Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil Recipe

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort-food side dish — creamy, satisfying, and universally loved for their tender texture and rich flavor. Traditionally, they’re made with butter, milk or cream to give them that luxurious mouthfeel. But for those looking to lighten things up or make a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor, switching to olive oil and garlic is a brilliant upgrade. This mashed potatoes recipe not only brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes but also infuses them with savory, aromatic garlic and smooth, fruity olive oil — turning simple spuds into something decidedly more delicious and digestible.

This recipe uses red-skinned potatoes and plenty of garlic, and substitutes olive oil in place of heavy cream and butter, resulting in mashed potatoes that are rich and creamy yet lighter and suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets. Red potatoes have thin skins and tender flesh that’s perfect for mashing while still holding some texture, so you end up with silky, flavorful potatoes that aren’t gluey or overly dense.

Olive-oil mashed potatoes also bring a subtle Mediterranean influence to your plate — with the olive oil’s fruity, peppery notes blending beautifully with mellow roasted garlic. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or pairing them with weeknight mains, this version proves that you can upgrade your mashed potato game without complicated techniques or heavy dairy. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing side that feels both comforting and modern.

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The Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 servings
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1hour and 15 minutes

Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

• 2 pounds small red skinned potatoes
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled/li>
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil, to taste
• Chopped chives, to garnish

How to Make Mashed Potatoes

1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan.
2. Add potatoes, garlic, and 2 teaspoons of salt; cook until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and garlic.
4. Mash the potatoes and garlic in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
5. Beat in salt, pepper, and olive oil to your desired consistency and taste.
6. Check the seasoning, garnish with chopped chives, and serve.

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Mashed Potatoes Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 4 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1/4 of recipe
Calories	≈ 320 kcal
Protein	≈ 5 g
Carbs	≈ 40 g
Sugar	≈ 3 g
Fiber	≈ 5 g
Fat	≈ 16 g

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Mashed Potato Variations & Tips

• Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: Yukon Gold gives ultra-creamy texture, while Russets are fluffier — both work beautifully with olive oil and garlic.
• Roasted garlic upgrade: Roast a whole garlic bulb before mashing it into the potatoes for deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
• Add fresh herbs: Stir in finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, or rosemary for bright flavor and color contrast.
• Make them extra smooth: For super silky potatoes, use a ricer before mixing in olive oil and garlic.
• Use olive oil varieties: Try a fruity extra-virgin olive oil for flavor nuance — lighter oils yield milder taste, while robust ones give more punch.
• Keep it dairy-free: This mash is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written — no need to add plant milk unless you want extra creaminess.
• Season mindfully: Start with kosher salt in the boiling water and adjust after mashing — olive oil intensifies flavor without heaviness.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

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Best Mashed Potato Pairings

• Herb-Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The savory garlic and olive oil in the mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with roasted poultry and pan gravies.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus — the potatoes balance sweet, earthy vegetables.
• Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: Use these mashed potatoes as the topping for a hearty plant-based shepherd’s pie with mushrooms and lentils.
• Seared Steak or Pork Chops: The rich texture and garlic notes complement bold proteins like seared steak or pork chops generously seasoned with pepper and herbs.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp mixed green salad with lemon-olive oil vinaigrette cuts through the richness and keeps the meal balanced.
• Red Wine or Sparkling Water: Pair with a glass of dry red wine for dinner or refreshing sparkling water with lemon to lighten the palate.

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When to Make Mashed Potatoes

• Holiday Dinner Side: A perfect alternative to traditional buttery mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter — crowd-friendly and lighter.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Weeknight Family Dinner: Quick to prepare and versatile enough to accompany everything from grilled meats to plant-based mains.
• Potluck or Helping Dish: Easy to make in larger batches and transport in a slow cooker — a comforting contribution to shared meals.
• Meal-Prep Staple: Make ahead and reheat with a splash of olive oil or broth for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Vegetarian Main Side: Serve alongside lentil loaf or stuffed peppers for a satisfying meatless meal that still feels indulgent.
• Comfort Food Night: Those days when you want cozy food with a twist — this olive oil and garlic mash feels indulgent without heaviness.

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What are the best potatoes for mashed potatoes?

The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are high-starch varieties because they break down easily and create a light, fluffy texture. Russet potatoes are the top choice for classic mashed potatoes, as their low moisture content helps them absorb butter and cream without becoming gummy. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option, offering a naturally creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor even with less added fat. For a slightly more rustic mash, red potatoes can work well, especially if you prefer a chunkier consistency with the skins left on. Fingerling potatoes also make a flavorful alternative, providing a denser, more earthy mash. Avoid waxy potatoes like white round or new potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape and can turn gluey when overworked. A combination of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes gives you the best of both worlds—fluffy and creamy. Ultimately, the best potato depends on your texture preference, but high-starch varieties consistently deliver the most satisfying mashed potatoes.

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How long do you boil potatoes for mashed potatoes?

For mashed potatoes, you typically boil peeled, cubed potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. If you’re boiling whole potatoes, expect them to take closer to 25 to 30 minutes depending on their size. The key is to start them in cold, salted water so they cook evenly from the inside out. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily with little resistance. Overcooking can make the potatoes waterlogged, so drain them promptly once tender. This timing helps ensure your mashed potatoes turn out fluffy instead of soggy.

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Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes, and they freeze surprisingly well when prepared properly. For best results, make sure your mashed potatoes contain plenty of butter, cream, or milk, since the added fat helps preserve a smooth texture. Let them cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. Press out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to two months without a major loss in quality. When reheating, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Warm them slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore their creamy consistency.

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Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?

Dogs can eat plain mashed potatoes in small amounts, but only as an occasional treat. The potatoes should be fully cooked and completely unseasoned, with no butter, salt, garlic, onion, or spices, as these ingredients can be harmful to dogs. Plain mashed potatoes provide carbohydrates but don’t offer significant nutritional benefits for pets. Large portions can upset your dog’s stomach or contribute to weight gain. Never give dogs raw potatoes, which can be toxic. If your dog has health conditions like diabetes, it’s best to avoid starchy foods altogether. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian before sharing human food with your pet.

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How to mash your potatoes?

There are several easy ways to mash potatoes depending on the texture you want. A classic potato masher gives you a chunky, rustic consistency. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer creates very smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes with minimal effort. A potato ricer produces ultra-light, lump-free results that are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes. You can also use a food mill for a similar smooth texture. For a quick option, a fork works well when mashing small batches. Avoid using a blender or food processor, as they can make the potatoes gluey. Each method offers a different finish, so choose based on your preferred texture.
Photo credit: Paul Delmont