Experience the comforting richness of Olive Garden’s garlic mashed potatoes, a fan favorite that’s perfectly smooth, creamy, and infused with garlic. This copycat recipe captures the signature taste of the restaurant’s potatoes, topped with a drizzle of velvety Alfredo sauce and garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and chives. Ideal as a side dish for gatherings or a special treat, these mashed potatoes elevate any meal with their savory, buttery flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4–5 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce Drizzle:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- In a large pot, place the potatoes and garlic. Cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and garlic thoroughly, then return them to the pot.
- Add the softened butter, sour cream, and about half of the milk (or cream) to the potatoes. Mash until smooth, gradually adding more milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm while you prepare the Alfredo sauce.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce Drizzle
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the butter and garlic.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the cream.
- Reduce the heat to low, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
- Spoon the mashed potatoes onto a serving platter or individual plates.
- Drizzle a generous amount of Alfredo sauce over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives on top for garnish.
Cooking Note:
- Consistency: For the creamiest texture, use a potato masher or hand mixer rather than a blender, which can make the potatoes gluey.
- Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the Alfredo sauce by cooking it a little longer if you prefer a thicker drizzle.
Serving Suggestions:
This rich side pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or as part of a holiday feast. Serve with a green vegetable like asparagus or a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Tips:
- Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, but you can substitute Russet potatoes for a fluffier mash.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the mashed potatoes up to one day in advance. Reheat over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Extra Garlic Flavor: For a stronger garlic flavor, add a small amount of roasted garlic to the mash.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 25 minutes
Total Time:
- 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
Conclusion
Recreating Olive Garden’s garlic mashed potatoes at home is an indulgent treat with the comfort of a classic, restaurant-style side. With creamy mashed potatoes topped with Alfredo sauce, Parmesan, and chives, this dish is sure to please anyone who loves rich, savory flavors. Ideal for special occasions or to elevate a home-cooked meal, this recipe brings the flavors of Olive Garden straight to your table.
PrintCopycat Olive Garden Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Alfredo Sauce Drizzle
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4–5 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce Drizzle:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- In a large pot, place the potatoes and garlic. Cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and garlic thoroughly, then return them to the pot.
- Add the softened butter, sour cream, and about half of the milk (or cream) to the potatoes. Mash until smooth, gradually adding more milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm while you prepare the Alfredo sauce.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce Drizzle
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the butter and garlic.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the cream.
- Reduce the heat to low, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Serve and Garnish
- Spoon the mashed potatoes onto a serving platter or individual plates.
- Drizzle a generous amount of Alfredo sauce over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped chives on top for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 580mg
- Protein: 8g