Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Perfect Side Dish for Dinner

Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m going to show you how to make a simple and delicious recipe that you’ll love: garlic mashed potatoes. This classic side dish is a staple at any family gathering, and it’s easy to see why. The creamy texture and garlicky flavor are a perfect complement to any main dish. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your meal.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also budget-friendly. You only need a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. And the best part? This recipe is customizable! You can add your own twist by experimenting with different herbs and spices or by adding in your favorite cheese.

Trust me, once you try these garlic mashed potatoes, you won’t want to make them any other way. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for an easy, delicious and comforting side dish to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than this simple garlic mashed potatoes recipe! Why will you love it? Let me count the ways.

Firstly, mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of garlic, giving it a flavor boost that will leave your guests raving.

Secondly, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying side dish ready in no time.

Thirdly, this recipe is versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or the occasion. Add some herbs, cheese or even bacon to take it to the next level.

Fourthly, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week as a side dish or even as a main course with some added protein.

Finally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a holiday gathering or a potluck, everyone will love these creamy and flavorful garlic mashed potatoes.

In short, this recipe is easy, versatile, delicious and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and see for yourself why you’ll love it!

Ingredient List

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all of our ingredients. You’ll only need 6 ingredients to make these creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 3 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/3 cup of whole milk
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (1 stick)
– 2 teaspoons of minced garlic (roasted garlic or homemade garlic butter is great too!)

You can easily find all of these ingredients at your local grocery store. It’s important to use Yukon gold potatoes for their buttery and creamy texture. If you prefer, you can use red potatoes instead.

The Recipe How-To

Now, let’s get into the fun part – cooking the garlic mashed potatoes! Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of Yukon Gold or Red potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 head of garlic, cloves peeled and minced
• 1/3 cup of butter (or 1 stick), at room temperature
• 2/3 cup of whole milk
• 1-2 teaspoons of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes and minced garlic in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Allow the potatoes to simmer for 15-20 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the potatoes and garlic in a colander and return them to the pot.
4. Add the butter to the potatoes and use a potato masher or fork to mash them until they are smooth and creamy.
5. Gradually add the milk to the mashed potatoes, stirring constantly, until the potatoes are the desired consistency. If you like your mashed potatoes creamier, you can add more milk.
6. Season the garlic mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper, to taste.

That’s it! You should now have a delicious, creamy garlic mashed potatoes dish that is perfect as a side for any meal.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking for ways to switch up this simple garlic mashed potatoes recipe, there are many substitutions and variations you can try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– Potatoes: While we recommend using Yukon gold or red potatoes for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of potatoes as well. Russet potatoes, for example, will yield a fluffier texture, while fingerling potatoes will give your mashed potatoes a unique shape and texture.

– Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, you can increase the amount of garlic cloves in the recipe for an even stronger garlic flavor. Alternatively, you can use roasted garlic instead of minced garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.

– Milk and Butter: For a creamier texture, you can substitute heavy cream or sour cream for the whole milk in this recipe. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of butter, such as homemade garlic butter, to give your mashed potatoes a unique flavor.

– Herbs and Spices: To add some extra flavor to your mashed potatoes, try mixing in some garlic powder, dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even some grated Parmesan cheese.

– Roasted Potatoes: For a twist on traditional mashed potatoes, you can try making roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Simply roast your potatoes and garlic cloves in the oven with some olive oil and seasoning, then mash them together for a flavorful and slightly chunky side dish.

– Vegan Options: If you’re looking for a vegan version of this recipe, you can substitute vegan butter and almond or soy milk for the dairy ingredients.

No matter how you choose to customize this recipe, the result will be a delicious and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Serving and Pairing

These garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal! They pair well with a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled steak. They are also a great side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

To serve, I recommend using a large spoon to scoop the mashed potatoes onto a serving dish. You can also add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and added flavor.

For pairing, I suggest serving these garlic mashed potatoes with a protein-rich main course like roasted chicken, seared salmon, or grilled steak. They also pair well with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to your garlic mashed potatoes, try mixing in some roasted garlic or homemade garlic butter. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream for a creamier texture.

Overall, these garlic mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses and customized to your liking. They are sure to be a hit at any meal!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

If you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing for a big meal, you may want to make the garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time to save some stress on the day of the event. Luckily, this recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time.

To make ahead, simply prepare the garlic mashed potatoes as directed in the recipe. Once they are mashed and creamy, transfer them to a large baking dish and cover with foil. You can store the dish in the fridge for up to 2 days before reheating.

To reheat the mashed potatoes, place the covered dish in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, stirring every minute until they are hot all the way through.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help them regain their creamy texture.

