If you are on the hunt for the ultimate comfort side dish that elevates everyday mashed potatoes to something truly unforgettable, this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, buttery, and bursting with the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic, this recipe transforms simple red potatoes into a luscious, flavorful masterpiece. It’s the perfect blend of rustic charm and rich indulgence, making every bite irresistibly smooth and savory. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or a holiday feast, these mashed potatoes will steal the spotlight and have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, each playing a crucial role in creating the dish’s velvety texture, rich flavor, and inviting aroma. From the earthy red potatoes to the caramelized garlic and creamy butter, every component makes a difference you’ll notice in the very first bite.
- 8 large heads of garlic: Roasting softens the sharpness into a sweet, mellow flavor that’s essential to this recipe’s character.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps perfectly caramelize the garlic cloves during roasting.
- 6 pounds red potatoes, washed and cut into 2-inch chunks: Their naturally creamy texture and vibrant skin make for a perfect mash with a little color.
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter: Infuses the potatoes with luxurious creaminess and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream: Creates ultra-smooth mashed potatoes with a decadent mouthfeel.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors and balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Melted butter, for garnish (optional): A final touch of gloss and flavor when serving.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Provides a burst of color and a fresh herbal note to finish.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a foil packet on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Peel away the papery outer layers of the garlic bulbs but keep each bulb whole for roasting. Slice off about half an inch from the top of each bulb to reveal those gorgeous cloves inside. Drizzle each head generously with extra virgin olive oil, then wrap them tightly in the foil. Roast for about 60 to 70 minutes until the cloves are wonderfully soft and golden brown. Once done, set them aside to cool so you can easily squeeze the luscious roasted garlic out later.
Step 2: Cook the Red Potatoes
While the garlic is roasting, chop your red potatoes into roughly 2-inch chunks for even cooking. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Allow them to cook for approximately 25 minutes or until a fork slides in effortlessly—this means they’re perfectly tender and ready for mashing. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot, turning off the heat to keep them warm and prevent overcooking.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Begin by lightly mashing the potatoes right in the pot. This helps break them up before adding your luxurious mix-ins. Stir in the full cup of unsalted butter and heavy whipping cream, then continue mashing until the texture is irresistibly smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier mash, feel free to leave a few lumps—it’s all about your personal preference!
Step 4: Prepare the Roasted Garlic
Once your roasted garlic has cooled, carefully squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them gently with a fork until you have a smooth, fragrant garlic paste. This concentrated roasted garlic flavor is what sets this mashed potatoes recipe apart from the ordinary.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Fold the delectable roasted garlic paste into your creamy mashed potatoes along with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure those sweet, mellow garlic tones are evenly distributed. At this stage, taste and adjust seasoning if needed to suit your palate. When ready, transfer your creation to a serving dish.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of melted butter over the top adds a glossy, inviting finish that shines with buttery goodness. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and an herbal hint that complements the deep flavors of garlic and potatoes beautifully. These small touches elevate the presentation and flavor in one easy step.
Side Dishes
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like herb-crusted prime rib, garlic butter chicken, or honey-glazed ham. They also shine alongside sautéed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh, bright salad to balance the richness of the potatoes. The versatility of this dish means it fits seamlessly into any mealtime occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, try piping the mashed potatoes into individual serving dishes or ramekins using a large star tip. You can even toast the tops under a broiler for a minute or two to add a golden crust that surprises with a slight crunch. Adding a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots or chives on top also adds amazing texture and a burst of flavor, turning these roasted garlic mashed potatoes into a true centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Because these mashed potatoes are rich and creamy, be sure to cover them tightly to prevent drying out or absorbing other fridge smells.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftovers for longer storage. Portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. They freeze well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or milk and a pat of butter while reheating to restore their original creamy texture. Avoid overheating as that can cause the potatoes to dry out or become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While red potatoes offer a naturally creamy texture and beautiful skin color, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes also work well. Just keep in mind that Russets yield fluffier mashed potatoes, while Yukon Golds provide a buttery richness.
How long do I roast the garlic for the best flavor?
Roasting garlic for 60 to 70 minutes at 400°F (200°C) ensures the cloves become soft, golden, and caramelized. This slow roasting mellows out their sharpness and brings out a sweet, almost buttery flavor that’s essential for this recipe.
Is it okay to prepare the mashed potatoes in advance?
You can prepare the mashed potatoes a few hours ahead and hold them warm in a covered dish or slow cooker on low heat. Just give them a quick stir and reheat gently before serving to refresh the creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy milk. The roasted garlic flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Why do we cut off the tops of the garlic bulbs before roasting?
Cutting off the tops exposes the individual cloves’ tops, allowing the olive oil and heat to penetrate fully. This leads to even roasting and caramelization, making the garlic soft and easy to squeeze out for mashing.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes with a gourmet twist. The process might take a little time, but the deep, roasted garlic sweetness combined with buttery smooth potatoes is well worth every minute. I encourage you to give it a try at your next dinner gathering—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so comforting and delicious.
Print
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 Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a rich, creamy, and flavorful twist on classic mashed potatoes by incorporating slow-roasted garlic for a deeply savory and mellow garlic taste. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it combines tender red potatoes, creamy butter and heavy cream, and the sweetness of roasted garlic, finished with a touch of fresh parsley and optional melted butter for garnish.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 8 large heads of garlic
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Mash
- 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
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (optional)
- Melted butter, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a foil packet on a baking sheet. Peel the papery outer layer of the garlic bulbs, keeping the bulbs intact. Cut off the top ½ inch of each bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic heads, cut side up, on the foil. Drizzle with olive oil, then seal the foil packet tightly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Cook Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, place the cut potatoes into a large pot, cover them completely with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water thoroughly.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot but remove it from the heat. Begin lightly mashing the potatoes to break them down.
- Add Butter and Cream: Add the unsalted butter and heavy whipping cream to the potatoes. Continue mashing until you reach your desired consistency—smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Once the garlic heads have cooled enough to handle, squeeze out the softened roasted cloves into a small bowl. Mash the cloves until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Combine and Season: Mix the mashed roasted garlic thoroughly into the potatoes. Add the kosher salt and black pepper, stirring to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with melted butter and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for mashed potatoes.
- Using red potatoes gives a creamy texture and holds shapes well when mashed.
- Letting the roasted garlic cool before squeezing prevents burns.
- You can adjust the cream and butter amounts to control richness and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
