Mashed potatoes are a timeless side dish that pairs perfectly with just about any main course. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday spread, this easy mashed potatoes recipe will quickly become a favorite. Made with russet potatoes, a touch of garlic, and creamy butter, these mashed potatoes are seasoned to perfection with just the right blend of spices. With a few simple steps, you can create fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes that everyone will love. Let’s dive into this comforting classic and make your meal complete!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 4 Russet Potatoes, Diced
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
• ¼ tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Chives
• Salt and Pepper
• 1 tbsp Butter
• Milk

Equipment I Used

• Stockpot
• Colander
• Potato Masher
• Measuring Spoons
• Cutting Board

How to Make It

Prepare the Potatoes and Garlic

Begin by peeling 4 russet potatoes to remove the skin. After peeling, wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Dice the potatoes into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly. Roughly chop 2 garlic cloves; this prevents the garlic pieces from being too small and getting lost when draining the water later. You can also leave them whole.

Boil the Potatoes and Garlic

Place the diced potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan. Fill the saucepan with enough water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Drain the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are fully cooked, drain them in a colander to remove the hot water. Be careful when draining to avoid steam burns. Allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for a minute to let any excess water drain off completely.

Add Spices, Butter, and Milk

Return the drained potatoes and garlic to the saucepan or a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of chives, and a generous amount of salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 tbsp of butter to the hot potatoes, allowing it to melt slightly. Pour in a small amount of milk (start with ¼ cup) to begin mashing.

Mash the Potatoes

Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the potatoes together with the spices, butter, and milk until they reach your desired consistency. For creamier mashed potatoes, add more milk in small increments, continuing to mash until smooth and fluffy. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chives to taste.

Serve

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional chives or a small pat of butter if desired. Serve warm as a delicious side dish to complement your main meal.