How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a home-cooked meal staple. These starchy vegetables make a delicious side dish, especially when paired with timeless dinner favorites such as meatloaf and mashed potatoes or steak and potatoes. They are a holiday favorite because they can be prepared ahead of time and baked in a casserole dish, and they make delicious leftovers. Some people prefer their potatoes whipped and creamy with no lumps, while others believe they taste more like homemade with some chunks and 'lumps'. No matter how you like your mashed potatoes, they are a delicious and simple side dish that are also one of the best comfort foods around.

Every one has their favorite mashed potato recipe, most people incorporating cream or milk, butter, margarine, and salt. Many people love the taste of garlic paired with potatoes, and garlic mashed potatoes are a feature on many restaurant menus. There's something about the nutty, tangy flavor of garlic paired with a fluffy, floury potato that makes the taste buds sing. Here are some ways you can incorporate wonderful aromatic and heart-healthy garlic to your mashed potato dishes.

Garlic Powder

This is probably the easiest way to add garlic flavor to your mashed potatoes. Garlic powder can be purchased at any grocery store. Choose a more expensive brand which will taste fresh and won't clump. Adding a bit at a time and tasting as you go will ensure a nice, light garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.

Garlic Oil or Garlic Butter

You can make your own garlic butter or garlic oil at home very easily to add to your mashed potatoes. Simply cut fresh garlic and saute in a pan with extra oil or butter. Be careful not to brown or burn the garlic, or it will taste very bitter. Sauteed garlic is best at a very light golden color, not brown, and definitely not burned. Then when the oil or butter has cooled a bit, strain it through a cheese cloth. The oil or butter will now have the garlic flavor infused in it and can be folded into the potatoes during mashing.

Garlic Pieces

If you love the idea of a rustic, more homemade flair, try sauteing the garlic and just adding the entire pan, pieces and all in your dish. Remember to chop the garlic into very small pieces and mix thoroughly. Then, when people bite into their potatoes they will taste tiny bursts of wonderfully golden garlic.

Roasted Garlic Cloves

This is a wonderful idea when hosting a large gathering such as at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It's also wonderful if you're attending a pot-luck. It may be difficult to believe, but not many people like garlic mashed potatoes. Some may prefer the traditional flavors of milk, butter, and salt. Roasting whole garlic cloves in the in butter will yield a soft clove that tastes buttery and garlicky, without tasting bitter or pungent. Then, you can provide a small bowl of them along with your potato dish and invite those to spoon a clove over their mashed potatoes. This can also be done with garlic oil and garlic butter as well.

Making garlic mashed potatoes is simple and is a favorite of any occasion calling for a covered dish or a hearty side dish of hot, buttery comfort food. As you can see, there are several ways to incorporate garlic into potato side dishes, especially mashed potatoes!