A well known chef’s tip: “Stop adding milk or water to your mashed potatoes. This ingredient makes them creamier than at the restaurant!”

A well known chef’s tip: “Stop adding milk or water to your mashed potatoes. This ingredient makes them creamier than at the restaurant!” | July 16, 2025

Tired of bland mashed potatoes? The secret to elevating this classic side dish from good to unforgettable lies in a surprising, yet simple, ingredient: garlic confit. This method promises a rich, savory depth that goes beyond just butter, making your mashed potatoes the star of any meal.

The Secret Ingredient Revealed

While butter is a given, the real game-changer is garlic confit (3-4 cloves, mashed), or alternatively, roasted garlic, sour cream, or a hint of truffle oil. These additions bring a complex flavor profile and luxurious texture.

Ingredients:

For the Mashed Potatoes

Ingredient	Quantity
Peeled & cubed potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)	4 cups
Milk or cream	¼ cup
Butter (optional)	2 tbsp
Salt	½ tsp
Nutmeg	¼ tsp

The Game-Changer

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Garlic confit, mashed	3–4 cloves	Pro Tip: Roasted in olive oil for mellow, buttery depth!
OR Roasted garlic		Alternative “secret ingredient”
OR Sour cream		Alternative “secret ingredient”
OR Truffle oil		Alternative “secret ingredient”