This easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe combines the earthy comfort of red potatoes with the aromatic warmth of whole garlic cloves, all enhanced by the richness of butter and sour cream. Enjoy a creamy side perfect for any meal or holiday feast!
Mashed potatoes are popular comfort food due to their warm, creamy texture and the familiar, hearty satisfaction they bring to a meal. Mashed potatoes can be made in a variety of different ways, creating many different flavors. One of the best ways to add flavor to mashed potatoes is by adding a rich garlic flavor. This recipe uses a FULL head of garlic to infuse into the dish for a pungent flavor that just works.
And they’re easy to make! You'll start by boiling your red potatoes and garlic together until they're nice and tender. Drain, then add in the butter, black pepper, onion powder, sour cream, and milk. Mash until everything's smooth with just a few lumps for texture, and you’ve got the perfect garlic lovers side dish!
Mashed red potatoes with garlic can be served with nearly any main course. Try it out with Creamy Ranch Chicken or plate next to some Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes. They’ll also be a great side dish for any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or holiday dinner. No matter how you serve them, this garlic-forward potato dish is the best way to enjoy any meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The use of whole garlic cloves infuses the potatoes with a deep, aromatic flavor that garlic lovers will appreciate, taking the dish from plain to zesty.
- It’s a great way to upgrade a familiar side without needing specialized ingredients or complicated techniques.
- Sour cream not only contributes to a richer, creamier texture but also adds a subtle tanginess that beautifully complements the savory profile of the dish.
- Perfect for a wide range of occasions, these garlic mashed potatoes can elevate a weeknight dinner or shine as a side dish during a holiday feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Petite Red Potatoes - These small, flavorful potatoes cook quickly and offer a naturally buttery taste and smooth texture, forming the perfect base for this dish.
- Head of Garlic - By using a whole head of garlic, the recipe infuses the potatoes with a mellow, sweet, and slightly nutty garlic flavor that's more sophisticated and less sharp than raw or powdered garlic.
- Butter - Adds a rich, creamy dimension to the texture and a velvety, indulgent flavor that makes these mashed potatoes irresistibly smooth.
- Black Pepper - A dash of black pepper works to enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients, adding a subtle heat and spiciness that balances the creaminess of the dish.
- Onion Powder - Adds a depth of savory flavor, complementing the garlic and providing a fuller, more rounded taste profile.
- Sour Cream - Introduces a tangy richness, improving the mashed potatoes’ consistency.
- Milk - Helps lighten the texture of the mashed potatoes, making them creamier and silkier while also balancing the richness of the butter and sour cream.
How To Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes under cold water, removing any dirt. Quarter each potato. For smaller potatoes, cut in half, making sure all pieces are close to being uniform in size.
Boil the garlic and potatoes: Add the potatoes and garlic cloves to a large pot. Cover them with filtered water until the water line is one inch above. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Add remaining ingredients: Drain the water from the potato and garlic mixture. Add in the butter, black pepper, onion powder, sour cream, and milk.
Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes until the milk and butter are thoroughly mixed and the potatoes reach a creamy consistency with a few lumps. Serve while hot. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Choosing petite red potatoes is crucial as they have a naturally creamy texture and sweet flavor, making for a smoother mash.
- Make sure to start with cold water when boiling your potatoes and garlic; this ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Don't peel your red potatoes; the skins are not only nutritious but also contribute to the rustic texture and appearance while adding fiber.
- To check if your potatoes are cooked, insert a fork into one piece; if it enters smoothly with no resistance, they're ready for mashing.
- Instead of just adding the butter straight from the fridge, let it reach room temperature; it'll mix more efficiently into the hot potatoes, creating a creamier consistency.
- Be cautious with the amount of liquid you add; it's best to add milk gradually to avoid overly liquid potatoes.
- Use a potato masher for a rustic, chunkier texture, but if you prefer smoother potatoes, use an electric mixer. Be careful not to over-mix, or your potatoes might become gummy.
- If you're not serving them immediately, keep the mashed potatoes warm by placing them in a heatproof bowl and setting them over a pot of simmering water; they’ll stay warm and creamy until you're ready to serve.
Variations
- Incorporate cheese for a cheesy twist; stirring in grated Parmesan, cheddar, or Gouda cheese after mashing.
- Replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version that maintains a creamy consistency but with more protein and less fat.
- Add some greens by mixing in cooked, finely chopped spinach or kale with the mashed potatoes, boosting the nutritional value.
- Add a bit of heat with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a couple of dashes of your favorite hot sauce, enhancing the warmth and complexity.
- Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary can be finely chopped and stirred in after mashing for a fragrant, garden-fresh taste and a pop of color.
- If red potatoes aren’t available, feel free to use another type, such as Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor or Russet potatoes for a fluffier texture; just keep in mind the consistency might slightly change.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: To store leftover garlic mashed potatoes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days. Do not leave the mashed potatoes at room temperature for more than two hours, as bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F. When you're ready to reheat, add a little more milk or butter to restore the original creamy consistency, as they tend to thicken when chilled.
Freezing: To freeze, spoon your cooled mashed potatoes into individual portion sizes on a baking sheet or place them directly into freezer-safe bags or containers. Before sealing, press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding additional milk or butter as needed to reach your desired consistency.
FAQ
If fresh garlic isn't available, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic called for in the recipe. However, keep in mind that the distinctive depth of flavor achieved with fresh garlic will be slightly different, and the dish may have a milder garlic taste.
If your mashed potatoes are too runny, you can thicken them by returning them to the heat and cooking on low, allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking, and you can also add more mashed potato flakes or cooked mashed potatoes to help absorb some of the excess liquid.
Yes, you can prepare garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time. After cooking, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you're ready to serve, reheat them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of extra milk or butter to retain a creamy texture.
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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs petite red potatoes (washed and quartered)
- 1 Whole head of garlic (peeled and separated)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1½ cups sour cream
- ¾ cup milk
Instructions
- In a large pot, add quartered potatoes and garlic. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes by 1-inch. Put it on the stovetop and bring it to a boil. Allow it to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and add butter, black pepper, onion powder, sour cream, and milk with a potato masher or electric mixer. Mash potatoes until the milk and butter are thoroughly mixed, and the potatoes reach a creamy consistency with a few lumps.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Keep the skins on your red potatoes; they not only bring nutritional benefits but also enhance the rustic texture and appearance, all while adding valuable fiber.
- When adding the milk. It's best to add it gradually to prevent your potatoes from becoming overly runny.
- In the absence of fresh garlic, you can use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic specified in the recipe. Keep in mind that while this substitution works, the unique depth of flavor that fresh garlic imparts may result in a slightly milder garlic taste in the dish.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
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