After you try Garlic Mashed Potatoes,you won’t want to go back to your traditional mashed potatoes recipe again. They are so yummy that you don’t even need to serve them with gravy!
Don’t just wait to serve them on your Thanksgiving table alongside the turkey,they are simple enough to make even for a busy weeknight dinner.

I first tried these garlic mashed potatoes years ago,and we have never looked back. I prepare them this way every time I make mashed potatoes.
The garlic adds so much flavor that you don’t have to add a lot of butter. A bit of cream cheese makes them extra creamy and adds a nice tang.
Not going to lie,I actually prefer the texture of lumpy mashed potatoes,so I simply use a potato masher. But for extra smooth and creamy garlic mashed potatoes,use a potato ricer.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them up to two days ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the microwave,or heat them in a pot over low heat,stirring often.
Or you can simply make them a few hours early,and keep them warm in your slow cooker.
How to make garlic mashed potatoes
- PREP– Peel and dice the potatoes. (Or if you like the skins,simply scrub them well before chopping.)
- BOIL– Place potatoes in a large pot with the teaspoon of salt and garlic. Boil potatoes over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes,or until tender. Drain well. I love this metal colander.
- MASH– Mash potatoes with a potato masher. Add the remaining ingredients,adding milk as needed. Cook and stir over low heat until warmed through.
- ADJUST SEASONING– Taste the potatoes and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- SERVE– Either serve the potatoes immediately,or keep them warm in a crock pot. They are tasty plain,but are also perfect with turkey or beef gravy.


PRO TIPS:
- For the best mashed potatoes,use a potato masher or potato ricer. Overbeating them with an electric mixer can lead to gluey potatoes.
- For the best garlic flavor,use fresh garlic. You can use garlic powder in a pinch,but the flavor isn’t quite the same because you add it at the end,so the potatoes don’t absorb the garlic as they cook.
VARIATIONS:
- If you don’t have cream cheese on hand,you can use sour cream instead.
- I often leave the potato skins on for extra hearty mashed potatoes.
- We prefer starchy potatoes for this recipe,but you can use red potatoes instead. There is no need to peel them.
- For even more rich mashed potatoes,you can use heavy cream in place of the milk.
We love these potatoes with my crock pot roast beef and gravy!


MORE DELICIOUS SIDE DISH RECIPES:
Yield:6 servings
Garlic Mashed Potato Recipe
Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic and cream cheese make the ultimate side dish!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet potatoes,peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 garlic cloves,peeled
- 4 oz cream cheese,softened to room temperature
- 5 Tbsp milk (more or less)
- 2 Tbsp salted butter,softened to room temperature
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Additional salt to taste
Instructions
- Place potatoes,salt,and garlic in large pot;cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat,then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or till fork tender.
- Drain potatoes and mash with a potato masher. Add cream cheese,4 tablespoons of the milk,butter,and pepper. Stir till well combined,then heat through over low heat. Add more milk if needed to get the consistency you want.
- Taste and add salt to taste. I usually add about 1/2 teaspoon.
Notes
-If you forget to soften your cream cheese and butter,heat them in the microwave.
-I sometimes just scrub my potatoes and leave some of the skin on. We like it that way and it’s healthier too —bonus!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories:330Total Fat:11gSaturated Fat:6gTrans Fat:0gUnsaturated Fat:3gCholesterol:30mgSodium:612mgCarbohydrates:51gFiber:5gSugar:4gProtein:8g
These are the perfect mashed potatoes for garlic lovers. Try them for dinner tonight,I bet they will be a huge hit!