Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Printable)

Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes with roasted garlic for a rich, comforting flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Potatoes

01 - 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

→ Dairy

02 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
04 - 1/4 cup sour cream

→ Flavorings

05 - 1 head garlic
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
08 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 to 35 minutes until soft. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves.
02 - Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 teaspoon salt, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Return potatoes to the pot. Add roasted garlic cloves, butter, and sour cream. Mash until smooth and creamy.
04 - Gradually stir in warm milk until the desired consistency is reached. Season with the remaining salt and black pepper.
05 - Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped chives if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms simple potatoes into a rich, savory delight that feels like sharing a secret with a friend
  • The roasted garlic adds a deep flavor that makes this a go-to for family dinners and holiday feasts
02 -
  • Roasting the garlic softens its bite and brings out a rich, mellow sweetness that transforms the mashed potatoes
  • Mashing while potatoes are hot helps absorb the dairy and keeps the texture ultra smooth
03 -
  • Always warm your milk and butter before adding—cold dairy cools down your potatoes and dulls textures
  • The secret to silky mash is not overworking the potatoes, which can make them gluey