Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes! This dreamy side dish combines buttery Yukon gold potatoes with rich, aromatic garlic, a touch of cream, and a flurry of fresh chives on top. It’s the perfect mash-up of flavors and textures, turning even basic weeknight dinners into something a little more special. Whether you’re planning a big holiday meal or just craving that classic, cozy taste, these mashed potatoes deliver every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes is how they transform a handful of kitchen staples into a side dish everyone will rave about. Each ingredient truly does its part, from bringing out the sweetness of the potatoes to adding the creamy, luxurious finish that makes these mash potatoes unforgettable.

Yukon gold potatoes: Their buttery texture and golden color make for the richest, creamiest mashed potatoes you’ll ever try.
Unsalted butter: Adds unparalleled silkiness and that classic, indulgent flavor.
Fresh garlic: Minced and sautéed for a mellow, nutty aroma that infuses every bite.
Heavy whipping cream: Warmed cream brings a lush, decadent mouthfeel you can’t achieve with milk alone.
2% or skim milk: Adjustable for your preferred level of creaminess without making things too heavy.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the subtle flavors.
Fresh chives: This final touch adds freshness and a pop of green that makes the whole dish sing.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling your Yukon gold potatoes and chopping them into even 1-inch cubes. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water—this helps them cook evenly. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until a fork slides in effortlessly. A gentle simmer keeps your Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes from becoming gluey.

Step 2: Drain and Keep Warm

Once your potatoes are perfectly tender, drain them well and return them to the warm pot. Pop the lid back on to keep in all that cozy heat. This little trick ensures your spuds stay fluffy and soft, and not waterlogged, as you work on the garlic butter.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, then add the minced garlic. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic smells wonderfully fragrant, but don’t let it brown. This short step is key—sautéing the garlic in butter brings out a mellow flavor instead of the sharp, raw taste.

Step 4: Mash and Mix

Using a sturdy potato masher, work the potatoes until they’re lump-free and pillowy. Now, pour in the warm garlic butter, followed by the heavy cream, and just enough milk to reach your preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper, then give everything one last good stir. The result: irresistibly smooth and delicious Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the mashed potatoes onto a serving platter or bowl, then sprinkle generously with fresh chives. Serve warm alongside your favorite main course—get ready for second helpings!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

A simple topping of chopped fresh chives brightens up each serving of Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, adding color and a mild oniony flavor. For extra flair, try a dab of butter melting over the top or a dusting of cracked black pepper.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes find their perfect match with practically any main: roast chicken, grilled steaks, slow-cooked pot roast, or even veggie mains like stuffed peppers. For something classic, pair them with green beans or roasted carrots for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Take presentation up a notch by serving the mashed potatoes in mini ramekins for individual portions, swirling the top with a fork and garnishing with extra chives or parsley. Or, pipe them onto plates for that restaurant-worthy look—your dinner guests will be wowed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes store beautifully in the fridge for up to six days. Use an airtight container to keep them as fresh and flavorful as the day they were made. When you’re ready for leftovers, those creamy flavors will still shine through.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes! Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to two months. Just note that the texture may slightly change—the mashed potatoes might be a bit less silky after thawing, but still delicious.

Reheating

To revive leftover Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk. Stir frequently, adding more milk or cream if needed, until they’re perfectly soft and creamy again. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh chives for that finishing touch!

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While Yukon golds deliver the buttery texture and subtle sweetness that make these Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes so irresistible, russet potatoes also work well if you’re after a fluffier result. You can even blend potato varieties for a custom flavor and texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, swap out the butter and cream for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and unsweetened almond or oat milk. Just make sure your substitutes are unflavored, so the mellow garlic and potato flavors come through.

What’s the best way to prevent gluey potatoes?

Two words: don’t over-mash! Use a classic potato masher and avoid the food processor. Also, simmer gently, don’t overcook, and always add the warm dairy after draining so your Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes turn out fluffy and light.

How do I keep mashed potatoes warm for a crowd?

If you’re hosting, keep your mashed potatoes warm by transferring them to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting or placing them in a covered oven-safe dish in a low oven. Give them a quick stir before serving, and you’re set for stress-free entertaining!

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just use a bigger pot and make sure to season gradually—taste as you go so every bite of your Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes is perfectly seasoned and totally irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like digging into a bowl of Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes—whether you’re sharing with family, feeding friends, or just treating yourself. Try them once, and they’re sure to become your comfort food ace-in-the-hole!

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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5.1 from 6 reviews

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish featuring perfectly mashed Yukon Gold potatoes blended with a rich garlic butter, heavy cream, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh chives. This recipe results in velvety smooth mashed potatoes that pair beautifully with a variety of main courses.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mashing, Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Potatoes:

3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Garlic Butter:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 medium cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Base:

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, warmed
1/2–1 cup 2% or skim milk, warmed

Seasoning:

Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Fresh minced chives for garnish

Instructions

Cook Potatoes: Boil cubed potatoes until tender, then drain and keep warm.
Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
Mash Potatoes: Mash the cooked potatoes and fold in garlic butter, heavy cream, and milk until creamy.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with chives, and serve warm.