If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly soft potatoes blended with fragrant garlic and fresh chives create a luscious, velvety dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course. This recipe strikes the ideal balance between simple ingredients and rich flavors, resulting in mashed potatoes that are creamy, flavorful, and truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing an important role in creating the luxurious taste and texture of the dish. From the creamy butter to the punchy garlic and fresh chives, every element adds to the final masterpiece.
- Potatoes (1/2 kg): The foundation of your dish — choose starchy varieties for fluffier mash.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes.
- Butter (2 tablespoons + extra): Brings richness and a silky mouthfeel that makes every bite delightful.
- Milk (1/2 cup full cream): Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors beautifully.
- Crushed pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
- Fresh chives: Brightens the dish with mild oniony freshness and a lovely green hue.
How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butter and Milk Mixture
Start by warming the 1/2 cup of full cream milk with 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Stir gently and bring to a boil, then switch off the heat. This warm buttery milk will later mingle perfectly with the mashed potatoes, giving them their famous creamy texture.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes and Garlic
Peel and cut 1/2 kg of potatoes into cubes, then place them in a pot with 2 whole garlic cloves and salt to taste. Cover the potatoes with water and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until they’re tender enough to mash easily. The garlic cooks alongside the potatoes, infusing gentle flavors throughout.
Step 3: Drain and Evaporate Excess Water
Once cooked, strain the potatoes and garlic thoroughly. Return them to the pot and place it over low heat for a few minutes to evaporate any lingering moisture. This step is crucial for preventing watery mashed potatoes and ensures a perfectly fluffy texture.
Step 4: Mash and Combine
Using a potato masher, gently mash the potatoes and garlic until smooth but still creamy. Then, slowly add the warm butter-milk mixture in two batches, stirring continuously to integrate the creaminess fully. Season with salt and 1 teaspoon of crushed pepper, mashing and mixing everything to perfect harmony.
Step 5: Final Touches
Finally, stir in finely chopped fresh chives to add a fresh pop of color and a subtle onion flavor that complements the garlic beautifully. Your creamy mashed potatoes are now ready to be savored!
How to Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional chopped chives or a small pat of melting butter on top turns this bowl of mashed potatoes into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. For a bit of crunch, a dusting of crispy fried garlic or even toasted breadcrumbs adds a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives Recipe pairs spectacularly with roast chicken, grilled steak, or even simple pan-seared fish. Its luxurious texture and savory notes complement both casual weeknight dinners and special holiday meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piping your mashed potatoes into rosettes on a baking sheet, then broil them for a golden crust that adds a different texture dimension. Or serve them in individual ramekins topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly for a comforting twist on classic mashed potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover creamy mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dish even after the initial feast.
Freezing
You can freeze mashed potatoes, but be aware that the texture might slightly change upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled mashed potatoes into a freezer-safe container and smooth the surface. They’ll keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess. Stir frequently for even warming and to prevent drying out, so they taste as fantastic as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, but for the creamiest mashed potatoes, starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are best. They break down easily and absorb butter and milk beautifully.
Should I peel the potatoes before cooking?
For the smoothest texture, it’s best to peel your potatoes before boiling. However, if you prefer a more rustic, chunky mash, leaving the skins on works well too.
Can I substitute milk with cream or a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Heavy cream will make the potatoes even richer, while plant-based milks like almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative, though flavor and creaminess may slightly differ.
Why add garlic cloves during cooking instead of minced garlic later?
Cooking whole garlic cloves with the potatoes mellows their flavor, giving the mash a subtle garlic essence without overpowering sharpness that raw garlic might add.
How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
Don’t over-mash or use a blender! Using a potato masher and mashing just until smooth gives the best fluffy, creamy texture without turning gluey or sticky.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a bowl of warm, creamy mashed potatoes, especially when infused with garlicky goodness and the fresh brightness of chives. This Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives Recipe has become a cherished favorite because it’s comforting and effortlessly delicious. I really encourage you to try making it yourself—you might just find it becomes your go-to side dish for many meals to come!
PrintCreamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives Recipe
This creamy mashed potatoes recipe delivers perfectly smooth and flavorful mashed potatoes made with simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, milk, and garlic. The potatoes are boiled and mashed to creamy perfection, enhanced by a rich butter-milk mixture infused with garlic for comforting homestyle goodness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Potatoes and Garlic
- 1/2 kg potatoes, cut into cubes
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt, to taste
Butter-Milk Mixture
- 1/2 cup full cream milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed pepper
- Additional butter, for serving
- Chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare butter-milk mixture: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup full cream milk and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir to mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, switch off the heat and set aside.
- Boil potatoes and garlic: In a pot, add the cubed potatoes, 2 garlic cloves, and salt to taste. Pour enough water to immerse the potatoes and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and mashable.
- Drain and evaporate excess water: Strain the cooked potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot on low heat to evaporate any remaining water. This ensures the mashed potatoes won’t be watery.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher (wooden masher preferred to protect cookware), mash the potatoes and garlic until smooth and lump-free.
- Add butter-milk mixture: Remove the pot from heat and gradually add the warm butter-milk mixture in two batches. If the mixture has cooled down, heat it slightly before adding. This enriches the mash with creaminess and flavor.
- Season and mix: Add salt to taste and 1 teaspoon of crushed pepper. Mash and mix thoroughly to blend all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Your creamy, smooth mashed potatoes are ready. Optionally, add a pat of butter and garnish with chopped chives before serving for extra richness and color.
Notes
- Use full cream milk and real butter for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Make sure to drain water well and evaporate excess moisture to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- For additional flavor, you can roast the garlic before boiling or add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste preference, especially salt and pepper.
- Use a wooden masher to protect your pot and get a smoother mash.
