Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, look no further than these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is a beloved favorite in my home, and trust me, it’s hard not to fall in love with its rich flavor and creamy texture. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, these mashed potatoes always steal the show.

What makes this dish truly special is the sweet, mellow flavor of roasted garlic. It adds a depth that elevates simple mashed potatoes into something extraordinary. Plus, they are easy to whip up, making them perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and creamy butter creates an irresistible taste that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: These mashed potatoes are a hit with both kids and adults alike—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat them before serving.
• Comfort Food Classic: There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting feeling of homemade mashed potatoes on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create our Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! These items are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local store.

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

One of the best things about this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients to make it your own.

• Add Cheese: Incorporate grated cheese like parmesan or cheddar for an extra creamy and cheesy twist.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added fragrance and freshness.
• Creamy Substitutes: Use plant-based milk or vegan butter if you want a dairy-free version without losing creaminess.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder for an extra 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. Wrapping it in foil with a drizzle of olive oil will allow it to roast beautifully in the oven. Roasting at 375 degrees F for about an hour transforms the garlic into soft, golden goodness. This step is key because roasting mellows out the garlic’s sharpness, giving your mashed potatoes a sweet depth of flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Next, place those washed red potatoes into a large pot or dutch oven. Cover them with cold water, add a teaspoon of kosher salt, and bring everything to a boil. Simmering for about 15 minutes until fork-tender ensures that our potatoes will be perfectly soft for mashing.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Garlic

Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain them well before returning them to the pot. Now’s the time to squeeze those roasted garlic cloves right out of their skins into the pot! Mixing them in now lets their lovely flavor infuse throughout each bite.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Gently warm up your half and half along with the butter until melted—this makes sure everything blends smoothly into our mashed potatoes. Pour this luscious mixture over your potatoes and season generously with salt and fresh ground pepper. Mash until you reach that perfect creamy consistency—with just enough lumps for character!

Step 5: Serve with Love

Finally, garnish your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with fresh herbs and another pat of butter if you’re feeling indulgent! Serve hot alongside your favorite main dishes or enjoy them on their own as comfort food at its finest.

With this recipe in hand, I hope you create many delicious memories around your dining table!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Making the perfect roasted garlic mashed potatoes is all about technique and a little love. Here are some pro tips to help you create a creamy, flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.

• Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes have a naturally creamy texture that makes them perfect for mashing. Their waxy consistency holds moisture well, resulting in fluffy mashed potatoes without being gummy.

• Don’t rush the roasting: Roasting the garlic at 375 degrees F for about an hour allows it to become sweet and caramelized. The longer cooking time brings out its natural flavors, enhancing your mashed potatoes beautifully.

• Warm your liquids: Gently warming the half and half and butter before mixing them with the potatoes helps prevent cooling down your mash. This ensures everything blends smoothly and maintains a deliciously warm serving temperature.

• Mash, don’t whip: Use a potato masher instead of an electric mixer to avoid overworking the potatoes. Over-mixing can lead to gluey mashed potatoes, while gentle mashing keeps them light and fluffy.

• Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting between additions to find that perfect balance of flavor. This will make sure every bite is seasoned just right.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to presentation. Here are some ideas to serve them in style!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Chopped chives or parsley sprinkled on top add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Extra butter: A small pat of butter melting on top creates a rich finishing touch that enhances the creamy texture.
• Crispy shallots: For an added crunch, sprinkle some fried shallots over the top for contrast against the smooth mash.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the richness of the mashed potatoes, creating a balanced plate.
• Grilled vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add a colorful touch while complementing the flavors in your dish.
• Herb-crusted chicken: The herby seasoning pairs perfectly with roasted garlic, making each bite delightful.
• Green salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides freshness that brightens up the meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your roasted garlic mashed potatoes will surely be the star of any dinner table! Enjoy this comforting side dish that warms not only your stomach but also your heart.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy their creamy goodness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• When storing, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil on top to help preserve moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• You can also use the microwave; just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
• If they seem dry, stir in a splash of half and half or a little butter to bring back creaminess.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind regarding Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes!

Can I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes without dairy?

Absolutely! You can substitute half and half with plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

How do I achieve the best flavor in my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Using freshly roasted garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Be sure not to skip this step as it truly elevates the dish!

How long can I store Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

You can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat gently!

What herbs can I add to my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Fresh chives, parsley, or thyme make great additions! Feel free to get creative with herbs that you enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these comforting Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes as much as I do! They’re not only perfect for family dinners but also bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Remember, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of roasted garlic filling your kitchen. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor each creamy bite!