Copycat Restaurant Recipes

Easy Copycat Applebee's Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Name: Restaurant Applebees Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs Red potatoes; 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup Unsalted butter; 3/4 cup Whole milk; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black pepper

These rustic, skin-on red potatoes are infused with rich butter and savory sautéed garlic to perfectly mimic the iconic restaurant side dish. They offer a creamy yet chunky texture that provides the ultimate comfort food experience for any weeknight dinner.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 20 min
Serves: 6
Level: Easy
Per serving: 315 kcal

Method

Scrub the red potatoes thoroughly and cut them into 1-inch chunks, leaving the skins on to maintain the signature restaurant texture.
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are very fork-tender.
While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Drain the potatoes well in a colander and return them to the warm pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Pour the garlic-butter mixture and the milk into the pot with the potatoes.
Using a hand masher, smash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency, leaving some small chunks for a rustic, homemade feel.
Stir in the salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preference, and serve immediately.

Notes

Always start red potatoes in cold water to ensure they cook evenly from the center out.

For an even richer flavor closer to the restaurant version, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.

Warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes to keep the dish hot and prevent a gummy texture.

Do not peel the potatoes; the red skins provide the essential color and earthy flavor characteristic of this dish.

Questions

Can I use Russet potatoes instead of Red potatoes?

While you can, the texture will be fluffier and less 'waxy' than the Applebee's version. Red potatoes are preferred for their firm texture and thin skins.

How do I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare them up to 2 hours in advance and keep them in a slow cooker on the 'warm' setting with a splash of extra milk to keep them moist.

Is the garlic flavor very strong?

The garlic is sautéed in butter first, which mellows the sharp bite and creates a savory, aromatic infusion throughout the mash.

Can I freeze these mashed potatoes?

Yes, because of the high fat content from the butter and milk, these freeze well in an airtight container for up to one month.