Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

JERK TAVERNNovember 24, 2021

If you’re looking for the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes with a kick of Jamaican-inspired flavor, this Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe will steal the show at any dinner table. Whether it’s Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving, or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe brings pure comfort in every bite.

The secret? We boil the garlic with the potatoes to infuse them with rich garlicky flavor from the inside out, then finish them with a buttery onion and scallion milk mixture seasoned just right with black pepper and complete Seasoning.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Fluffy, creamy, and buttery — everything you want in mashed potatoes.
• Loaded with flavor — thanks to garlic, onions, scallions, and Jamaican seasoning.
• Perfect side dish for any meal — from baked turkey legs to curry chicken.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor — made with pantry staples and a few fresh aromatics.

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to make Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Boil the Potatoes and Garlic

Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into even chunks. Add them to a large pot with peeled garlic cloves and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender — about 15–20 minutes.

Make the Flavored Milk Mixture

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Then toss in the scallions and cook for another minute to release that signature Jamaican aroma.

Pour in the milk and let it heat gently — do not boil it, just let it warm so the flavors blend.

Mash the Potatoes

Drain the boiled potatoes and garlic. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash them while still hot. Slowly pour in the warm milk mixture, a little at a time, until you reach your desired creamy texture.

Season and Taste

Sprinkle in black pepper, Badia Complete Seasoning, and adjust with salt to taste. Stir until fully combined and silky smooth.

Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point — buttery, garlicky, and full of flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes

• Don’t skip boiling the garlic: It softens the flavor perfectly and avoids that raw bite.
• Warm milk = creamy potatoes: Cold milk can make your mash grainy, so always heat it.
• Don’t overmix: Once your potatoes are smooth, stop mashing. Overmixing can make them gummy.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil or heavy cream for extra richness if you like.

What to Serve Garlic Mashed Potatoes With

These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with your favorite Jamaican-inspired dishes like:

• Brown Stew Chicken
• Baked Turkey Legs
• Curry Goat
• Oxtail Stew
• Or even a simple veggie side like steamed cabbage and carrots for a wholesome meal.

 Variations and Add-Ins

• Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for extra indulgence.
• Creamy Coconut Mashed Potatoes: Swap milk for coconut milk for a tropical twist.
• Garlic Herb Mash: Add fresh thyme or parsley for a bright, herby note.
• Spicy Jamaican Mash: Stir in a touch of scotch bonnet butter or jerk seasoning for heat.

How to Store Leftovers

• Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm them gently on the stove with a splash of milk or butter to bring back the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use unsweetened almond or coconut milk.

 Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Definitely. Make the mash a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently with a bit of milk before serving.

Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Absolutely — it’ll make your mashed potatoes extra rich and luxurious.

What kind of potatoes are best?

Yukon golds are creamy and buttery, while russet potatoes are fluffier; either works great.

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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Delicious creamy mashed potatoes perfect for the holidays and deserve a spot on your table year-round!

5 from 17 votes

Print Rate

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: garlic mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes garlic

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 155kcal

Author: Jerk Tavern

1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 4-5 large potatoes
• 5-6 cloves cloves
• 3 tbsp butter
• ½ small small onion , finely chopped
• 2 scallions , sliced
• ½ cup milk (or more as needed)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Badia Complete Seasoning
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes and Garlic

• Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into even chunks. Add them to a large pot with peeled garlic cloves and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender — about 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Flavored Milk Mixture

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Then toss in the scallions and cook for another minute to release that signature Jamaican aroma.
• Pour in the milk and let it heat gently — do not boil it, just let it warm so the flavors blend.

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

• Drain the boiled potatoes and garlic. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash them while still hot. Slowly pour in the warm milk mixture, a little at a time, until you reach your desired creamy texture.

Step 4: Season and Taste

• Sprinkle in black pepper, Badia Complete Seasoning, and adjust with salt to taste. Stir until fully combined and silky smooth.
• Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point — buttery, garlicky, and full of flavor.

Notes

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is the perfect blend of creamy comfort and Jamaican flair. Boiling the garlic right in the pot gives a mellow, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery onions, scallions, and our favorite all-purpose seasoning — Badia Complete.

It’s a simple, flavorful side dish that brings warmth and soul to your table every single time.

So the next time you’re planning a comforting meal, give this recipe a try — and don’t forget to tag @JerkTavern on Instagram when you make it! We love seeing your recreations.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 661mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 153IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

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JERK TAVERN