Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and packed with rich garlic flavor. They make the perfect side dish for any meal and are a cozy comfort food!
Whenever I make these, my family can’t get enough of them! The smell of roasting garlic fills the kitchen, and I can’t help but sneak a few bites. Yum!
These mashed potatoes are super easy to whip up—just roast the garlic, mash the potatoes, and stir in some goodness. Trust me, they will be a hit at your dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Roasted garlic gives these potatoes a unique flavor that’s sweet and mellow. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but it won’t deliver the same richness.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold are my favorite due to their buttery flavor, but Russet potatoes work just as well. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use cauliflower for a low-carb substitute—just boil and mash it similarly!
Milk & Cream: Whole milk makes the mash rich and creamy, but feel free to use 2% milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. Heavy cream can be swapped for sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tanginess.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you want a vegan option, use plant-based butter instead!
How Do I Perfectly Roast Garlic?
Roasting garlic transforms its strong flavor into something sweet and rich. It’s easy, just follow these steps!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting.
- Slice the tops off the garlic heads, revealing the cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then wrap in aluminum foil. This keeps it from drying out.
- Roast for 40-45 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- Let cool before squeezing the cloves out; they should slide right out!
Don’t rush this step! Roasted garlic adds a delicious depth to your mashed potatoes.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roasted Garlic:
- 2 heads whole garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (warm)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 45 minutes to roast the garlic and 20 minutes to cook the potatoes. In total, you can expect it to take about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s totally worth it for the creamy, delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Garlic:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a sharp knife to cut the tops off the garlic heads, exposing the cloves inside. Place the garlic on a square of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it tightly. Place it in the oven and roast for about 40-45 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden. Once done, let it cool, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into a small bowl and set aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
While the garlic is roasting, peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot, covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
3. Mash it Up:
Now it’s time to make the magic happen! Add the warm milk, heavy cream, butter, and those delicious roasted garlic cloves to the potatoes. Use a potato masher, hand mixer, or ricer to mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Adjust the texture to your liking!
4. Season and Serve:
Taste your mashed potatoes and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer them to a serving bowl and drizzle a little more olive oil or melted butter on top for extra flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy your creamy, buttery Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! They make a fantastic side dish for any meal and are sure to impress your family and guests!
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Roasted Garlic?
While garlic powder is a convenient alternative, it won’t provide the same sweet and mellow flavor that roasted garlic offers. If you’re short on time, consider sautéing minced fresh garlic in butter instead, but be careful not to burn it!
How Do I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance. Simply make them as directed, let them cool, and then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat them on low heat, stirring in a little milk or cream for extra creaminess.
What Are Some Good Variations for This Recipe?
If you want to mix things up, try adding roasted herbs like thyme or rosemary, or mixing in some cheese, like cheddar or parmesan, for added flavor. You can also fold in sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness!
