If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings a burst of flavor with every bite, you absolutely must try this Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Roasting the garlic to perfection transforms its sharp intensity into a mellow, sweet, and fragrant twist that elevates the humble mashed potato to extraordinary levels. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a standout holiday side, this recipe delivers creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with just the right hint of roasted garlic that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a timeless classic made with simple ingredients but packed with incredible flavor and heartwarming goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind a perfect batch of these Garlic Mashed Potatoes lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the Yukon gold potatoes create a naturally creamy base, the roasted garlic adds rich depth, and the butter and half and half bring smooth silkiness to every spoonful.
- 1 small head garlic: Roasted to mellow out its bite and bring sweet, nutty undertones to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps roast the garlic to tender, golden perfection without burning.
- 2 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them perfect for mashing.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Used in the cooking water to season the potatoes evenly.
- ½ cup half and half (or whole milk or heavy cream): Adds luscious creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and smooth mouthfeel, helping bind ingredients together.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, for garnish, optional: Adds a pop of color and a subtle oniony freshness to finish.
How to Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the garlic
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and prepare the garlic for roasting. Remove just the flaky outer skin to keep the garlic head intact, then slice off the very top to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap tightly in foil. Bake on a sheet for about 35 minutes until the cloves are soft, fragrant, and golden brown. This step transforms raw garlic’s harshness into a mellow and sweet flavor powerhouse.
Step 2: Prepare the potatoes
While the garlic roasts, peel your Yukon gold potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water, adding ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender but not falling apart—around 15 minutes, though times can vary depending on the potato. Drain thoroughly to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
Step 3: Combine roasted garlic and potatoes
Allow the garlic to cool slightly, then peel the soft cloves out of their skins and add them to the warm potatoes. Use a ricer for the smoothest texture, pushing the potatoes and garlic through to create a fluffy mash. If you don’t have a ricer, a potato masher will still do a great job combining these two flavorful components.
Step 4: Add butter and half and half
Warm the half and half together with the butter in a small pan just until melted and combined. Gently stir this warm mixture into your mashed potatoes, being careful not to overmix—they should remain light and fluffy rather than gummy or dense. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Final touches and serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the potatoes for a touch of vibrant green and a mild oniony snap. Serve immediately while warm, so the rich, creamy texture and roasted garlic flavor shine at their best.
How to Serve Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh chives add a burst of color and fresh flavor, but you can also try finely chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crispy fried garlic for extra texture and visual appeal. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few grated parmesan shavings can also elevate the look and taste.
Side Dishes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, beef, or pork. They also complement sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a hearty stew perfectly. Think of them as the ultimate side that balances rich dishes with creamy comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a traditional mound of mashed potatoes, pipe them into rosettes on a baking sheet, sprinkle with parmesan and broil for a crispy edge. Or serve in individual ramekins topped with a pat of herb butter for a charming presentation. These ideas turn a humble dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-stir before reheating to reincorporate any separation and keep the texture smooth.
Freezing
This Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe freezes well. Pack cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. Use within 2 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the mixture if needed. Stir frequently to warm evenly without drying out—this will help preserve the creamy, buttery goodness that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their naturally buttery texture and flavor, but you can use russet potatoes if you prefer a fluffier mash. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly different.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the half and half and butter for non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or vegan butter. Roast the garlic and season well to maintain the rich flavor.
Can I skip roasting the garlic?
Raw garlic is much sharper and more pungent, so roasting is key to mellowing the flavor and adding sweetness. If pressed for time, you can add softened garlic cooked gently in olive oil, but the flavor will differ.
What is the best way to mash the potatoes for this recipe?
A potato ricer gives the smoothest, fluffiest results by avoiding lumps and overworking the starch. If you don’t have one, a standard potato masher will work well—just mash gently for best texture.
Is it okay to prepare the garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and store the dish in the fridge, then reheat before serving. Just warm gently and add a little cream or butter if the potatoes seem dry after reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and utterly delicious. With minimal effort and ingredients you likely have on hand, it transforms simple potatoes into a standout side that lifts any meal. I truly hope you make it soon and enjoy the rich taste of roasted garlic blended into creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
These Garlic Mashed Potatoes feature the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic blended into creamy Yukon gold potatoes. Perfectly buttery and smooth, they make a comforting side dish ideal for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 small head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Potatoes
- 2 ½ lbs Yukon gold potatoes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for cooking potatoes)
Mashed Potato Add-ins
- ½ cup half and half (or whole milk or heavy cream)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the outer flaky, papery skin from the garlic head, but leave some skin intact to maintain its shape. Slice off the very top of the garlic head to expose the individual cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and place on a baking sheet.
- Roast the Garlic: Roast the wrapped garlic in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cloves are tender and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, peel the Yukon gold potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, add ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender but still intact, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain and Combine Potatoes and Garlic: Drain the potatoes thoroughly, shaking off excess water. Place them back into the pot. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins directly into the pot with the potatoes.
- Mash Potatoes and Garlic: Using a potato ricer, press the potatoes and roasted garlic together until smooth. If you don’t have a ricer, mash them thoroughly with a potato masher until creamy.
- Warm Dairy Mixture: In a small pan, gently warm the half and half and butter together until the butter melts completely.
- Combine and Season: Stir the warm dairy mixture into the mashed potatoes just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if using. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Using Yukon gold potatoes results in creamy and buttery mashed potatoes due to their texture and flavor.
- Roasted garlic mellows the garlic flavor, avoiding the sharpness of raw garlic in mashed potatoes.
- If you prefer a richer texture, use heavy cream instead of half and half or milk.
- A potato ricer yields the smoothest texture, but a masher works well if you prefer a chunkier consistency.
- Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color; they are optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
