Description
Creamy and flavorful Garlic Mashed Potatoes made with tender red potatoes, butter, sour cream, milk, and a blend of garlic seasonings. This comforting side dish is perfectly fluffy with a slight hint of garlic, ideal for pairing with a variety of main courses. Easy to prepare using either stovetop or Instant Pot methods for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 pounds red potatoes (peeled if desired)
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1–2 teaspoons garlic powder (to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (or 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper)
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes: Choose your preferred cooking method — either stovetop or Instant Pot. Prepare the potatoes accordingly until tender.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the hot, drained potatoes with butter, milk, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes just until ingredients are combined. Keep some lumps for texture and avoid over-mixing for the best consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the mashed potatoes and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Stovetop method for potatoes: Quarter the potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover with water about 1 inch above potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and boil for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Instant Pot method for potatoes: Place a metal rack in the bottom of your pressure cooker and add 1 cup of water. Place potatoes on the rack. Cover and set vent to SEAL. Cook on PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL for 8 minutes. Quick release the pressure by turning knob to VENT. Once the valve drops, remove lid, drain water, and transfer potatoes to a bowl.
Notes
- Peeling potatoes is optional; leaving skins on adds texture and nutrients.
- Use a hand mixer for creamier potatoes, but avoid over-mixing to prevent gluey texture.
- Adjust garlic powder and salt according to your taste preference.
- Using red potatoes gives a slightly waxy texture which holds shape well in mashed dishes.
- Whole milk can be substituted with cream or other milk types for different richness levels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Mashed Potatoes, mashed potatoes, garlic side dish, creamy potatoes, Instant Pot mashed potatoes, stovetop mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy side dish
