Hey y’all! Darian here with a cozy recipe that’s sure to become your new favorite comfort food. We’re talking creamy, dreamy garlic mashed potatoes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this irresistible spud side to complement any meal.
In today’s post, I’ll share my tips for making the creamiest, fluffiest garlic mashed potatoes, along with fun ways to jazz them up. Grab your potatoes and let’s get mashing!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- slow cooker
- 1 hand mixer or electric hand mixer
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Potatoes
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- ½ cup Milk
Instructions
- First, wash and cut up your potatoes into 1 inch pieces. Once all washed and cut up toss them directly into the slow cooker.
- Chop up the garlic cloves and toss them into the slow cooker. Now you can either just quickly chop the garlic or you can mince it, it’s totally up to you
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Cube up 1/2 cup of butter and add it to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Place the lid on.
- Cook for 4 hours on high, or 8 hours on low.
- After the slow cooker is done, remove the lid and add in the milk.
- Now it’s time to mash the potatoes. You can either mash with a hand mixer or use a electric hand mixer.
- Once all mashed, serve immediately with your favorite main dish.
Video
Notes
A Classic Crowd-Pleaser Made Easy
Buttery, garlicky mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They pair perfectly with hearty roasts, grilled steaks, and saucy pot pies. And they make any weeknight meal feel a little more special.
While the humble potato has gotten a bad rap over the years, when prepared thoughtfully, it offers key nutrients like fiber, potassium, vitamin C and even protein. By making garlic mashed potatoes from scratch, you control the quality of ingredients.
The steps are simple: boil, drain, and mash potatoes with butter, milk and garlic. But there are some tips I’ve picked up for taking basic spuds to a decadent side dish.
Helpful Hints for Creamy, Pillowy Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to mashing. Mealy, starchy varieties get that smooth, creamy texture we love. Some good options:
- Russets – The gold standard for mashing. Fluffy interior and lots of starch.
- Yukon Gold – A nice balance of starch and moisture. Creamy but still fluffy.
- Purple Potatoes – Vibrant color and creamy texture when mashed.
Try to pick potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly. And don’t bother peeling – the skins add fiber, texture and nutrients! Just give them a good scrub.
Here are my secrets to the creamiest mashed potatoes every time:
- Allow potatoes to steam after boiling to further dry them out.
- Rice potatoes after draining for extra fluffy texture.
- Use a combo of butter and olive oil for richness.
- Warm the milk before mixing in for ultra-smooth potatoes.
- Add roasted garlic for mellow, sweet flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For lumps, use a food mill. For smooth, use a stand mixer.
- Fluff with a fork just before serving.
Follow those tips and you’ll have the creamiest, dreamiest garlic mashed potatoes around!
Creative Ways to Jazz Up Your Spuds
While classic is hard to beat, feel free to jazz up your garlic mashed potatoes with mix-ins like:
- Sharp cheddar for extra richness
- Crumbled bacon or ham for smoky flavor
- Caramelized onions or roasted garlic for savory depth
- Roasted red peppers for sweetness
- Steamed broccoli or spinach for veggie goodness
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang
- Horseradish and dill for a kick
- Sun-dried tomatoes and basil for Italian flair
- Jalapeños and cilantro for Southwestern style
The possibilities are endless for customizing these comforting spuds!
FAQs about Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Let’s chat about some common questions when making garlicky mashed potatoes:
What type of potato works best?
Russets and Yukon golds are tops! Starchier potatoes yield the creamiest texture.
Should I peel the potatoes?
Peel for ultra-smooth, or leave skins on for fiber and nutrients.
What milk is ideal?
Whole milk or half-and-half offer rich creaminess.
How much garlic?
For subtle flavor, start with 2 cloves and add more to taste.
Do I need special equipment?
A potato masher or ricer works, but a stand mixer or food mill makes smoothest potatoes.
Can I prepare Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Make a day ahead, then reheat gently with milk or broth to loosen.
Homemade garlicky mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and loved by all. With so many ways to customize them, you could enjoy these dreamy spuds again and again without tiring of them. I hope these tips help you whip up the creamiest potatoes ever. Let me know if you have any other mashed potato questions! Until next time, happy comfort cooking.