Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Prepare potatoes

Peel the potatoes (or leave skins on for a more rustic mash) and cut into roughly 1- to 1½-inch chunks so they cook evenly. Place the potato chunks in a large pot.

Add garlic and water

Add the peeled whole garlic cloves to the pot with the potatoes. Fill the pot with cold water until potatoes are covered by about 1 inch. Add 1 tbsp kosher salt to the water.

Boil until tender

Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are very tender and a knife easily slides through a chunk, about 15–20 minutes depending on piece size.

Warm milk and butter

While potatoes cook, heat the milk and 4 tbsp butter together in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (do not boil). This warms the dairy so the potatoes stay hot and absorb it better.

Drain and dry

Drain potatoes and garlic in a colander. Return them to the hot pot and place the pot back on the stove over the lowest heat for 30–60 seconds, shaking the pot occasionally to evaporate excess moisture. This step gives fluffier mashed potatoes.

Mash and combine

Using a potato ricer, hand masher, or sturdy fork, mash the potatoes and cooked garlic until mostly smooth but still a little textured if desired. Pour in the warm milk-butter mixture a little at a time, stirring or folding until you reach a creamy consistency. Stir in sour cream, if using. Taste and season with additional salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

Finish and garnish

Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley over the top. If desired, spoon optional browned-garlic butter over the mash (see next section). Serve hot.

In a small skillet over medium heat melt 2 tbsp butter. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden brown and the butter takes on a slightly nutty aroma, about 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of flaky sea salt. Spoon the browned garlic and butter over the mashed potatoes just before serving.