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On the table in only 30 minutes, our favorite mashed red potatoes are a quick and flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal.

Red mashed potatoes served in a white bowl topped with a pat of butter.
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The Best Red Potatoes!

Potato side dishes are our FAVORITE!

For as long as we can remember, we’ve enjoyed potatoes as a side for almost every Sunday dinner and holiday. And our favorite of all? Mashed Potatoes! With that in mind, we wanted to create a more flavorful and garlicky version still as delicious as our classic Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Today’s recipe has not only a LOT of garlic, but we use red potatoes for the base. The result is a very creamy, delicious and garlicky side that is a perfect stand-alone side (no gravy needed).

This recipe will be the perfect addition with your Glazed Ham, Roast Turkey, or any meal!

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • Flavorful. This easy side dish is seasoned with butter, parmesan, and bold garlic flavor – delicious!
  • Quick and easy. With minimal ingredients and simple prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s also great to make ahead of time!
  • Perfect side. This classic side goes great with our favorite Green Bean Casserole Recipe and Dinner Rolls Recipe for a dinner side trifecta!
Ingredients for garlic red mashed potatoes on a marble countertop.

Ingredients

  • 8 medium red potatoes, quartered – No need to peel red skin potatoes, just make sure to scrub the skins clean.
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¾ – 1 cup half and half, warmed Whole milk and 2% are not quite as creamy as half and half but can be used in a pinch. To get the desired consistency, don’t add the dairy all at once. Allow the potatoes to soak up some of the liquid before adding more. As an alternative, mix ¾ cup milk and ¼ cup heavy cream.
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • fresh parsley, (optional)
  • optional toppings – chopped chives/green onions, parsley, Mashed Potato Gravy, Chicken Gravy, Bacon in the Oven, sautéed mushrooms, a dash of smoked paprika, sprinkle with cheddar cheese

How to Make Mashed Red Potatoes

  1. COOK POTATOES. Place 8 medium potatoes, quartered, and 2 teaspoons minced garlic in a large pot, and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes (or until potatoes are tender). Drain potatoes and place them back in a pot.
  2. SEASON. Add 4 tablespoons butter, ¾-1 cup half and half, 1-2 teaspoons garlic salt (with parsley flakes), and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Use a potato masher to mash potatoes until desired consistency and combine ingredients until they are the preferred consistency.
  3. SERVE. Stir in ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, and top with fresh parsley if desired. ENJOY!

Slow Cooker Directions

  1. Cut the potatoes into small cubes, about 1 inch.
  2. Add in your seasonings, and enough liquid to cover the potatoes to cook for 4-5 hours on high.
  3. After the potatoes are nice and fork-tender, drain excess liquid.
  4. Turn the pot to warm and add in the warmed dairy.
  5. Once everything is added, mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
Red mashed potatoes served in a white bowl topped with a pat of butter.

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5 from 9 votes

Mashed Red Potatoes

By: Lil’ Luna
On the table in only 30 minutes, our favorite mashed red potatoes are a quick and flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal.
Servings: 6
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 8 medium red potatoes, quartered
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¾ – 1 cup half and half, warmed
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • fresh parsley, (optional)

Instructions 

  • Place potatoes and garlic in a large pot and cover with water.
  • Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes (or until potatoes are tender).
  • Drain potatoes and place them back in a pot.
  • Add butter, half and half, garlic salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher to mash potatoes until desired consistency and combine ingredients until they are the preferred consistency.
  • Stir in cheese and top with fresh parsley. ENJOY!

Notes

Storage. You can make them 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the fridge—heat before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When reheating, reheat slowly and add just a splash of milk to prevent them from drying out.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 497mg, Potassium: 32mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 185IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 74mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to tone down the garlic flavor?

If you have time, boil more potatoes to mash to add to the mix or add a splash of lemon or lime juice to help neutralize the garlic.

How to store mashed red potatoes?

Make them 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Heat before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. 

How to freeze?

Since the potatoes are fully cooked, they can be frozen. I like to freeze them in individual portions. Use an ice cream scoop to place each mound of potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer. Once solid, transfer the solid potato balls to a fold-top sandwich bag and store the bags together in a freezer-safe container. 

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 9 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  1. Kristina says:

    5 stars
    A bit of a Different texture than regular mashed potatoes, but that was expected. They are very delicious and I loved the garlic flavor in them.

  2. amy says:

    5 stars
    thank you so much for this recipe! I love red potatoes and I love mashed potatoes

  3. Agnes says:

    Oh yum, I LOVE these! I feel like the peels make all the difference. These are a must try for everyone!

  4. Heather Rose says:

    5 stars
    I made these last night and they were incredible. The only thing I am upset about is we don’t have any leftovers! My kids ate so much!

  5. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    I actually think mashed potatoes made with red potatoes are really good. Never have tried them but thought they were very tasty.

  6. Joy says:

    5 stars
    We make these often! Creamy & so tasty!! Using red potatoes have become a favorite!

  7. Jeff Wright says:

    Recipes look good I think I’m going to try a couple of them I will let you know how I make out take care bye

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thanks! We’d love to hear your feedback on the potatoes. Hope you enjoy them!

  8. Kasey says:

    5 stars
    I absolutely love these potatoes! I feel like I have been searching forever for a great potato recipe and I’m so glad I have finally found it-thanks so much! 🙂

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yay! I’m so glad you found the right recipe! These ones are yummy. 🙂

  9. Lisa wilson says:

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for posting this delicious recipe! My family devoured them and have requested these almost every day.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Woohoo! Love that! Thank you for letting me know. I am glad to share 🙂