beef bacon crumbles for an extra indulgent touch. 🥓✨
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 220 | 4g | 32g | 9g | 3g | 2g |