Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Everyone Loves

This Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic with an elevated twist.

The combination of creamy red potatoes, tangy sour cream, and a double hit of garlic—both minced and powdered—delivers a rich, savory flavor that’s irresistibly satisfying.

Red potatoes provide a smooth texture and natural creaminess while keeping their fiber-rich skins intact.

Each serving offers a moderate 6g of protein and 4g of fiber, making it more nutrient-dense than traditional mashed potatoes.

While not low-carb, it’s a balanced, hearty side that fits well in everyday meals.

Thanks to the simple ingredient list and flexible prep methods—Instant Pot or stovetop—this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.

Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker

Use this to cook your potatoes quickly and evenly under pressure. It reduces cook time to just 8 minutes and locks in flavor—perfect for busy nights or prepping for a crowd. Beyond this recipe, it’s ideal for soups, stews, rice, and even yogurt.

OXO Good Grips Potato Masher

This sturdy masher ensures your potatoes are perfectly textured—creamy with just the right amount of rustic lumpiness. Its broad mashing plate and ergonomic handle make it easy on the hands, whether you’re making spuds, guac, or applesauce.

KitchenAid Hand Mixer

Want extra-fluffy potatoes with less effort? This powerful mixer evenly blends butter, milk, and sur cream into your spuds without overworking them. It’s great for whipping cream, batters, and even mixing cookie dough.

Pyrex 4-Qt Glass Mixing Bowl

A durable, microwave- and dishwasher-safe bowl that’s the perfect size for combining and serving your mashed potatoes. This versatile kitchen staple is also ideal for prepping salads, marinades, or storing leftovers.

All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan (Optional)

Great for gently warming your milk and sour cream before mixing—this prevents the potatoes from cooling down too fast. This high-quality pan excels in sauce-making and reheating with even temperature control.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ruth M. Moran

Creamy, buttery, and loaded with garlic flavor, these mashed potatoes are a timeless side dish made with red potatoes, sour cream, and just the right touch of seasoning. They're quick to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot or Instant Pot – for boiling or pressure-cooking the potatoes
• 1 Potato Masher or Hand Mixer – to mash and blend the potatoes
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl – for combining all ingredients
• 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – for accurate ingredient measurement
• 1 Saucepan (optional) – to pre-warm milk/sour cream for a smoother mash

Ingredients

  

• 3 pounds red potatoes cut into chunks (peeling optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup whole milk
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
• 1 –2 teaspoons garlic powder adjust to taste
• 1 –2 teaspoons salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

 

• Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
• Stovetop Method:
• Place the chopped red potatoes into a large pot and fill with enough water to cover them by at least an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft in the center. Drain thoroughly.
• Instant Pot Method:
• Insert the metal trivet or steaming rack into the bottom of the pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of water and arrange the potato pieces evenly on top of the rack. Secure the lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and pressure cook on Manual/High for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, carefully do a quick pressure release. Drain the potatoes and set aside in a large bowl.
• Warm and Combine Ingredients
• In the bowl with the hot, drained potatoes, immediately add the butter, milk, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The heat from the potatoes will melt the butter and help blend everything evenly.
• Mash to Desired Texture
• Using a sturdy potato masher or a hand mixer on low speed, mash the mixture until creamy but still slightly textured. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the potatoes gluey. A few lumps add rustic charm and ensure a pleasant mouthfeel.
• Final Taste and Serve
• Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning with additional salt, garlic powder, or pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy as a hearty, flavorful side dish with your favorite mains.

Notes

• Skin-on or Peeled: Red potatoes have tender skins that blend well into the mash. Keeping the skins not only adds texture and nutrients but also saves prep time. However, peel them if you prefer a smoother result.
• Garlic Levels: For a deeper garlic presence, use up to 2 teaspoons of garlic powder in addition to the fresh minced garlic. Garlic lovers can also roast the garlic beforehand for a mellower, sweet flavor.
• Creamy Texture Tip: Warming the milk slightly before adding it helps it incorporate better with the butter and sour cream, keeping the potatoes hot and creamy.
• Make It Ahead: These mashed potatoes can be made in advance and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of milk when reheating to restore the silky texture.
• Add Gravy: Want to take it over the top? These mashed potatoes pair perfectly with beef or turkey gravy. Try them with a savory homemade brown gravy for a comforting classic.

Chef’s Secrets for Fluffy Potatoes

Achieving the perfect garlic mashed potatoes starts with choosing the right variety.

Red potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their creamy texture and naturally thin skin, which blends well without needing to be peeled.

If you prefer an ultra-smooth mash, feel free to peel them, but leaving the skins on adds a rustic charm and extra fiber.

One of the biggest chef tricks is to mash the potatoes while they’re still hot—this allows the butter and sour cream to melt smoothly and incorporate fully without overworking the starches.

Over-mixing, especially with a high-speed mixer, can result in gluey potatoes.

For extra creaminess, warm the milk slightly before adding it to the potatoes; cold milk can cool down the mixture and affect the final texture.

Lastly, balance your garlic flavor using both fresh minced garlic and garlic powder, adjusting each to taste.

Delicious Ways to Serve These

Garlic mashed potatoes are a versatile and comforting side dish that complements a wide range of mains.

They pair beautifully with roast meats such as herb-crusted chicken, garlic butter steak, or classic Thanksgiving turkey.

For a plant-based pairing, serve them alongside roasted mushrooms, lentil loaf, or grilled vegetables.

These mashed potatoes also hold up well under hearty sauces—try smothering them with a savory brown gravy or a rich mushroom sauce.

To elevate your presentation for dinner parties, top them with a pat of butter, chopped parsley, or roasted garlic cloves.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight meal or a holiday feast, these potatoes make an excellent, crowd-pleasing addition.

Best Ways to Store Leftovers

Leftover garlic mashed potatoes store well and can be repurposed into several new dishes.

Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

When ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or a small knob of butter to revive their creamy texture—this works well whether you’re using a stovetop or microwave.

For longer storage, mashed potatoes can be frozen, though some texture may be lost.

Freeze them in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Leftovers can also be transformed into potato pancakes, casserole toppings, or used to thicken soups.

Frequently Asked Questions Answered Clearly

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes! Yukon Gold potatoes also work wonderfully in this recipe. They have a naturally buttery texture and yield a slightly smoother mash. Russets are fluffier but require peeling and tend to absorb more liquid.

2. How do I prevent gluey mashed potatoes?

The key is to avoid over-mixing. Once the potatoes are tender, mix just until combined—especially if using a hand mixer. Mashing while they’re hot also helps prevent gummy textures.

3. Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free sour cream, and replace whole milk with unsweetened oat milk or almond milk. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

4. How strong is the garlic flavor?

The garlic flavor is balanced but customizable. Using both minced garlic and garlic powder provides depth, but you can increase or reduce either to match your preference. Roasting the garlic first creates a milder, sweeter flavor.

5. What can I add for more flavor?

Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives add a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil also brings a gourmet twist to this simple dish.