Name: Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 whole head garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup unsalted butter; ¾–1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk); 1 tsp salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp white pepper (optional); 2 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese (optional, extra creamy); Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a side dish that combines creamy texture, rich flavor, and a wonderful hint of garlic, look no further than the Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This crowd-pleaser elevates traditional mashed potatoes with the deep, mellow taste of roasted garlic, silky butter, and smooth cream. Perfectly fluffy yet decadently rich, these potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that will steal the spotlight at any family dinner or holiday feast. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever made mashed potatoes without it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with small yellow potatoes sits in the center on a white marbled surface. Surrounding the bowl are various ingredients: a carton of half and half cream on the back left, a block of butter in front of it, and fresh green herbs in clear plastic containers to the back right. To the front right of the bowl is a bunch of fresh green parsley. Salt and pepper shakers are placed on the left side, near a small white cup of cream and a little pile of ground seasoning. The scene is bright and neatly arranged, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of a few core ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and wonderfully balanced flavor we all crave in a perfect mash.

3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes: These provide a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor that form the base of the dish.
1 whole head garlic: Roasting softens the garlic’s sharpness, bringing out a sweet and mellow garlic essence.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for roasting the garlic to golden perfection, enhancing the nutty flavor.
½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the mashed potatoes.
¾–1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk): Creamy liquid that creates that unbeatable fluffy texture.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle background spice that balances the richness.
¼ tsp white pepper (optional): A gentle pepper kick without visible specks in the mash.
2 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese (optional): Elevates creaminess even further and adds a slight tang.
Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that gives a subtle herbal brightness.

How to Make Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the whole head of garlic and carefully cut off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil, then wrap it tightly in foil and roast for 35–40 minutes until the cloves are gloriously soft and golden. This roasting transforms raw garlic into a sweet, caramelized flavor powerhouse that gently infuses every bite of the mash.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

While the garlic is roasting, peel and cube your Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in a large pot with plenty of salted water and bring it to a boil. Let the potatoes cook for 15–18 minutes until they are fork-tender. This ensures a perfect consistency when mashing – not too lumpy but not gluey either.

Step 3: Mash and Combine

Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot off the heat. Squeeze out the softened roasted garlic cloves directly into the potatoes, ensuring every bit of that fragrant roasted garlic goes in. Add the unsalted butter and mash everything together until creamy and lump-free.

Step 4: Add Cream and Season

Slowly stir in your warmed heavy cream (or whole milk) a little at a time, watching the potatoes become irresistibly fluffy and smooth. If you want that extra creamy indulgence, mix in sour cream or cream cheese at this stage. Finish with salt, black pepper, and a touch of white pepper if using, adjusting to your personal taste to create a perfectly balanced dish.

How to Serve Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

The image shows a pot filled with creamy mashed potatoes that have a soft and smooth texture with some small lumps. The mashed potatoes are light yellow with a swirl of melted butter on top, creating a shiny golden layer. Roasted garlic cloves with a light brown color are scattered on the surface, along with small green chive pieces sprinkled evenly. A wooden spoon is scooping some mashed potatoes from the center, showing a dense and creamy inside. The pot is black with white handles, and it rests on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a small white bowl with chopped chives. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley on top not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds a subtle herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the potatoes. For an extra touch of indulgence, a small pat of butter melting on top just before serving can be a delightful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

The Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a versatile companion to many main courses. It shines alongside roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef, and also pairs wonderfully with sautéed vegetables or hearty stews. Its creamy texture and rich flavor balance and complement almost any savory dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with a drizzle of browned butter and crispy garlic chips. Or turn them into a loaded mashed potato bowl by stirring in crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. The possibilities are endless when you start with such a stellar base recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of the Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe, they keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it ideal for preparing ahead for gatherings or holiday meals.

Freezing

You can freeze mashed potatoes, but be sure to let them cool completely first. Store in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and they will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore their fluffy texture. Stir frequently to heat evenly and avoid drying out. The Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe tastes just as incredible the next day when reheated properly.

FAQs

Can I use regular white potatoes instead of Yukon Gold for this recipe?

Yes, you can use russet or other white potatoes, but Yukon Golds are recommended because they naturally have a creamy, buttery texture that makes the Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe extra smooth and flavorful.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I use milk?

Absolutely! Whole milk is a great substitute for heavy cream if you want a lighter dish, though the cream will give a richer, silkier finish. Just make sure to warm the milk before adding to help it absorb better into the potatoes.

Can I make these mashed potatoes vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and using plant-based milk such as oat or almond milk. Roasted garlic still shines as the flavor base in a vegan mash!

Why include roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?

Roasted garlic is soft, mellow, and sweet compared to sharp raw garlic. It blends smoothly into mashed potatoes, adding rich depth of flavor without overpowering the dish or leaving a harsh aftertaste.

Is sour cream necessary in the Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe?

Sour cream is optional but highly recommended if you want extra creaminess and a subtle tangy layer that elevates the flavor. If you prefer a simpler mash, feel free to omit it without losing the dish’s signature richness.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple yet utterly luxurious, straightforward but packed with flavor and texture that will make it your new favorite side. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday spread or a cozy weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making mashed potatoes this way every time.

Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need