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    Home » Holiday Recipes

    Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

    Published: Aug 11, 2022 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Sep 19, 2022 · 1054 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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    If you're looking for an easy and delicious side dish, look no further than Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. This recipe is so easy to make and will have your friends and family asking for it time and again. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this flavorful and satisfying dish will become a staple in your kitchen.

    Overhead photo of a bowl of garlic mashed red potatoes.

    .

    Mashed potatoes are always a favorite side dish, and these garlic red skin mashed potatoes are a fun way to mix things up.

    Adding garlic and red potatoes gives them a delicious flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, they're easy to make and the perfect side dish for any occasion. 

    So why not give them a try? You won't be disappointed!

    Ingredients for Making Mashed Red Potatoes

    Overhead photo of red potatoes, butter, garlic, and seasonings.
    • Red Potatoes: This recipe will need about two pounds of red potatoes. Cut them into two-inch pieces before adding them to the pot.
    • Garlic: Peel and add six cloves of garlic to the pot. You can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste.
    • Bay Leaves: Add two bay leaves to the pot.  Thyme or oregano can be substituted if you don’t have bay leaves.
    • Salt and Pepper: Add one teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Again, you can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste.
    • Butter: You'll need five tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature. If you use salted butter, be sure to take that into account when adding any additional seasonings.
    • Milk: You'll need ¾ cup of milk (or more or less to achieve your desired consistency). You can use any type of milk, but whole milk will give you the richest flavor.  Use half and half or heavy cream to make these potatoes even more decadent.

    Tips & Tricks

    • Real butter and not margarine is best.  To avoid overly dry potatoes, you may need to use additional milk if you use margarine.
    • Drain the potatoes very well before mashing and adding the butter.
    • Don’t add the butter and milk at the same time.  Adding the butter first helps the consistency of the potatoes.
    • You want to leave a few chunks in the potatoes - avoid over-mashing, or your potatoes could be sticky.

    Serving Suggestions

    Garlic red mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish! They make a great addition to holiday meals or potlucks but are easy enough for a busy weeknight.

    Serve them with your favorite protein and veggie for a complete meal. Some great options include:

    • Air Fried Turkey 
    • BBQ Chicken
    • Blackstone Steak
    • Grilled or Roasted Vegetables 

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    Are red potatoes good for mashing?

    Red potatoes are an excellent option for mashed potatoes because they're dense and have a slightly waxy texture. This makes them perfect for absorbing all of the flavors in the dish.

    Do I have to use red potatoes?

    No, you can use any type of potato you like. However, red potatoes are a good option for these rustic mashed potatoes because they have a thin skin and are more moist than other varieties of potatoes.

    What if I don't have any butter?

    If you don't have any butter, you can use olive oil or another type of cooking oil. The flavor won't be quite the same, but it will still be delicious!

    Can I make this mashed red potatoes recipe dairy-free and vegan?

    Yes, you can! Simply substitute the milk for a non-dairy alternative, such as almond or coconut milk.  Use vegan butter. 

    The potatoes will still be creamy and delicious.  

    Tools Needed to Make Red Mashed Potatoes

    As an amazon associate, I earn from qualified sales.

    • Large saucepan
    • Potato Masher

    Storage

    Can You Make Mashed Red Potatoes Ahead Of Time?

    Yes! These mashed potatoes can be made a day in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them when you're ready to serve.

    How long do mashed potatoes last?

    Mashed potatoes will last in the fridge for up to four days. After that, they should be discarded.

    Reheating Instructions

    The best way to reheat these potatoes is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the potatoes in an even layer on a baking dish.   Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

    You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be sure to do so in short increments to avoid overcooking.

    Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

    Yes, you can freeze these mashed potatoes. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to six months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat according to the instructions above.

    How to Make Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

    First, start by peeling and chopping your potatoes into even pieces. Then, add them to a large pot along with the garlic cloves and cover with water.

    Photo of red potatoes in a sauce pan.
    Photo of red potatoes covered in water with seasonings.

    Next, add the bay leaves and salt to the water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.

    Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and discard the bay leaves. Then, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and garlic to your desired consistency.

    Photo of red potatoes being mashed with a potato masher.
    Salt, pepper, and butter being incorporated into mashed potatoes.
    Photo of milk being added to mashed red potatoes.

    Stir in the remaining salt and pepper, then add the butter and mash until it's fully incorporated. Finally, stir in milk ¼ cup at a time until the potatoes are the desired consistency.

    Photo of a bowl of garlic mashed potatoes sitting in front of a roasted chicken.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.

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    Square overhead photo of a bowl of garlic mashed red potatoes.
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    Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

    These red mashed potatoes with garlic are easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Keyword: Holiday
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 160kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds red potatoes cut into 2-inch pieces
    • 6 cloves garlic peeled
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt divided
    • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
    • ¾ cup milk more or less to desired consistency

    Instructions

    • Put the potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan and cover with water.
    • Add the bay leaves and ½ teaspoon of the salt to the water.
    • Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
    • Drain and discard the bay leaves.
    • Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and garlic to the desired consistency.
    • Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper.
    • Add the butter and mash until the butter is incorporated.
    • Stir in the milk, ¼ cup at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 321mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 266IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

    Filed Under:

    Christmas RecipesEaster RecipesHoliday RecipesSide Dish RecipesThanksgiving Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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