Place the potatos and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot (including the garlic). Let them sit uncovered for 1 minute or so to allow excess moisture to evaporate to keep the mashed potatoes fluffy not watery.
Mash with the back of a fork until coarse. Add butter, milk, sour cream, and sea salt.
Mash with a potato masher or a hand mixer until creamy but still a little chunky. Add more milk if needed to loosen.
Notes
Storage: Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in a pot over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring occasionally until heated through. To freeze, place the potatoes in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. Helpful Tips:
Avoid over-mashing - Over-mashing the potatoes can make them gluey. Stop when they're creamy but still have lots of texture (going for the chunky kind).
Moisture control - Let the drained potatoes sit uncovered for a minute to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. This helps them stay fluffy.
Adjust consistency - Add more milk or butter in small increments if your potatoes seem too thick or dry.
Troubleshooting Tips:Watery mashed potatoes? This is likely from too much moisture left in the potatoes after draining. Make sure to let them sit uncovered for a minute after draining.
The information shown above is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. Please see our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.