Garlic mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses. They can be served alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a vegetarian dish like sautéed mushrooms. So go ahead, make them ahead of time and enjoy a stress-free meal with your loved ones.

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that you know how to make simple garlic mashed potatoes, let me share with you some tips to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.

1. Use Yukon Gold potatoes

For the creamiest mashed potatoes, I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a buttery texture and rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic.

2. Don’t overwork the potatoes

When mashing the potatoes, be careful not to overwork them. Overworking can cause the potatoes to become gummy and lose their fluffy texture. Use a potato masher or ricer for best results.

3. Use cold milk and butter

To prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming too thin or runny, use cold milk and butter. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the dish.

4. Add garlic at the right time

Adding garlic too early in the cooking process can cause it to burn and become bitter. Add minced garlic to the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking, or roast whole garlic cloves beforehand and mash them into the potatoes.

5. Season wisely

Seasoning is key to a delicious garlic mashed potato dish. Use salt and pepper, and consider adding additional herbs or spices for extra flavor. Martha Stewart recommends adding garlic powder or sour cream for a tangy twist.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most delicious and creamy garlic mashed potatoes every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and seasonings to make the dish your own.

FAQ

Now that you know how to make these delicious Simple Garlic Mashed Potatoes, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions to ensure that you have all the information you need to make this dish perfect every time. So, let’s dive into the FAQ section and clear up any doubts you may have.

How do you make garlic mash potatoes?

Let’s start by preparing our potatoes. Peel and dice them into even-sized cubes, then place them in a pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, and let the potatoes cook until they are tender enough to mash.

While the potatoes are boiling away, let’s work on our creamy garlic mixture. Take some butter, milk, and minced garlic and heat them up on a low flame for about five minutes. This will help infuse the garlic flavor into the mixture and create a smooth texture for our mashed potatoes.

Once the potatoes are done, drain them and begin to mash them until they are smooth and lump-free. Then, slowly pour in the hot garlic milk mixture while continuing to mash. This will create a creamy and flavorful combination that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Keep mashing until the potatoes reach a light and fluffy consistency.

What is the trick to making good mashed potatoes?

When it comes to making the perfect mashed potatoes, using Yukon Gold Potatoes is key. These type of potatoes have a creamy texture and a rich flavor that makes them the ideal choice for mashing.

To ensure that your mashed potatoes turn out smooth and fluffy, it’s important to boil your potatoes in large pieces. This allows them to cook evenly and prevents them from becoming too mushy.

Once your potatoes are cooked, it’s important to keep them hot. This helps to prevent lumps and ensures that they are easy to mash.

When adding fat to your mashed potatoes, it’s best to do so first. This could be in the form of butter, cream, or even cream cheese. Adding fat first ensures that it is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.

To achieve the perfect flavor and texture, it’s important to taste your mashed potatoes constantly. This will allow you to adjust the seasoning and make any necessary changes to the recipe.

When adding liquid to your mashed potatoes, it’s important not to add it all at once. Doing so can result in a soupy texture. Instead, add the liquid gradually, until you reach your desired consistency.

For an extra burst of flavor, try infusing your fat with aromatics. This could include garlic, herbs, or even bacon. This will add depth and complexity to your mashed potatoes and take them to the next level.

What is used to mash garlic?

One way to easily peel and smash garlic is by using a chef’s knife. After removing the outer layer, place the clove on a cutting board and gently hit it with the flat side of the knife using the heel of your hand. This will smash the garlic and make it easier to peel, without turning it into a paste. This technique is quick and efficient, and allows you to add garlic to your dish with ease.

Why do you soak potatoes before making mashed potatoes?

Before we start making the mashed potatoes, let’s give the baking potatoes a quick soak in some cold water. This will help release some of the starch and prevent the potatoes from becoming too sticky when cooked. For the perfect texture in our mash, we’ll be combining starchy baking potatoes with buttery Yukon Golds. The starchy potatoes will give us that creamy texture we’re looking for, while the waxy Yukon Golds will add a fluffy element to the mix.

Bottom Line

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In conclusion, this simple garlic mashed potatoes recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and creamy dish that is sure to impress your guests. The rich, buttery flavor of the mashed potatoes combined with the savory taste of garlic is simply irresistible.

Whether you are serving this dish with a hearty steak dinner, or as a side to your Thanksgiving turkey, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s a classic favorite?

Remember, the key to perfect mashed potatoes is using the right ingredients and following the recipe instructions carefully. With a little bit of practice and patience, you can achieve the perfect creamy texture and bold garlic flavor every time.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

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