Skordalia – Greek Garlic and Potato Dip

If you’re a garlic lover, get ready for your new obsession. Skordalia is a traditional Greek garlic and potato dip that’s creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine silky mashed potatoes infused with the bold kick of garlic, rounded out by the richness of olive oil and a zesty touch of lemon and vinegar. It’s the kind of dip that makes you want to grab a piece of warm bread and just keep dunking until it’s gone.

This recipe is deceptively simple but packs a punch. It’s perfect as an appetizer, a side to roasted meats, or even a spread for sandwiches. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Recipe Origin

Skordalia has roots deep in Greek culinary tradition. Historically, it was a way to combine simple, affordable ingredients—potatoes, garlic, and olive oil—into something that feels indulgent and comforting. Over time, it became a staple at Greek tables, often served alongside fried fish, roasted vegetables, or just crusty bread. The magic lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and tangy flavors.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling potatoes
• Colander to drain the potatoes
• Food processor or mortar and pestle to mash and blend the garlic and potatoes
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl for combining everything together
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Serving dish for presenting this creamy delight

Why You’ll Love Skordalia

This isn’t just a dip—it’s a culinary experience. Whether you’re entertaining friends, enjoying a quiet night in, or looking for something to impress at a dinner party, Skordalia shines:

Bold and Flavorful

The garlic is unapologetically front-and-center, balanced by the smooth potato base and tangy lemon and vinegar. It’s a flavor punch that keeps you coming back for more.

Simple and Quick

With just a handful of ingredients, this dip comes together quickly. No fancy techniques required—just boil, mash, and blend.

Versatile

Serve it with bread, pita, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or as a topping for your favorite protein. It’s a dip, a spread, or a sauce—all rolled into one.

Crowd-Pleasing

If your friends or family love garlic, this dip will disappear fast. It’s creamy, garlicky, and satisfying—perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Healthy-ish Indulgence

Rich in flavor but made with wholesome ingredients like potatoes and olive oil, this dip feels indulgent without going overboard.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Skordalia

• Cook potatoes evenly: Cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Use good-quality olive oil: It makes a huge difference in flavor and silkiness.
• Adjust garlic intensity: If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the garlic slightly or roast it first.
• Texture tweak: For extra creaminess, pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or fine sieve before mixing.
• Serve fresh: Skordalia tastes best the day it’s made, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for a couple of days.

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Ingredients in Skordalia

Here’s the breakdown of what makes this dip irresistible:

Potatoes

Creamy, starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold form the silky base. They’re boiled until tender and mashed to perfection.

Garlic

The hero of this dish. Raw or lightly softened, garlic gives Skordalia its signature bold kick.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Adds richness, smooth texture, and that signature fruity flavor that elevates the dip.

Red Wine Vinegar

Provides subtle tang that balances the richness of the potatoes and oil.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Brightens the dip and adds freshness, cutting through the garlic’s intensity.

Salt and Pepper

Simple seasonings that bring everything together and enhance the natural flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s create this creamy, garlicky masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for your potatoes. Properly preheating the water ensures even cooking.

Boil Potatoes

Add the potatoes and cook until fork-tender. Drain well in a colander.

Prepare Garlic

While the potatoes cook, peel the garlic cloves. You can mash them lightly with a mortar and pestle or chop finely.

Mash Potatoes

In a mixing bowl or food processor, mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the garlic, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend or mix until creamy and well-combined.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your preference. The dip should have a bright, garlicky flavor with a smooth, luxurious texture.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle a little extra olive oil on top if desired. Serve with warm bread, pita, or fresh vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4–6
Calories per serving: ~250–300 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

How to Serve Skordalia

• With Bread: Warm pita or crusty bread is perfect for dipping.
• As a Sauce: Spoon over grilled fish or roasted chicken for a garlicky boost.
• Vegetable Dip: Serve with raw or roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
• Sandwich Spread: Use as a flavor-packed base for sandwiches or wraps.

Presentation tip: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or fresh herbs for a visually stunning dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Boil and mash potatoes in advance, store garlic separately until ready to mix.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Serve at room temperature for best texture; avoid microwaving as it can alter the creaminess.

Variations to Try

• Roasted Garlic Skordalia: Roast the garlic before blending for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Herb Twist: Add fresh parsley, dill, or oregano for an herby punch.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in a few ground almonds or walnuts for texture and depth.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika.

Additional Tips

• Use waxy potatoes for a creamier texture, or starchy potatoes for fluffier mash.
• Blend slowly while drizzling in olive oil to avoid separation.
• Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A1: Yes! The flavor will be slightly sweeter, but still delicious.

Q2: Can I make Skordalia ahead of time?
A2: Yes, but add olive oil and lemon juice just before serving for freshness.

Q3: How long can I store leftovers?
A3: Up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Q4: Can I freeze Skordalia?
A4: Not recommended—potatoes may become grainy after freezing.

Q5: Can I roast the garlic instead of using raw?
A5: Absolutely! Roasting makes the garlic sweeter and less pungent.

Q6: Is this vegan?
A6: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan.

Q7: What should I serve it with?
A7: Bread, pita, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or as a sandwich spread.

Q8: Can I use less garlic?
A8: Yes, reduce cloves according to taste. Traditional Skordalia is garlicky, but you can tone it down.

Q9: Can I use olive oil blends instead of extra virgin?
A9: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor, but blends will work in a pinch.

Q10: Can I make it creamier?
A10: Use a food processor or hand blender to really smooth out the potatoes and garlic.

Conclusion

Skordalia – Greek Garlic and Potato Dip is comfort food with personality. Creamy, garlicky, tangy, and silky-smooth, it’s a dip that shines at any table. From casual gatherings to holiday spreads, this dish is simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile.

Grab some fresh bread, warm it up, and scoop up every last bite. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why Skordalia has been a beloved Greek staple for generations. It’s a dip that makes life a little more delicious, one garlicky bite at a time.

SKORDALIA – Greek Garlic and Potato Dip

See how to prepare this classic Greek dip with garlic and potatoes: