If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make yet incredibly flavorful, this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine velvety mashed potatoes infused with the rich, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic—this combination brings a deep layer of savory goodness that elevates a classic side dish into something truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday feast, these mashed potatoes are guaranteed to steal the show with their creamy texture and aromatic charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and wholesome, perfectly balancing to create that luscious texture and savory flavor you want in mashed potatoes. Each one plays a vital role—potatoes for body, butter and cream for creaminess, garlic for depth, and simple seasonings to round it all out.
- 8 large heads of garlic: Roasting transforms the garlic’s sharpness into sweet, soft cloves that blend beautifully into the potatoes.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Helps roast the garlic to golden perfection, adding subtle fruity notes.
- 6 pounds red potatoes, washed and cut into 2-inch chunks: Red potatoes hold their shape while becoming tender, giving you that perfect creamy, slightly chunky mash.
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter: Adds richness and that irresistibly smooth mouthfeel we all crave in mashed potatoes.
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream: Boosts the creaminess and helps balance the roasted garlic’s intensity.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle hint of warmth to the potatoes.
- Melted butter, for garnish (optional): A final glossy touch that adds extra indulgence.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Offers a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel away the dry outer layers of your garlic bulbs, being careful to keep each head intact. Slice off about half an inch from the top of each bulb so the cloves peek through. Place these garlic heads cut side up onto a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle generously with olive oil, and then seal the foil around them to create a little roasting packet. Pop them in the oven for 60 to 70 minutes until the cloves turn soft, golden, and fragrant. Let them cool while you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
While the garlic is roasting, place your cut potatoes in a large pot and cover them fully with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they’re easily pierced with a fork—usually around 25 minutes. Drain them well and return them to the pot, off the heat, so they’re ready to be mashed.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Lightly mash your potatoes to break them up, but don’t overdo it yet. Add in the unsalted butter and heavy cream, then continue mashing until you reach that creamy, dreamy texture you love in perfect mashed potatoes.
Step 4: Prepare the Roasted Garlic
Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them gently until you get a smooth paste. This paste is where all the magic happens—it brings a deep, mellow garlic flavor without the harsh bite of raw garlic.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Fold the roasted garlic paste into your mashed potatoes along with the kosher salt and black pepper. Stir well to fully incorporate all those amazing flavors. Serve your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe warm, garnished with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that picture-perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like melted butter and a scattering of freshly chopped parsley do wonders for this dish. The butter adds a subtle sheen and extra richness, while the parsley brings a fresh, herbaceous note and a lovely pop of green that livens up the plate.
Side Dishes
This mashed potato recipe pairs beautifully with all your favorite mains. Think succulent roast chicken, juicy steak, or a comforting pot roast. Its buttery, mellow garlic flavor complements everything from hearty meats to vegetable mains, making it an essential side dish for any dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, whip the mashed potatoes up just before serving and pipe them into elegant swirls using a piping bag. Adding some crispy fried shallots or chives on top can also add texture and a little visual flair. For a rustic charm, serve in small ramekins with a pat of butter melting on top right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to keep their texture intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the mashed potatoes if you want to prepare in advance. Transfer them into a freezer-safe container, leave some space for expansion, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the potatoes on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the texture. Avoid microwaving at full power, as this can dry them out or make them gummy. Slow and steady wins the race for that creamy softness!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While red potatoes give a nice texture and flavor balance, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes also work well. Yukon Golds bring a buttery smoothness, while Russets create a fluffier mash.
Do I have to roast all eight heads of garlic?
You can reduce the amount of garlic if you prefer a milder taste, but roasting such a generous amount ensures a deep, rich flavor throughout the potatoes. Plus, roasted garlic becomes so mellow you might find yourself loving the extra!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, and swap heavy cream for a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. The roasted garlic flavor will still shine beautifully.
Why use extra virgin olive oil to roast the garlic?
Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity, aromatic layer that complements the sweetness of roasted garlic. It also helps the garlic soften evenly and not burn during roasting.
How do I know when the garlic is done roasting?
The garlic cloves should feel soft when gently pressed and have a golden, caramelized appearance. If they are still firm or pale, roast for a bit longer checking every 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delicious Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe at your fingertips, I promise you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s comfort food taken to the next level with that perfect balance of creamy, buttery goodness and sweet garlic richness. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering, these mashed potatoes will be the star of your meal, bringing joy to every bite. So go ahead, roast those garlic heads and get mashing—your taste buds will thank you!
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 Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe combines tender red potatoes with sweet, caramelized roasted garlic, rich butter, and heavy cream to create a comforting side dish perfect for any occasion. The roasting of garlic enhances its sweetness and adds depth, while the smooth mash offers a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 8 large heads of garlic
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Mashed Potatoes
- 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
For Garnish (Optional)
- Melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a foil packet on a baking sheet. Peel the papery outer layer off the garlic bulbs, keeping each bulb intact. Cut off the top half inch of each bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic heads cut side up on the foil, drizzle them with olive oil, then seal the foil packet tightly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Cook Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, place the cut red potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 25 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot off the heat and lightly mash them. Add the unsalted butter and heavy whipping cream, mashing further to your desired smooth and creamy consistency.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins into a small bowl and mash until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the mashed roasted garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper thoroughly into the mashed potatoes. Serve the mashed potatoes warm, optionally garnished with melted butter and fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out a natural sweetness that enhances the mashed potatoes.
- Be sure to keep the potato chunks roughly uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of butter and cream to achieve the texture you prefer, adding more for a richer mash.
- For a lactose-free version, substitute the butter and cream with vegan alternatives.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
