Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that warms the heart and brings everyone together, then you’ve found it! Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect comfort food, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering. This recipe transforms simple potatoes into a creamy, savory delight that’s packed with flavor. I can’t tell you how many times my family has requested this dish for Sunday dinners or holiday feasts!

What makes these mashed potatoes so special is the rich, mellow taste of roasted garlic. It adds depth without overwhelming the dish, making it an instant favorite for both kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time if you’re planning for a big meal. Your loved ones will be begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up these mashed potatoes without any fuss.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves creamy mashed potatoes, and the roasted garlic gives them a fun twist!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular Tuesday night, these potatoes fit right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare them in advance and simply warm them up when it’s time to serve.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and buttery goodness creates a mouth-watering experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this comforting dish. Let’s gather what we need to create our Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes!

For the Potatoes

• 1 head garlic
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 pounds red potatoes (washed and cut into quarters)
• kosher salt

For the Creaminess

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup half and half
• fresh ground pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking.

• Add cheese: Stir in some grated parmesan or cheddar for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mix in herbs: Fresh chives or parsley can give your mashed potatoes a fresh twist.
• Try different potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes work well too!
• Make it vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use almond milk instead of half and half.

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 olive oil over it. This step is essential because roasting softens the garlic and brings out its sweet flavor. Place the wrapped garlic in an oven preheated to 375 degrees F for about an hour. When it’s done, the cloves will be soft and golden—perfect for mashing!

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Next, place your quartered red potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover them with cold water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring everything to a boil. Simmer until fork-tender—about 15 minutes should do it! Cooking them properly ensures that they’ll be fluffy when mashed.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Drain your cooked potatoes and return them to the pot along with those glorious roasted garlic cloves you prepared earlier. This is where all that beautiful flavor comes together!

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Gently warm your half-and-half and butter until the butter melts—doing this helps incorporate everything smoothly into your potatoes. Pour this mixture over your potatoes and garlic, season with salt and fresh ground pepper, then mash until creamy but still slightly lumpy. The lumps add character!

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Lastly, feel free to garnish your mashed potatoes with fresh herbs or an extra pat of butter before serving. Enjoy every creamy bite—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you can elevate your dish to a whole new level!

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Using red potatoes is fantastic for this recipe because they have a waxy texture that holds moisture well, resulting in creamy mashed potatoes without being gluey.

• Don’t Rush the Garlic: Roasting garlic slowly at a lower temperature brings out its natural sweetness. Be patient—this step adds depth and richness to your mashed potatoes that will wow your guests.

• Warm Your Dairy: Warming the half and half and butter before mixing them into the potatoes ensures that they blend smoothly, preventing any cooling of your mashed potatoes. Cold dairy can lead to lumpy mash!

• Mash with Care: For creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato masher or ricer rather than an electric mixer. Mixing too vigorously can break down the starches in the potatoes, leading to a gummy texture.

• Taste as You Go: Always adjust seasoning based on your preference. A little more salt or pepper can make all the difference in enhancing the flavors of your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Presenting your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes beautifully can turn this comforting side dish into the star of the meal! Here are some serving ideas that will make it shine on your table.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, or thyme add a pop of color and freshness that brighten up the dish.
• Extra Butter: A pat of melted butter drizzled on top just before serving adds richness and an inviting aroma.
• Parmesan Cheese: For those who enjoy cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for added flavor and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until caramelized complements the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes beautifully.
• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs makes a wonderful protein option that pairs well with the savory notes of garlic in your mash.
• Green Beans Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds offer a crunchy contrast to the soft potatoes while adding another layer of flavor.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice and spices create a vibrant plate alongside your garlic mashed potatoes.

These simple yet effective serving suggestions will ensure your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, they store well, making them an ideal side dish for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date for easy reference.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For frozen potatoes, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of half and half if needed for creaminess.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes!

Can I use other types of potatoes for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! While red potatoes give a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or even russet potatoes. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as they may require slightly different boiling times.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

To elevate the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chives or thyme. You can also incorporate cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness.

Can I prepare Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes in advance?

Yes! These mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or frozen. Just follow our storage guidelines above for optimal taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these delightful Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! They not only bring comfort but also add that special touch to any meal. Enjoy every creamy bite and feel free to experiment with flavors that resonate with you. Happy cooking!