Buttermilk garlic mashed potatoes go with almost any main dish, from beef and pork to chicken and fish. It’s one of my favorite dishes to bring to a potluck or holiday gathering.

They’re easy to make with just a few ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen. And they’re the perfect side dish for special occasions.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Since these are mashed potatoes, you know you need to start with potatoes. I used baking potatoes, but any type will do as long as you have the equivalent in volume.

I always scrub my potatoes, even when I peel them. I don’t know why I do that … maybe it’s just a habit.

The other ingredients in this recipe include a stick of butter, a half-cup of buttermilk, a tablespoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

You can alter the ingredients according to how you like your mashed potatoes. For example, if you want the potatoes creamier, add more buttermilk.

Or if you want a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic powder. Just add a little at a time, though, to make sure you don’t overdo it.

Step-by-Step Directions for Creamy Mashed Potatoes

You have a choice of peeling the potatoes or leaving the skin on. I like them either way, but this time, I peeled them. Dice the potatoes to help them cook more quickly.

After the potatoes are diced, I give them another quick rinse. Then put them in a pot of water.

Boil the potatoes on high. After they come to a rolling boil, turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer them until they’re tender enough to mash.

Drain the diced potatoes and pour all of them into a large mixing bowl. You need a little extra room for the additional ingredients.

Note: There have been times when I’ve been in a huge hurry, so I’ve microwaved the potatoes in the skin before mashing. They get a little bit dry when you do this, so you’ll need more milk.

Now the fun begins! It’s time to put all of the ingredients together to make a big bowl of deliciousness. Add the butter, buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked diced potatoes.

Whip out your potato masher and start mashing. If you want to use a hand mixer, that’s fine. Just be careful not to over-mix, or you may wind up with a consistency you don’t want.

According to Dr. Potato at IdahoPotatoes.com, it’s best not to use a mixer because it breaks down the potatoes’ starch cells. This causes an unpleasant runny or mushy texture.

I like to garnish this dish with chives and parsley flakes. You can use either dried or fresh herbs, depending on what you have on hand.

Common Questions About Buttermilk Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Can You Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can do all of the steps a day or two before you plan to serve mashed potatoes. If you want your potatoes to taste freshly mashed, add the butter when you reheat them.

How Much Should I Make Per Person?

A standard serving of mashed potatoes is typically one-half cup. However, that can vary, depending on the people you’re serving.

When you’re deciding how many potatoes to cook per person, the first thing you need to consider is their appetite. Small children will typically need half of a serving, while some adults will want seconds.

I think it’s best to make extra mashed potatoes to ensure everyone is happy. Remember that you can refrigerate the leftovers and heat them up for another meal.

What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are delicious with a wide variety of dishes. We like them with these creamy ranch pork chops.

They’re also good with this delicious crispy air fryer chicken. The creaminess of the potatoes balances the crispness of the chicken.

You can also enjoy these potatoes with any seafood or beef dish. And since they’re already seasoned, gravy is optional.

If You Like Potatoes …

Another delicious potato recipe we enjoy is this Tex Mex ranch potatoes dish. It’s a delightful blend of seasonings that add excitement to any meal.

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