If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting, and deeply flavorful side dish, this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. The key here is roasting the garlic until it’s sweet and mellow, which transforms these mashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary. The tender red potatoes combined with rich butter and heavy cream create the perfect base, while the roasted garlic adds a seductive, aromatic punch that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner at home, these mashed potatoes bring warmth and joy to the table like no other.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe calls for straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and silky texture. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter to the delicate sweetness of roasted garlic, letting every bite shine.
- 8 large heads of garlic: Roasting these bulbs transforms raw garlic into a caramelized, spreadable delight that melts into the potatoes.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used to drizzle over the garlic before roasting, adding richness and helping caramelize the cloves perfectly.
- 6 pounds red potatoes: Their naturally creamy texture makes red potatoes ideal for smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes.
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter: Provides richness and silkiness, enriching every spoonful.
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream: Creamy and luscious, it softens the texture and keeps the mash luxuriously moist.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice to complement the garlic’s sweetness.
- Melted butter (optional, for garnish): Adds a glossy finish and extra decadence when drizzled on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Gives a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to the final plate.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and preparing a foil packet on a baking sheet. Peel away the papery outer skin of each garlic bulb carefully, keeping the bulb itself intact. Cut off the top half inch of the bulbs to expose the individual garlic cloves inside. Place the bulbs cut-side up on the foil, drizzle with olive oil to help them caramelize beautifully, then seal the packet tightly. Roast for about 60 to 70 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden, and spreadable. Set them aside to cool while you move on to the potatoes.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
While the garlic roasts, clean and chop your red potatoes into roughly 2-inch chunks for even cooking. Place them into a large pot of cold water, bring it to a boil, and let them gently simmer until fork-tender—around 25 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot off the heat. Lightly mash them just to break them up and prepare for the next steps.
Step 3: Mash Potatoes, Butter, and Cream
To the warm potatoes, add the unsalted butter and heavy whipping cream, then mash everything together until you reach your ideal consistency—whether that’s silky smooth or a little chunky for extra texture. This step provides the luscious creamy body of the dish that everyone loves.
Step 4: Prepare the Roasted Garlic
Take your roasted garlic bulbs and gently squeeze the soft, golden cloves into a bowl. Mash them with a fork until smooth and creamy. This ingredient is the heartbeat of this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe, injecting a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that elevates every mouthful.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Fold the mashed roasted garlic into the potatoes along with the kosher salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly but gently to maintain the fluffy texture. Serve the potatoes warm, optionally garnished with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to bring color and fresh vibrancy to your cozy, comforting masterpiece.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of melted butter enhances the shine and richness of the mashed potatoes beautifully. Freshly chopped parsley not only adds a stunning pop of green but also brings a subtle herbaceous lift, perfectly balancing the deep roasted garlic notes.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs harmoniously with a hearty roast, grilled steak, or even a delicate pan-seared fish. Roasted or steamed vegetables and crisp dinner rolls round out the meal for an unforgettable feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piping the mashed potatoes into elegant peaks using a piping bag for a stunning presentation at dinners or holidays. Alternatively, serve them in individual ramekins topped with roasted garlic cloves and a sprig of parsley for personalized flair and that extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover roasted garlic mashed potatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and develop even more, making them just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture may change slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent ice crystals, make sure to cool everything completely before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency and warmth of freshly made mashed potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While red potatoes give a creamy yet firm texture, Yukon Gold or russet potatoes also work well. Each will lend a slightly different texture and flavor, but the roasted garlic makes this recipe shine regardless of the potato variety.
Do I have to roast so many garlic heads?
Roasting eight large heads ensures a strong roasted garlic flavor throughout the entire batch, especially since this recipe makes 12 generous servings. You can reduce the quantity if making fewer servings, but don’t skimp too much or you’ll miss out on that signature depth.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk for a creamy non-dairy version.
Why do you roast the garlic instead of using fresh garlic?
Roasting garlic mellows its harshness, turning it sweet, nutty, and creamy rather than sharp and pungent. This makes your mashed potatoes more mellow, rich, and perfectly balanced.
How can I make the mashed potatoes extra fluffy?
Don’t overmix or use a heavy mixer; a gentle hand with a potato masher usually yields the best fluffiness. Also, using starchy potatoes and ensuring they are well-drained before mashing contributes to light, fluffy results.
Final Thoughts
Making this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen adventures. It’s a warm, inviting dish that feels both indulgent and down-home comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these mashed potatoes bring joy and richness to every meal. So grab those garlic heads and potatoes, roast away, and prepare to impress your family and friends with a side dish that truly speaks from the heart.
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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes offer a rich, creamy texture enhanced with the sweet, mellow flavor of slow-roasted garlic. This comforting side dish pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses and is ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Garlic
- 8 large heads of garlic
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Potatoes and Dairy
- 6 pounds red potatoes, washed and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Melted butter, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a foil packet on a baking sheet by peeling away the papery outer layer of the garlic heads, keeping each bulb intact. Slice off the top half-inch of each bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic bulbs cut side up on the foil, drizzle with olive oil, then seal the foil packet tightly. Bake in the oven for 60-70 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Cook Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil on the stovetop, then reduce heat slightly and cook the potatoes for about 25 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot off the heat to avoid overcooking. Lightly mash the potatoes to start breaking them down. Add the unsalted butter and heavy cream, then continue mashing until reaching your preferred creamy consistency.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins into a bowl. Mash the garlic until smooth to incorporate easily into the potatoes.
- Combine and Serve: Add the mashed roasted garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly. Serve the mashed potatoes warm, optionally garnished with melted butter and freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of richness and color.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds a sweet, nutty taste to the potatoes.
- Red potatoes hold their shape well but become tender, creating a creamy texture when mashed.
- Adjust the amount of cream and butter to your preferred consistency and richness.
- For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan or chives as garnish.
- Use kosher salt for seasoning as it dissolves well and evenly seasons the dish.
