Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly unforgettable side dish, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes absolutely deserve a spot at your table! These are not just any mashed potatoes; they’re rich, creamy, and brimming with deep roasted garlic flavor that’s both comforting and downright crave-able. The addition of Yukon Gold potatoes gives them a buttery color and velvety texture, while heavy cream and real butter create a luxurious finish. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes shine with homey goodness and a subtle sophistication that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a key role: the potatoes provide the perfect base, garlic brings warmth, butter and cream lend richness, and a hit of salt and pepper ties it all together. With quality basics, you get a dish that always feels special.

• Yukon Gold potatoes: Their natural buttery taste and golden hue make for extra-flavorful and pretty mashed potatoes.
• Whole head of garlic: Roasting softens the garlic and transforms it into sweet, mellow magic that infuses every bite.
• Unsalted butter: This lets you control the salt level and adds that irresistible creamy finish.
• Heavy cream: For dreamy, silky-smooth mashed potatoes, don’t skip this—it’s worth every drop!
• Salt and pepper: The basics, but absolutely essential for tying all the flavors together and making them shine.
• Olive oil: Just a drizzle for the garlic, coaxing out its sweetness during roasting.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice just the very top off a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves, then nestle it in some foil. Give it a generous drizzle of olive oil, wrap it up, and let it roast for 30 to 35 minutes. When it’s done, the cloves will be golden, buttery-soft, and almost caramelized—perfect for mashing.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

While the garlic is working its magic in the oven, peel and chop your Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks for uniform cooking. Drop them into a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily and the pieces practically fall apart—just what you want for creamy mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Remove Excess Moisture

Once your potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Set the pot over low heat for a minute or two, gently stirring. This step helps any extra water evaporate off, ensuring your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes stay fluffy instead of watery.

Step 4: Mash with Roasted Garlic, Butter, and Cream

Carefully squeeze those soft, roasted garlic cloves right into your steaming potatoes. Add in the butter and pour over the heavy cream. Using a masher—or go wild with a hand mixer for extra smoothness—work everything together until it’s ultra-creamy and there are no lumps in sight. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to hit your perfect flavor point.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Give your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes one last taste. Adjust salt and pepper if needed, then serve them piping hot. The texture should be silky with dreamy pockets of roasted garlic in every bite—pure comfort food perfection.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Garnishing Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is the easiest way to make them extra special. Fresh chopped chives or parsley add a pop of color and freshness, while a light drizzle of olive oil or an extra pat of butter melts beautifully on top. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some crispy fried shallots makes them restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

These mashed potatoes are endlessly versatile. They’re incredible alongside classic roast chicken or turkey, beef stew, or seared pork chops. Pair with your favorite green vegetables or a bright, tangy salad for a balanced plate. There’s really no meal that isn’t made happier with a mountain of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! For a dinner party, try spooning your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes into individual ramekins and topping with a swirl of whipped cream or herbed butter. Or, serve them family-style in a rustic dish for everyone to dig in. For something fun, pipe them onto plates using a piping bag for a pretty swirl—everyone will be wowed when they sit down.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Spoon them into an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. When storing, pressing a piece of plastic wrap against the surface can help prevent a skin from forming, so every scoop stays smooth and luscious.

Freezing

Need to get ahead? You can absolutely freeze Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! Once they’re completely cool, transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, squeezing out excess air. They’ll freeze well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk to restore their soft, creamy consistency. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch—just reheat in short bursts and stir often. Either way, they’ll be just as tasty as when first made!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely. While Yukon Golds offer that special buttery flavor and creamy texture, you can use Russets for a lighter, fluffier mash—just keep in mind the texture may be a bit different.

Should I peel the potatoes or leave the skins on?

Peeling potatoes gives the final dish a smoother, silkier consistency, which is perfect for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. However, if you love a rustic touch and a little more fiber, feel free to leave the skins on!

Can I make these dairy free?

Of course! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use a rich, unsweetened plant milk (like oat or cashew milk) in place of cream. The results are still deliciously creamy and full of garlic goodness.

How far ahead can I prepare mashed potatoes?

You can make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes up to two days in advance. Just refrigerate, then gently reheat on the stove with a bit of cream or milk, stirring until smooth.

How do I keep my mashed potatoes from getting gluey?

Be careful not to over-mash or use a blender, as that can make them sticky. Stick with a potato masher or a ricer, and mash just until smooth and creamy for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste homemade Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, there’s no going back—they’re that good! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this extra-special twist on a classic, and watch how fast the bowl empties. Can’t wait for you to give them a try!

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