If you’re craving a side dish that wraps your taste buds in warmth and comfort, this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine velvety Yukon Gold potatoes mashed to perfection, enriched with the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic, creamy butter, and a touch of tangy sour cream. It’s a simple recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a luscious, buttery feast that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes proudly steal the show every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor. Every element contributes—from the tender potatoes to the aromatic roasted garlic—making this classic side incredibly satisfying.
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and natural buttery flavor make them the ideal base for smooth mashed potatoes.
- 1 head garlic: Roasting softens the garlic’s sharpness and transforms it into a sweet, caramelized powerhouse of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to coat the garlic before roasting, helping it caramelize beautifully without burning.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich, luscious creaminess that brings the potatoes together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed): Provides moisture and a silky smooth finish; warming it prevents cooling down the potatoes.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy depth and extra creaminess that elevates the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and balancing richness.
- Chopped chives (optional): Fresh herbs that add a burst of color and a mild oniony note for garnish.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head just enough to expose the tops of the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, then wrap the garlic tightly in foil and pop it into the oven. Roast for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant. This step is crucial because roasting turns the garlic from sharp and pungent into sweet and mellow—the magic flavor that sets this recipe apart.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
While the garlic is roasting, place your peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork without resistance.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Carefully squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the warm potatoes. Toss in butter, warmed milk, and sour cream. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to combine everything into a creamy, smooth delight. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Step 4: Final Touches
Transfer your luscious mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. If you love a pop of fresh color and subtle onion flavor, sprinkle chopped chives over the top. Serve these comforting mashed potatoes warm to enjoy their full creamy, dreamy goodness.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh chives add a lovely green contrast and a mild onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, garlicky potatoes. You can also sprinkle a bit of crispy fried onions or freshly cracked black pepper for added texture and visual appeal. Cheese lovers might enjoy a light dusting of Parmesan to boost savoriness.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the perfect partner to hearty mains like roast chicken, beef, or pork tenderloin. It’s equally divine alongside roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus, or a fresh green salad to balance out the indulgence. No matter the occasion, these mashed potatoes elevate any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the potatoes in individual ramekins topped with a pat of melting butter or a swirl of sour cream and chives. If you want to impress, pipe the mashed potatoes onto a baking sheet, create little peaks with a fork, and broil them briefly until golden and crisp on top. It adds divine texture and a restaurant-style touch at home.
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 should keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure the potatoes have cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain peak freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze these mashed potatoes, though the texture might slightly change. Place the cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gentle warming is key to preserving the creamy texture. Heat the potatoes in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if they seem dry. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep them smooth and prevent clumps.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato instead of Yukon Gold?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes are a popular choice too. They yield fluffier mashed potatoes but are less creamy than Yukon Gold. The key is to avoid waxy potatoes, which can become gluey when mashed.
How many cloves of garlic are in one head of garlic?
Typically, one head of garlic contains about 10 to 12 cloves. Roasting the whole head mellows out the entire batch, infusing the mashed potatoes with a gentle but rich garlic flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use unsweetened almond or oat milk warmed in place of whole milk. The roasted garlic flavor will still shine, keeping the dish delicious.
Is it better to boil potatoes whole or chopped?
Chopping the potatoes into even chunks helps them cook faster and more evenly, making for a smoother mash. If you boil them whole, expect longer cook times and potentially uneven texture.
Can I prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time?
Definitely! Roast the garlic up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes the day of cooking quicker and just as flavorful when you mash it together with the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe that makes you want to share it at every opportunity. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the sweet softness of roasted garlic makes it a side dish that transforms ordinary meals into memorable feasts. Next time you want a cozy, fuss-free crowd-pleaser, this recipe has your back—go on, dive into that comforting bowl of yum!
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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe combines the creamy texture of Yukon Gold potatoes with the sweet, mellow flavor of garlic roasted to perfection. Enhanced with butter, warm milk, and sour cream, these mashed potatoes make an irresistible side dish perfect for holiday meals or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mashed Potato Mix-ins
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped chives (optional)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it tightly in foil. Place in the oven and roast for 35–40 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden. Once done, let it cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves from the head.
- Cook the Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, place the peeled and chunked Yukon Gold potatoes into a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the roasted garlic cloves, unsalted butter, warmed milk, and sour cream. Mash the mixture together until smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season the mashed potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream in place of milk.
- Adjust the amount of roasted garlic to your taste preference; it adds a sweet, mellow flavor.
- Make sure to warm the milk before adding to the potatoes to keep them hot and creamy.
