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
