Southern-Style Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives
Creamy stovetop mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic, buttermilk, and fresh chives for a comforting Southern-style side dish. Perfectly fluffy and flavorful with a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Potatoes
- Flavoring
- Dairy
- Herbs & Garnish
- Seasoning
Let’s make it
Potatoes
Place the peeled and cut russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15–18 minutes.
Flavoring
While potatoes cook, roast the garlic. Place peeled garlic cloves on a small piece of foil, drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, and wrap tightly. Roast in a 180°C (350°F) oven or on a stovetop pan over low heat for about 15 minutes until soft and fragrant. Alternatively, sauté garlic gently in a small pan until golden and soft.
Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot off the heat. Add the unsalted butter and roasted garlic cloves to the potatoes. Mash thoroughly with a potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving some texture if preferred.
Dairy and Seasoning
Gradually stir in the buttermilk, mixing until the potatoes are creamy and smooth. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Herbs & Garnish
Fold in the finely chopped fresh chives gently. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and sprinkle a few additional chives on top for garnish. Serve warm.
Tips & notes
For best flavor, roast the garlic rather than using raw; if buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with whole milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and rest 5 minutes before use. Warm the buttermilk slightly to prevent cooling the potatoes.
Saving it for later
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3–4 days.
Reheating
Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen if needed. Microwave covered in short bursts, stirring between, to ensure even heating.
