Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil

If you’re looking to take your mashed potatoes to the next level, look no further than this Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Olive Oil recipe! Mashed potatoes are always a family favorite around the holiday table. It may be because of the deliciously creamy and buttery flavor, but that means it’s also loaded with unhealthy fats.

What if we told you that you can make mashed potatoes with olive oil instead of butter, and still have the same butter flavor everyone loves? This creamy, garlicky mash is elevated with Primo Butter Olive Oil, which adds a rich, savory depth without being overly greasy and is lower in saturated fats. The combination of golden yellow potatoes and freshly roasted garlic makes this dish irresistibly comforting with just the right amount of kick. It’s a delightful, easy side to pair with almost any meal, from roasted meats to veggie mains, and will surely have everyone asking for seconds.

Can You Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil?

Of course you can! This is a flavorful twist on classic mashed potatoes. Using Primo Butter Olive Oil to replace traditional butter, this recipe introduces the perfect balance of creamy texture and rich, savory flavors. Plus you get the heart healthy benefits of olive oil!

Mashed Potatoes with Olive Oil Instead of Butter

When making delicious, smooth, creamy mashed potatoes you need fat in order to make the whole dish come together. Traditionally people have used butter to make mashed potatoes and butter does a great job. However, when we compare the heart healthy benefits of olive oil to the higher saturated fat content in butter it’s clear that olive oil is a healthier choice. 

Creamy Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes

By replacing butter with olive oil you create a creamy texture that allows you to omit dairy from this recipe. Make sure you keep at least a cup of cooking liquid when omitting dairy like this recipe does. 

Ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil

Potatoes

We prefer yellow potatoes for a mashed recipe because they tend to create a creamier texture overall. You can use russet or red potatoes if you have them on hand too. Russet potatoes create a fluffier texture because of their higher starch content. Red potatoes tend to not give as smooth of a texture. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a natural substitution for butter in mashed potatoes because it delivers the same creamy texture but with less saturated fat. You also are getting the other health benefits of olive oil like improving heart health, protecting against stroke and getting a big dose of antioxidants. 

Garlic

Some would say that garlic is the culinary star of this dish, and we would agree! Garlic can be used raw, as we do in this recipe. To up the flavor profile you can roast your garlic first. This adds a smokier flavor profile to your mashed potatoes. 

Salt

Don’t forget this important ingredient. You will want to add a generous amount of salt to your water when boiling the potatoes. We recommend also adding a teaspoon of salt after you’ve drained the potatoes while you are mashing. Some people may want to taste their mashed potatoes before adding salt. 

How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Don’t overcook your potatoes or they can come out waterlogged and be harder to mash. 

We like to add our garlic to the potatoes while they are simmering. This allows the garlic flavor to really infuse the potatoes. Next drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. 

Add the olive oil and any other flavoring ingredients like herbs, dairy or extra garlic then mash the potatoes with a potato masher or use a hand mixer for a smoother texture.

Finally you’ll want to make sure to taste your potatoes before serving them. This is when you can adjust your seasonings. 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil Alternatives

• You can swap out the Primo Butter Olive Oil for another olive oil or even a flavored olive oil, such as garlic-infused or lemon-infused. Check out our variety of infused olive oil. 
• For extra richness, add a dollop of sour cream, greek yogurt or a splash of milk for a creamier texture.
• For a twist, try adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

How to Serve Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil

Serve these garlic mashed potatoes as the perfect side to any hearty meal. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, chicken, or grilled vegetables. For a special twist, top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or milk to bring back their creamy consistency. Leftover mashed potatoes can also be used as your topper for shepherds pie or to make latkes! 

Tips for Making Perfect Mashed Potatoes:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Yellow-fleshed potatoes, like Yukon Golds, are ideal for mashed potatoes because of their naturally creamy texture.
• Soak First: After you peel and cut your potatoes into quarters, put them in a bowl of cool water for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This helps pull the starch from the potatoes so they are less “glue-y.” Rinse well before starting to cook. 
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Boil until just tender. Overcooking can make them waterlogged and harder to mash.
• Use Warm Ingredients: Warm your olive oil or butter before adding it to your mashed potatoes. This helps create a smoother consistency.
• Mash to Your Liking: For a smooth mash, use a potato masher or a potato ricer. For a more rustic texture, mash by hand or with a fork.

Season Gradually: Taste as you go to ensure you’re not over-seasoning. Add salt little by little to find the perfect balance.