Aug 27 2026

Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Time40m
Serves4

Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Potatoes & Aromatics

Method

Prep & Cook Potatoes

  1. 1

    Peel and cut potatoes

    Peel the potatoes (leave some skin on if you prefer texture) and cut into roughly 1- to 1.5-inch even pieces so they cook evenly.

  2. 2

    Prepare garlic

    Crush the garlic cloves lightly with the flat side of a knife to remove skins, then smash or mince them finely. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Boil potatoes with garlic

    Place the cut potatoes and the prepared garlic in a large pot. Add cold water to cover by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the water. Bring to a vigorous simmer over high heat, then reduce to a medium simmer and cook until potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 12–18 minutes depending on piece size.

  4. 4

    Drain

    Drain the potatoes and garlic in a colander thoroughly for 1–2 minutes to remove excess water. Return potatoes and garlic to the hot pot off the heat to let residual steam evaporate for another minute—this helps prevent watery mash.

Heat Dairy & Mash

  1. 5

    Warm milk and butter

    While potatoes are cooking (or immediately after draining), combine the milk and 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan and warm over low heat until the butter melts and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Warming prevents cooling the potatoes and helps them absorb the liquid.

  2. 6

    Mash potatoes

    Using a potato masher, ricer, or food mill, mash the potatoes and softened garlic in the pot until smooth or to your preferred texture. For very silky potatoes, push the cooked potatoes and garlic through a ricer or food mill back into the pot.

  3. 7

    Add dairy and seasonings

    Pour the warmed milk and melted butter mixture into the mashed potatoes a little at a time, folding gently with a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula until incorporated and reaching the desired consistency. Stir in 2 tablespoons sour cream (if using). Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Finish & Serve

  1. 8

    Plate and garnish

    Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Spoon the optional melted extra tablespoon of butter over the top, sprinkle the chopped chives or parsley evenly, and add an extra grind of black pepper if desired.

  2. 9

    Serve warm

    Serve immediately while warm. If you need to hold them for a short time, keep the potatoes covered and warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) for up to 30 minutes, stirring once before serving to restore creaminess.

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