If you’re looking for a quick, comforting side that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Garlic Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. This dish takes humble white potatoes and turns them into a luscious, garlicky delight with just a handful of simple ingredients. With tender potatoes bathed in a rich, buttery cream sauce infused with golden garlic, this recipe is the perfect companion for any main course. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or wanting a fuss-free dinner that still tastes special, these creamy garlic potatoes never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Garlic Potatoes Recipe lies in how a few straightforward ingredients come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each element is chosen not just for taste but for how it enhances the whole dish, from the creamy richness to the subtle garlic aroma and fresh pop of color.
- White potatoes: A starchy variety that soaks up the cream sauce beautifully while retaining a perfect bite.
- Sea salt: Seasoning the boiling water helps the potatoes cook evenly and brings out their natural flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Chopped fresh for that bold flavor that infuses the cream.
- Butter: Adds a silky richness and helps mellow out the garlic’s sharpness as it cooks.
- Heavy cream: The heart of the recipe that wraps the potatoes in a smooth, luscious sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors to perfection.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a vibrant green touch and a fresh, herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
Begin by boiling water in a medium saucepan and adding sea salt to it—this step seasons the potatoes right from the start. If you like, you can leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer a smoother experience. Cut the potatoes into quarters for even cooking. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the potato chunks and cook until tender—about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in effortlessly.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
While the potatoes are boiling, finely chop the garlic cloves. In the now-empty saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook gently for around 3 minutes until it turns golden and the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlicky aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and lower the heat to cook everything together slowly for about 5 minutes. This step helps develop the sauce’s rich and velvety texture.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes with the Creamy Sauce
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and add them straight into the garlic cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper, but just a pinch to complement the flavors rather than overpower them. Toss gently to coat every potato quarter thoroughly in the silky sauce. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley if using and give everything a good mix. Your Creamy Garlic Potatoes Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of shine and texture, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds some visual appeal and a lively bite that brightens the dish. If you’re feeling indulgent, a small pat of butter melting on top is always welcome.
Side Dishes
This recipe plays beautifully alongside grilled chicken breast, roasted pork tenderloin, or a juicy steak. It’s equally comfortable next to a pan-seared salmon. For a vegetarian dinner, pair these creamy garlic potatoes with roasted vegetables or a hearty lentil stew for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the potatoes in a rustic bowl or family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to dig in and share. For a more refined touch, plate individual servings with a drizzle of extra cream or a dusting of smoked paprika. You can even turn these into loaded creamy garlic potato bites by adding crispy bacon bits and shredded cheese on top for a party-friendly appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy garlic potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors only deepen as they sit, making next-day enjoyment just as delightful.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the cream sauce can separate when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container and use within a month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir frequently and add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce becomes too thick. You can also use the microwave, warming in short bursts and stirring in between to keep the texture smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
White potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape and absorb the cream sauce well, but Yukon Gold potatoes work nicely too. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes that might become too firm or sticky.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No, peeling is completely optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and texture, plus it saves prep time. Just make sure to scrub them thoroughly before cutting.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
While heavy cream gives the dish its signature richness, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less thick and luxurious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for your favorite plant-based margarine and use full-fat coconut milk or a vegan cream substitute. Garlic and potatoes remain the stars, so you won’t lose any flavor.
How can I add more garlic flavor without it becoming overpowering?
Cooking the garlic gently in butter mellows its harshness and brings out sweet notes. You can also roast whole garlic cloves and blend them into the cream sauce for a softer, richer garlic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Potatoes Recipe is a timeless side that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. Easy to make, luscious, and full of flavor, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. If you want to impress with minimal effort or just crave that perfect creamy potato fix, this recipe is made for you. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Creamy Garlic Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Potatoes is a quick and easy stovetop side dish made with tender boiled potatoes and a rich garlic cream sauce. With just six simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful accompaniment to a variety of entrees. The creamy texture paired with aromatic garlic makes these potatoes irresistible and a perfect comfort food addition to your meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb. white potatoes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook potatoes: Start by boiling water in a medium saucepan and adding ½ teaspoon sea salt to the water. Do not peel the potatoes unless you prefer to. Cut the potatoes into quarters by slicing lengthwise twice if they are round. Add the potato pieces to the boiling water and cook until tender enough to be pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain and remove the potatoes from the saucepan.
- Make creamy garlic sauce: While the potatoes are boiling, chop the garlic. In the empty saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, then add the chopped garlic. Cook the garlic for about 3 minutes until it becomes golden and fragrant. Next, add ½ cup of heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Let the garlic simmer in the cream for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the potatoes: Add the drained potatoes back into the saucepan with the garlic cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and gently stir to combine all ingredients well. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish if using, mix, and the creamy garlic potatoes are ready to serve.
Notes
- Leaving the potato skins on adds texture and nutrients, but feel free to peel if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic as it loses potency.
- Adjust the cream quantity to achieve your preferred consistency of sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, keeping in mind the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
