If you love comfort food with a gourmet twist, the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new go-to side dish. This recipe transforms humble Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet, mellow roasted garlic into a creamy, dreamy mash that’s bursting with flavor and richness. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes elevate any meal with their luscious texture and subtle garlic warmth that sneaks in without overwhelming. Get ready to fall in love with a classic comfort food that feels both familiar and special at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and color to this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe. The potatoes provide a sturdy yet fluffy base, while the roasted garlic adds deep, mellow notes. Butter and cream make it luxuriously smooth, and a touch of fresh herbs brightens every bite.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks): These potatoes are naturally buttery and hold their shape beautifully when mashed.
- 1 whole head of garlic: Roasting transforms raw garlic into a soft, sweet paste that infuses the potatoes with gentle garlic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to coat the garlic head for roasting, it helps caramelize the cloves perfectly.
- ½ cup whole milk (warmed): Warm milk makes the mash creamier and easier to combine with the potatoes.
- ¼ cup heavy cream (warmed): Adds richness and silkiness to the mash, making it irresistibly smooth.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Butter brings a luscious, creamy texture and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and seasoning, enhancing every other ingredient.
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and preparing the garlic. Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the individual cloves, drizzle with olive oil, then wrap it tightly in foil. Roasting the garlic for 35 to 40 minutes creates that perfect soft, golden, and caramelized garlic paste you’ll love mixing into your potatoes. Let it cool slightly so it’s easy to handle before squeezing the cloves out of their skins.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
While the garlic roasts, place your peeled and cut Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover the potatoes with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt to season them from within. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Properly cooked potatoes ensure a fluffy and effortless mash.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add the roasted garlic paste, butter, warmed milk, and heavy cream. Mash everything together with a potato masher or a hand mixer until the texture is smooth and creamy. If the mash feels too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your favorite consistency. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Final Touches
Transfer your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley if you like a hint of fresh green on top. These soft herbs add both brightness and a lovely contrast to the rich, buttery mash, making your presentation pop.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or even a sprinkle of thyme bring a refreshing touch that cuts through the richness of the dish. For a little extra indulgence, a pat of butter melting on top just before serving adds a glossy, savory finish.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains. Think juicy roast chicken, grilled steak, or holiday ham. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a mushroom gravy for hearty satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling fancy, pile the mashed potatoes into individual ramekins and broil lightly for a golden crust on top. You can also swirl in some caramelized onions or crispy fried garlic for an added textural surprise. The creamy texture makes it versatile enough to scoop into a piping bag for decorative plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags before freezing. To maintain creaminess, it’s best to reheat gently and add a splash of milk or cream if they seem dry after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftover mashed potatoes slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave at a lower power setting. Stir frequently and add small amounts of warm milk or cream as needed to restore that luscious creamy texture that makes this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold are ideal due to their buttery texture, Russets can also work well, though the mash may be fluffier and less creamy. Avoid waxy potatoes as they don’t mash as smoothly.
How do I make the garlic less pungent?
Roasting the garlic as in this recipe mellows and sweetens it naturally, removing the harsh sharpness raw garlic would add. Be sure to roast until soft and golden for the smoothest flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use your favorite plant-based milk warmed before mixing. The roasted garlic flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Why warm the milk and cream?
Warming helps the dairy incorporate smoothly into the potatoes without cooling them down or making the mash lumpy. It ensures everything blends into a silky texture.
Is it better to mash by hand or with a mixer?
Hand-mashing gives a bit of rustic texture which many love, while a hand mixer creates ultra-smooth potatoes. Just be careful not to overmix with an electric mixer, or you risk gummy potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comforting all at once – the perfect addition to any dinner table. I hope you give it a try soon and discover just how easy it is to impress family and friends with a dish that tastes like love in every bite.
