Creamy Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe for Comfort Meals

Creamy, dreamy red garlic mashed potatoes dance between comfort and culinary excitement, promising a side dish that’ll steal the spotlight at any meal.

Russet potatoes provide the perfect canvas for this flavor-packed creation.

Aromatic garlic cloves infuse each bite with robust, warming notes that complement the smooth potato base.

Butter and cream weave their magic, creating a luxurious texture that melts on your tongue.

Salt and pepper bring balanced seasoning to this classic dish with a twist.

A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a delightful green crunch and visual appeal.

Dive into this simple yet extraordinary recipe that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into an irresistible crowd-pleaser you won’t be able to resist.

Pro Tips for Creamy Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture and best mashing results.
• Drain potatoes thoroughly to prevent watery mashed potatoes, letting them steam dry for a few minutes after draining.
• Warm your milk and butter before mixing to help create smoother, more evenly incorporated mashed potatoes.
• Roast garlic beforehand for a mellower, sweeter flavor that blends beautifully with the potatoes without harsh raw garlic bite.
• Use a potato masher or ricer for the most consistent texture, avoiding over-mixing which can make potatoes gluey.

Variations to Personalize Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and chopped parsley during mashing for an aromatic herb-rich profile.
• Cheesy Comfort: Blend in sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for a luxurious and tangy mashed potato experience.
• Roasted Garlic Boost: Substitute raw garlic with slow-roasted garlic cloves for a deeper, mellower flavor complexity.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a zesty southwestern-style preparation.

Best Pairings for Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to match the rich, garlicky potatoes and cut through their creamy texture.
• Pair with Roasted Protein: Serve alongside grilled ribeye steak or roasted herb-crusted chicken to balance the potatoes' intense garlic flavor and create a harmonious main course.
• Enhance with Fresh Green Salad: Add a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast and cleanse the palate between bites of the heavy, creamy potatoes.
• Boost with Tangy Side: Include a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to add a cool, tangy element that brightens the deep garlic notes and provides a smooth counterpoint.

How to Store Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're covered tightly to prevent drying out.
• Transfer cooled mashed potatoes to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

Common Queries About Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work great. They have a creamy texture and absorb flavors well.

• How many garlic cloves should I use for the best flavor?

Use 4-6 cloves depending on your garlic preference. Roasting the garlic first can make it mellower and sweeter.

• What makes red garlic mashed potatoes different from regular mashed potatoes?

The red garlic adds a more intense, slightly spicy flavor compared to traditional white garlic, giving the dish a bolder taste profile.

• Is it necessary to peel the potatoes before boiling?

While not mandatory, peeling helps create a smoother texture. If you prefer more rustic mashed potatoes with skin, you can leave them on.

Reasons to Love Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Transform ordinary potatoes into a delightful side dish that requires minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Garlic-infused mashed potatoes deliver a rich, creamy texture that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a universal favorite for family dinners.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Perfect alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a standalone dish, these red garlic mashed potatoes elevate any meal with their robust flavor profile.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Achieve restaurant-quality results with straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee a delicious outcome without complex preparation steps.

Ingredients That Make Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes Delicious

• Potatoes: Starchy and creamy base that provides the primary texture and flavor for the mashed potatoes.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a bold, savory punch to the dish.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the potatoes.

• Water: Primary cooking liquid used to boil and soften the potatoes.

• Salt (for boiling water): Helps to season the potatoes during the cooking process and improve their natural flavor.

Directions to Make Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt. Drop the diced potatoes into the boiling water and let them cook until they’re soft and easily pierced with a fork, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Drain and Steam Dry

Once the potatoes are tender, carefully pour them into a colander to drain. Return the potatoes to the hot pot and let them sit for a minute to allow excess moisture to evaporate, creating fluffier mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Flavor

• Butter
• Minced garlic

Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its rich, aromatic essence.

Step 4: Mash and Mix

• Milk or cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Vibrant Color

Fold in finely chopped red garlic or roasted red garlic for an extra pop of color and intense flavor. Mix thoroughly to distribute the red garlic evenly throughout the mashed potatoes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, garlicky goodness.

Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy red garlic mashed potatoes bring rustic comfort to any dinner table, blending rich flavor with silky smooth texture. Hearty potatoes kissed with roasted garlic create a simple side dish that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) russet potatoes
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter

Optional Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Submerge diced potatoes in generously salted water, allowing them to simmer and soften at a rolling boil for approximately 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Drain potatoes thoroughly in a colander, ensuring complete water removal to prevent soggy texture.
3. Return potatoes to the warm cooking pot, introducing minced garlic and creating a gentle heat to release aromatic flavors.
4. Incorporate butter, creating a smooth, rich base that allows garlic to infuse throughout the potatoes.
5. Gradually introduce warm milk or cream, using a masher or electric mixer to achieve a creamy, velvety consistency.
6. Season with salt and ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences and blending thoroughly.
7. For added depth, consider folding in chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile.
8. Transfer to a serving dish, creating gentle peaks with the masher to showcase the rustic texture and enticing garlic-infused appearance.
9. Serve immediately while the mashed potatoes remain warm and luxuriously creamy.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most luxurious texture that holds together perfectly when mashed.
• For extra flavor depth, roast whole garlic cloves in the oven until golden and caramelized before mixing into the potatoes for a rich, mellow garlic profile.
• Warm your milk or cream before adding to the potatoes to prevent cooling down the dish and ensure a silky smooth consistency.
• Avoid overmixing when mashing to prevent gluey potatoes; use a potato masher or ricer for the best light and fluffy result.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg