Introduction
Garlic Mashed Potatoes, the quintessential comfort food that never fails to warm our hearts and bellies. This Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is a masterclass in simplicity and flavor, requiring just a few ingredients to create a dish that’s both creamy and aromatic. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and with a few tweaks, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences.
The beauty of Garlic Mashed Potatoes lies in their versatility – they’re the perfect side dish for a variety of occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings. And let’s not forget the star of the show: garlic, which adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, look no further than these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. With their rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavor, they’re the perfect comfort food to cozy up with on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes is a game-changer, thanks to its creamy texture and rich flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how straightforward this recipe is.
One of the things that sets this recipe apart is its customization options. Want to add some grated cheese or chopped herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor? Go for it! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly adaptable, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.
So, what are you waiting for? Give these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes a try and discover why they’re the perfect side dish for any occasion. With their comforting flavor and ease of preparation, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3-4 large potatoes (600-800g)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (6g)
- 1/4 cup milk (60ml)
- 2 tbsp butter (30g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
When it comes to choosing the right potatoes, look for high-starch varieties like Russet or Idaho. These will yield a lighter, fluffier mash. If you prefer a creamier mash, you can use a combination of high-starch and waxy potatoes.
If you’re looking for alternatives to milk and butter, you can try using almond milk or vegan butter. Keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the flavor and texture of the final dish. For an extra rich and creamy mash, you can also add some grated cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
Some other ingredients you might consider adding to give your Garlic Mashed Potatoes an extra boost of flavor include:
- Chopped herbs like parsley or chives
- Grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan
- A pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
To make these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Large pot
- Potato masher or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil 3-4 large potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of milk, and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they are smooth and creamy.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in any additional ingredients, such as grated cheese or chopped herbs, if desired.
- Serve the garlic mashed potatoes hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions, if desired.
Visual Guide & Tips
As you work through the recipe, keep an eye on the texture of the potatoes. You want them to be smooth and creamy, but still retain some of their natural texture. If you find that your mash is too thick, you can always add a little more milk to thin it out.
When it comes to adding flavorings, the key is to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can always add more salt, pepper, or garlic, but it’s harder to remove the flavor once it’s been added.
Pro Tips & Tricks
To achieve the perfect mash, make sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe carefully. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Use the right type of potatoes, as mentioned earlier.
- Don’t over-mix the potatoes, as this can make them gluey and unappetizing.
- Add flavorings gradually, tasting as you go to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Some other ideas for customizing your Garlic Mashed Potatoes include:
- Adding some grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Mixing in some chopped herbs, like parsley or chives, for a fresh and herby flavor.
- Using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version.
Serving Suggestions/Storage/Variations
These Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses, including:
- Roasted meats, such as beef or chicken.
- Grilled vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Stir-fries, featuring your favorite protein and vegetables.
To store leftovers, simply cool the mashed potatoes to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze them for later use. You can also customize the recipe by adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving, these Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes contain:
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about this recipe, along with the answers:
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can make the Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. Simply reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?
- A: To store leftovers, cool the mashed potatoes to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze them for later use.
- Q: Can I customize the recipe?
- A: Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences. Some ideas include grated cheese, chopped herbs, or a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Q: What type of potatoes should I use?
- A: For this recipe, it’s best to use high-starch potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho. These will yield a lighter, fluffier mash.
- Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
- A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using non-dairy milk and vegan butter. Simply substitute these ingredients in place of the regular milk and butter called for in the recipe.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a simple, delicious recipe for Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With their creamy texture and rich flavor, these potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. So go ahead, give them a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences with me on social media!
Did you make this? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your favorite ways to customize this recipe.
Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil 3-4 large potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of milk, and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they are smooth and creamy.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in any additional ingredients, such as grated cheese or chopped herbs, if desired.
- Serve the garlic mashed potatoes hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions, if desired.