Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting side dish that warms the heart and delights the taste buds, let me introduce you to my favorite Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is not just about mashed potatoes; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, these creamy potatoes always steal the show.

What makes this recipe special is the rich flavor of roasted garlic, which elevates ordinary mashed potatoes to something truly extraordinary. Plus, they’re so easy to make! You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and time again, eager to share it with friends and loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The roasted garlic gives these mashed potatoes a sweet, nutty essence that you won’t forget.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike love the creamy texture and comforting taste—it’s always a hit!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare these in advance. Just reheat them before serving!
• Simple Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients that are easy to find, you probably have most of them on hand already.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you need:

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 1 head garlic
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 pounds red potatoes (washed and cut into quarters)
• kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup half and half
• fresh ground pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Cheese: For an extra creamy touch, stir in some grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added freshness.
• Creamy Alternatives: Use plant-based butter and milk for a vegan twist without losing any creaminess.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by cutting off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic head. Wrap it in foil and drizzle it with olive oil. This step is crucial because roasting brings out the garlic’s sweetness and mellows its intense flavor. Pop it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for about an hour until it’s soft and golden. When it’s ready, you can squeeze those delicious cloves right out of their skins!

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Next, place your quartered potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover them with cold water. Adding salt at this stage helps flavor the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil, then let them simmer for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender. This ensures your mash will be smooth without any lumps!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Drain your cooked potatoes and return them to the pot along with those heavenly roasted garlic cloves. This is where all those flavors start coming together!

Step 4: Mash It All Together

Now it’s time for magic! Gently warm up your half and half along with the butter until everything is melted (you can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave). Pour this creamy mixture over your potatoes and garlic, adding salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Mash until everything is well combined but still has some delightful lumps for texture.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Garnish your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with fresh herbs and an extra pat of butter if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dishes, and watch everyone gather around for seconds!

Enjoy making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes—they are sure to become a beloved staple at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Getting those roasted garlic mashed potatoes just right can be a delightful journey! Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish comes out creamy and flavorful every time.

• Choose the right potatoes – Red potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they have a waxy texture that holds up well when mashed, resulting in a creamy consistency without becoming gummy.
• Don’t rush the roasting – Allow the garlic to roast slowly at 375°F. This brings out its natural sweetness and softens it beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor of the mashed potatoes.
• Warm your liquids – Heating the half and half and butter before adding them to the potatoes helps maintain temperature, ensuring your mashed potatoes stay warm and creamy throughout serving.
• Mash with care – For the best texture, use a potato masher instead of a food processor. This prevents over-mixing, which can create a gluey texture, allowing for creamy lumps that are simply delicious!
• Taste as you go – Always adjust seasonings to your preference. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference in bringing out those rich flavors.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Presenting your roasted garlic mashed potatoes in an appealing way can make your meal feel extra special! Here are some serving ideas that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs – Sprinkle some parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the dish.
• Extra butter – A pat of melted butter on top adds an indulgent touch as it seeps into the warm potatoes.
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese – These cheeses provide a tangy contrast to the creamy potatoes, taking them to another flavor level.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables – Colorful grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add a nice crunch and healthy balance alongside your creamy mash.
• Roasted Chicken Thighs – Juicy, herb-seasoned chicken thighs pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Steamed Green Beans – The bright green color and crisp texture of steamed green beans provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Savory Mushroom Gravy – A rich mushroom gravy drizzled over your mashed potatoes can elevate this side dish into an unforgettable experience!

Enjoy crafting this beloved comfort food! Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, these roasted garlic mashed potatoes are sure to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic addition to your weekly cooking routine. Whether you’re planning for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, these mashed potatoes can easily be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• For long-term storage, portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, add a splash of half and half or milk along with a little butter for creaminess.
• Heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

Can I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these delicious mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge or even freeze them for later use.

What makes Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes so special?

The combination of roasted garlic adds a rich flavor that elevates traditional mashed potatoes into something truly special. The creamy texture paired with buttery notes creates comfort food at its finest.

How do I make my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes creamy?

To achieve that creamy consistency, gently warm your half and half and butter before mixing it into the potatoes. This helps create a smooth texture without overworking the potatoes.

Can I use other types of potatoes instead of red potatoes?

While red potatoes are great for their creamy texture, you can substitute them with Yukon Gold or even russet potatoes if that’s what you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes as much as I do! They bring warmth and comfort to any meal and are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!