There is something truly magical about a comforting bowl of mashed potatoes, and this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe takes that cozy feeling to a whole new level. By slowly roasting a whole head of garlic until golden and silky soft, the natural sweetness and depth of flavor blend perfectly with creamy potatoes, butter, and warm milk to create a side dish that is downright irresistible. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday dinner or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with a special touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect roasted garlic mashed potatoes is all about quality and balance. Each ingredient plays its role to enhance the taste, texture, and subtle color of the dish, while keeping it wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
- Russet or Yukon gold potatoes (2 pounds): These varieties mash beautifully, offering a fluffy yet buttery texture that’s ideal.
- Garlic (1 head): Roasting softens and sweetens the garlic, eliminating harshness and adding a rich aroma.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to gently roast the garlic to perfection without burning.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup, warmed): Warm milk makes mashing easier and ensures the potatoes stay creamy.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds luscious richness and a velvety finish to the dish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasoning that brightens the potatoes’ natural flavor.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth that balances the sweetness of roasted garlic.
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbal notes as a beautiful garnish.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves and drizzle generously with olive oil. Wrap the garlic tightly in foil and roast for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cloves become soft, golden, and fragrant. This roasting transforms the garlic from pungent to sweet and mellow.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
While your garlic is roasting, place your peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to help season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. This step ensures your potatoes will mash smoothly without lumps.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Paste and Mash Potatoes
Once roasted, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste. Return the drained potatoes to the pot on low heat for a minute to evaporate any excess moisture. Then, add your roasted garlic paste, warm milk, softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mash vigorously until your potatoes are irresistibly creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is a wonderful way to add color, flavor, and a touch of freshness to your dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley over your mashed potatoes just before serving. Their bright green hues and mild herbal flavor cut through the richness and make the dish visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats like steak, chicken, or pork. It’s also fantastic alongside robust vegetable dishes such as sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. The creamy texture complements many mains and helps to round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a little fancy with your presentation? Try piping the mashed potatoes using a large star tip onto warm plates for an elegant swirl effect. Drizzle a bit of browned butter or a light gravy over the top, and finish with freshly cracked pepper for a gourmet touch. Serving them in mini ramekins topped with extra roasted garlic can offer a special individual portion at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover roasted garlic mashed potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing much of their flavor or creamy texture, making them a convenient and tasty option for quick meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by placing the cooled mashed potatoes in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best texture, consume within 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating and maintain that rich garlic flavor.
Reheating
Reheating is best done gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently, adding a splash of warm milk to bring back creaminess without drying out the potatoes. Microwaving on medium power in short intervals while stirring can also do the trick if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While russet and Yukon gold are ideal because of their texture, you can experiment with red potatoes or fingerlings. Just keep in mind, waxier potatoes might yield a denser mash.
Do I have to roast the garlic or can I use raw garlic?
Roasting is key for this recipe because it transforms the sharp raw garlic into a mellow, sweet concentrate that beautifully complements the mashed potatoes. Using raw garlic would result in a much stronger, sometimes bitter flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil and use plant-based milk alternatives warmed up for the liquid component. This will keep the dish creamy while accommodating dietary needs.
What if I don’t have chives or parsley for garnish?
No worries! You can sprinkle some finely chopped green onions or even a bit of freshly ground black pepper to add a bit of color and flavor pop.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and deeply satisfying about making mashed potatoes with roasted garlic that it almost feels like a warm hug on a plate. I truly encourage you to try this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe the next time you want to create a side dish that’s simple but offers a luxurious depth of flavor. It’s a beautiful way to turn humble potatoes into something truly special that will make any meal feel like a celebration.
Print
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This recipe for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes offers a rich and creamy twist on the classic side dish by incorporating roasted garlic for a deep, mellow flavor. Soft potatoes are boiled and combined with buttery, flavorful roasted garlic, warm milk, and seasonings to create a smooth, comforting mash that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Garnished with fresh herbs, this dish is ideal for holiday meals or everyday dinners.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the individual cloves. Drizzle the exposed cloves with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, wrap the whole head tightly in foil, and roast it in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the garlic cloves become soft and golden.
- Cook the Potatoes: While the garlic is roasting, place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and easily pierced.
- Drain and Prepare Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot. This removes excess water and helps achieve a creamy texture when mashing.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic Paste: Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins and mash them into a smooth paste.
- Mash and Mix: Add the roasted garlic paste to the potatoes along with the warmed milk, softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture using a potato masher or a hand mixer until the mashed potatoes are smooth, creamy, and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, replace whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
- You can prepare these mashed potatoes in advance and gently reheat them on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture, or russet potatoes for a fluffier mash.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
