Heavenly Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe for Comfort

Creamy, smooth, and bursting with flavor, these roasted garlic mashed potatoes turn a classic side dish into a culinary masterpiece.

The rich aroma of roasted garlic weaves magic through every velvety bite.

Tender potatoes meld perfectly with the deep, caramelized notes of slow-roasted garlic cloves.

Each forkful promises a comforting embrace of savory goodness that makes ordinary meals extraordinary.

The garlic subtle sweetness transforms these mashed potatoes from simple to spectacular.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a final touch of brightness to this irresistible side.

Dive into this easy recipe and watch how a few simple ingredients create pure potato perfection.

Why Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Are the Best

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy your day.
• Pack Incredible Flavor Punch: Blend of ranch seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a bold, restaurant-quality taste that will impress everyone at the table.
• Customize Your Comfort: Top with shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream to make this chili uniquely yours, perfect for personalizing each serving.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Versatile dish that works for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or casual family dinners with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Everything Needed for Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create the creamy base of the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a rich, roasted flavor and aromatic depth to the mashed potatoes.

• Butter, Half-and-Half: Provide a smooth, rich texture and enhance the overall creaminess of the potatoes.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Fresh Herbs: Enhance and balance the flavors of the roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

• Olive Oil: Used to roast the garlic and add moisture during the roasting process.

Steps to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Garlic for Roasting

Grab a whole garlic head and carefully slice off the top to expose the tender cloves inside. Drizzle olive oil generously over the exposed cloves, creating a glistening surface.

Wrap the garlic tightly in aluminum foil, creating a cozy little packet that will help steam and soften the cloves.

Step 2: Roast the Garlic

Place the foil-wrapped garlic in the oven preheated to 375°F.

Let it roast for about 45-60 minutes until the cloves turn golden and become incredibly soft. The kitchen will fill with a warm, nutty aroma that promises deliciousness to come.

Once done, let the garlic cool just enough to handle.

Step 3: Prepare Potato Base

Grab your potatoes and chop them into chunks.

Drop the potato pieces into a large pot and cover completely with cold water. Sprinkle in some kosher salt to enhance the flavor from the start.

Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook Potatoes to Perfection

Allow the potatoes to simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Check their doneness by piercing with a fork – they should slide off easily when they’re perfectly cooked. Once tender, drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander.

Step 5: Create Creamy Mixture

Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves directly into the potatoes – they should slip right out of their papery skins.

In a separate bowl, warm butter and half-and-half until the butter melts completely.

Step 6: Mash and Season

Grab your potato masher or electric mixer.

Blend the potatoes and roasted garlic, slowly incorporating the warm butter mixture. Mash until creamy but keep some chunks for rustic texture.

Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Transfer the luscious mashed potatoes to a serving dish.

• Chopped fresh chives
• Finely cut parsley
• A final pat of butter

Serve immediately while piping hot, watching as everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation of the first delicious bite.

Notes for Smooth and Flavorful Potato Fans

• Choose russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes with perfect texture.
• Drain potatoes completely and return to hot pot to evaporate excess moisture before mashing.
• Heat butter and half-and-half slowly to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Roast garlic longer for milder flavor or use fewer cloves if you prefer a subtle garlic taste.
• Use a potato masher for rustic, chunky potatoes or an electric mixer for ultra-smooth results.

Fun Twists for Mashed Potato Lovers

• Vegan Creamy Garlic Potatoes: Replace butter and half-and-half with coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Herb-Infused Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives during mashing to create an aromatic herb-packed version of the classic recipe.
• Greek Yogurt Garlic Mash: Substitute half-and-half with tangy Greek yogurt for a protein-boost and slightly tart flavor profile that adds extra creaminess.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that still delivers the roasted garlic's delicious flavor.

Pairings for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Pair with Roasted Chicken: The rich, creamy garlic mashed potatoes complement the crispy skin and tender meat of a perfectly roasted chicken, creating a classic comfort food combination that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.
• Serve with Cabernet Sauvignon: The bold, full-bodied red wine cuts through the potatoes' richness, with its dark fruit notes and subtle tannins enhancing the roasted garlic's deep, mellow flavor profile.
• Match with Green Salad: A crisp, light salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, creamy mashed potatoes, balancing the dish and adding a bright, zesty element to the meal.

Storing Mashed Potatoes for Next Day Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer mashed potatoes to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or butter, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Spread potatoes in a baking dish, dot with extra butter, cover with foil, and warm at 350F for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• Why roast the garlic first?

Roasting garlic transforms its sharp, intense flavor into a sweet, mellow, and nutty taste. The slow roasting process caramelizes the garlic, making it incredibly smooth and rich, which adds depth to the mashed potatoes.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold work best for creamy mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes create a fluffy texture, while Yukon Gold provide a buttery, creamy consistency with a slight yellow color.

• What's the purpose of using half-and-half?

Half-and-half adds richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes. It creates a smoother, more luxurious texture compared to using milk, while providing a balanced, velvety finish to the dish.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, dreamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes elevate comfort food to gourmet heights with rich, caramelized garlic and silky potato perfection. Rich flavors and smooth texture invite you to savor each luxurious spoonful of this classic side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) red potatoes, washed and quartered
• 1 head garlic
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
• Extra pat of butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for roasting garlic.
2. Trim the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, revealing their delicate interior.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the garlic, then encase completely in aluminum foil to create a sealed packet.
4. Roast the garlic for approximately 1 hour until the cloves become golden and meltingly soft.
5. Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly, then gently squeeze the tender cloves from their papery skins.
6. Wash and quarter the potatoes, placing them in a large pot filled with cold water and kosher salt.
7. Bring the potatoes to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until they yield easily to a fork.
8. Drain the potatoes thoroughly, returning them to the warm pot.
9. Incorporate the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes.
10. Warm butter and half-and-half together until the butter melts completely.
11. Pour the rich, creamy mixture over the potatoes and garlic.
12. Mash the ingredients using a potato masher or handheld mixer, creating a creamy texture with subtle potato chunks.
13. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
14. Transfer the velvety potatoes to a serving dish.
15. Embellish with fresh chopped herbs and an optional pat of butter.
16. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

• Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the fluffiest, most luxurious texture.
• Warm dairy ingredients beforehand to prevent cold ingredients from making potatoes gummy or dense.
• Roasting garlic beforehand transforms sharp flavors into sweet, mellow caramelized notes that elevate the entire dish.
• For vegan adaptation, swap butter and half-and-half with olive oil, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast for creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 258 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg