Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

Approx. Time:

10 min prep • 20 to 25 min cook • 35 min total

Servings:

4 to 6 servings

Mashed potatoes are one of those dishes that never get old in our house. Yes, they’re a classic Thanksgiving side, but honestly… we make them all year long. If it were up to my son, I think he would eat mashed potatoes every single day — but only if they’re fresh. 😄 He’ll look at me like, “Mom, did you make them today?” because he can always tell the difference. Fresh, warm, creamy mashed potatoes just hit different.

For me, mashed potatoes are comfort food in the best way. They remind me of family dinners, holidays, cozy nights, and those simple meals that make you feel taken care of. And even though they’re easy to make, I love elevating them with a few small touches — like the garlic butter I used in this recipe. Melting the butter with fresh garlic and adding it straight into the potatoes gives such a warm, homemade flavor without being overpowering. It smells amazing, too.

This version is quick, simple, and perfect for both Thanksgiving and regular weeknight dinners. Serve them with turkey, chicken, steak, or honestly… sometimes just a bowl by itself is good enough. If you’re planning your holiday menu, you can find all my Thanksgiving recipes on my website, plus the full grocery list with my Instacart link to make everything easy.

No matter how busy life gets, recipes like this remind me why I love cooking — it’s the little moments, the simple flavors, and the comfort it brings to the people I love.

Ingredients:

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2 lbs. potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into chunks
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 cup warm milk or half-and-half
2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Potatoes: Peel and chop potatoes into even chunks. Add them to a pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Boil 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a small pan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds — just until fragrant. Turn off heat and set aside.
Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash until smooth.
Add the Garlic Butter: Pour the garlic butter over the mashed potatoes and mix gently.
Add Milk & Season: Pour in the warm milk a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust.‍
Serve: Garnish with parsley or chives if you like and enjoy immediately.

Estimated Nutrition

Macros (approx.) Per serving (6 servings)

Calories: 180
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 7g

Note: Macros may vary based on brands and exact measurements.

About the author

Why I Share These Recipes With You

“Food is how I connect with my culture, with others, and with myself. I started The Sweet Spot Done Right to help others do the same: discover new flavors, celebrate where they come from, and make something meaningful in their own kitchen.

I want to make global cooking simple, healthy, and fun for everyone.”