Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Creamy, comforting roasted garlic mashed potatoes bring a luxurious twist to your favorite side dish.

Whole heads of garlic caramelize slowly in the oven, releasing sweet, mellow flavors that infuse every bite.

Sharp aromas fill the kitchen as golden cloves transform into a silky, spreadable delight.

Russet potatoes provide the perfect canvas for this rich, velvety accompaniment.

Butter and cream blend seamlessly, creating a cloud-like texture that melts on your tongue.

Herbs sprinkled throughout add a fresh, vibrant note to the classic comfort food.

You’ll want to savor every decadent spoonful of this irresistible potato perfection.

Why Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Hit the Spot

  • Transform Boring Potatoes: Convert plain potatoes into a restaurant-worthy side dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Maximize Flavor Potential: Roasting garlic creates a deep, sweet, caramelized taste that elevates traditional mashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Customize with Ease: Add personal touches like fresh herbs, extra butter, or different seasonings to match your meal or mood without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a creamy, rich side dish that appeals to all ages, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or weeknight meals.

What You Need for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create the creamy base of this comforting side dish.
  • Garlic: Whole head of garlic roasted to develop a rich, caramelized flavor.
Dairy and Fats:
  • Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the mashed potatoes.
  • Milk: Helps create a creamy and light consistency for the potatoes.
Seasonings and Extras:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for roasting garlic and optionally drizzled on top for extra flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish to add a pop of color and fresh taste to the final dish.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes at Home

Step 1: Prep Roasted Garlic

Grab a whole garlic head and slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed garlic, then wrap completely in aluminum foil. Place on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and incredibly soft.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Base

Wash and peel potatoes, then chop into consistent 1-inch cubes to guarantee even cooking. This uniform size ensures every potato piece cooks perfectly and mashes smoothly.

Step 3: Boil Potato Cubes

Transfer potato cubes to a large pot and cover completely with cold water. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Check doneness by piercing with a fork – potatoes should feel tender and easily mashable.

Step 4: Drain and Return Potatoes

Carefully pour potatoes into a colander to drain completely. Return the hot potatoes to the same pot to keep them warm and ready for mashing.

Step 5: Incorporate Roasted Garlic

Squeeze the soft, caramelized roasted garlic cloves directly into the potatoes. The roasting process transforms garlic into a mellow, rich flavor bomb.

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

Add to the pot:
  • Butter
  • Warm milk

Use a potato masher to blend ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Continue mashing until potatoes reach your desired texture.

Step 7: Season and Finish

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly. Transfer to a serving dish, using the masher to create soft, rustic peaks.

Step 8: Final Garnish

Optional but recommended: Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and scatter fresh herbs on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Kitchen Tips for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • Roast Garlic Perfectly: Wrap the garlic head entirely in foil to prevent burning and ensure even, golden caramelization during roasting.
  • Control Potato Texture: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Enhance Creaminess: Warm the milk before adding to potatoes to create a smoother, more luxurious mashed potato consistency without cooling down the dish.
  • Elevate Flavor Depth: Reserve some roasted garlic cloves to crush and sprinkle on top for an extra burst of caramelized garlic intensity and visual appeal.
  • Serve with Style: Use a potato masher to create rustic peaks and swirls, adding texture and a homemade touch that makes the dish look more inviting and appetizing.

Different Ways to Enjoy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • Herb-Infused Garlic Mash: Replace milk with herb-infused cream by steeping rosemary, thyme, and sage in warm cream before adding to potatoes.
  • Cheesy Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Mix in sharp cheddar or gruyère cheese after mashing for a rich, tangy flavor profile.
  • Truffle Garlic Potato Elegance: Add a few drops of truffle oil and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese for a luxurious gourmet touch.
  • Roasted Jalapeño Garlic Mash: Roast jalapeños alongside the garlic and incorporate them into the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick.

Sides That Go Great with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • Pair Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Rich Protein Companions: Grilled rosemary-seasoned lamb chops complement the potatoes' creamy garlic profile, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
  • Enhance Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, which balances the potatoes' richness with its subtle fruity undertones and smooth texture.
  • Create Vegetable Contrast: Roasted asparagus with lemon zest provides a bright, crisp counterpoint to the smooth, velvety mashed potatoes, adding fresh green complexity to the plate.
  • Elevate Side Dish Options: Sautéed mushrooms with thyme offer an earthy, umami-rich accompaniment that deepens the roasted garlic's caramelized nuances and adds textural interest.

Keeping Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Fresh

  • Store leftover roasted garlic mashed potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled potatoes to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for 2-3 months.
  • Warm gently in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds and adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding extra milk or butter to maintain smooth texture.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Questions Answered

  • Why roast garlic before adding to mashed potatoes?

Roasting garlic transforms its sharp, pungent flavor into a sweet, mellow, caramelized taste that adds depth and richness to the potatoes without overwhelming them.

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best because they create a creamy, fluffy texture when mashed, ensuring a smooth and velvety result.

  • How do I know when potatoes are perfectly cooked?

Pierce potatoes with a fork – if they slide off easily and feel tender without resistance, they’re ready to be mashed, which typically takes 15-18 minutes of simmering.

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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10-13 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes offer a luxurious side dish that elevates simple ingredients into comfort food magic. Smooth potato clouds infused with caramelized garlic melt on your plate, promising pure culinary satisfaction with each delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

  • 2 lbs russet potatoes
  • 1 head garlic

Dairy:

  • 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)
  • 1/4 cup butter (56 g)

Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Slice the top off the garlic head, exposing the cloves, and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and roast for 35-40 minutes until golden and soft.
  3. While garlic roasts, wash and peel the potatoes, then cut into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
  4. Place potato cubes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and simmer potatoes for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender and easily mashed.
  6. Drain potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then return them to the hot pot.
  7. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves directly into the potatoes, extracting their caramelized, mellow flavor.
  8. Add butter and warm milk to the pot, using a potato masher to blend ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  9. Season with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
  10. Transfer to a serving dish, creating soft peaks with the masher for a rustic presentation.
  11. Optionally, drizzle with a touch of olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Roast garlic ahead of time to save preparation steps and develop deeper, sweeter flavor profiles during cooking process.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for ultra-creamy, smooth mashed potatoes with perfect texture.
  • Control milk temperature carefully to prevent potatoes from becoming gluey; warm milk helps integrate ingredients seamlessly without breaking down potato structure.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or vegetable broth for vegan and lactose-intolerant dietary needs, maintaining similar rich and luxurious consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-58 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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