If you’re looking for that perfect side dish to elevate any meal, this Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender red potatoes whipped to silky smoothness with rich butter and cream, infused deeply with the sweet, mellow flavor of golden roasted garlic. It’s comfort food with a gourmet touch, a dish that brings warmth and delight to the table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just craving something cozy, these mashed potatoes promise to be the star everyone will keep coming back for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role — from the earthy sweetness of red potatoes to the luscious creaminess of butter and cream, topped off by the aromatic punch of roasted garlic. Using fresh, high-quality basics allows these flavors to shine through every creamy bite.
- 8 large heads of garlic: Roasting transforms garlic’s sharpness into a tender, sweet treasure that’s key to this recipe.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity depth and helps roast garlic perfectly without drying it out.
- 6 pounds red potatoes: Their waxy texture gives a smooth, creamy finish and holds together beautifully when mashed.
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter: Essential for that rich, indulgent flavor and silky mouthfeel.
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream: Boosts creaminess and creates the perfect texture that melts on your tongue.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors, making each bite irresistible.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice that complements the softness of potatoes and butter.
- Melted butter (optional, for garnish): A final glossy finish that adds extra richness to your presentation.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Brings a pop of color and a herbal brightness for contrast.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a foil packet on a baking sheet and carefully peel away the papery outer layers of each garlic head, keeping the cloves whole. Slice off the top half-inch to reveal the cloves inside, then place the garlic heads cut side up on the foil. Drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil to keep the garlic moist and flavorful as it roasts. Seal the foil packet tightly and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown and soft. The smell in your kitchen at this point will already have you excited for what’s to come!
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
While the garlic is working its magic in the oven, put your red potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes around 25 minutes. Drain them well—you want them ready for mashing without any excess water diluting your flavors.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Once drained, return the hot potatoes to the pot (off the heat) and give them a light initial mash to break them down. Then add your unsalted butter and heavy whipping cream. Continue mashing until you reach the perfect creamy consistency, balancing smoothness with just enough texture to feel like home-cooked goodness.
Step 4: Prepare Roasted Garlic
Now, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Use a fork or a masher to mash the garlic until it becomes a silky, spreadable paste. This beautifully caramelized garlic will infuse your potatoes with deep, mellow flavor that’s both subtle and unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Fold the mashed roasted garlic into the potato mixture along with kosher salt and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to make sure every creamy bite is infused with that garlicky goodness. Serve your masterpiece warm, with an optional drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that inviting, colorful finishing touch.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Add a swirl of melted butter on top for a glossy, rich finish that makes these mashed potatoes look as indulgent as they taste. A handful of finely chopped parsley not only adds a fresh pop of green but also brings a lovely herbal contrast that brightens the dish just enough without overpowering the creamy roasted garlic flavor.
Side Dishes
These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of mains. Think juicy roasted chicken, tender pot roast, or even a grilled steak with herbs. They’re also a fantastic partner for vegetables like glazed carrots, sautéed green beans, or even a crisp salad to bring some crunch and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of cheese or crisp bacon bits. You can also pipe them onto the plate using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip for a fancy presentation that will wow your guests during holiday dinners or celebratory meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining most of their richness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing, but the rich flavor of roasted garlic will still shine through beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating helps restore the smooth texture and keeps the potatoes tasting freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?
Absolutely! While red potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and flavor, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes also work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and be mindful of texture differences.
Do I have to roast the garlic, or can I use raw garlic instead?
Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out a sweet, caramelized flavor that raw garlic simply can’t match. Using raw garlic will give a more pungent and intense taste, which might overpower the potatoes.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based spread and use coconut cream or your favorite dairy-free milk alternative. It won’t be exactly the same but will still be creamy and delicious.
Is it better to mash potatoes with a hand masher or a mixer?
For this recipe, a hand masher is best to avoid overworking the potatoes, which can make them gluey. It allows you to control the texture perfectly and keep the creamy, rustic feel.
Can I make this Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe ahead of time for a gathering?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat gently before serving. Just be sure to keep it covered and stir occasionally while reheating to keep that luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and irresistible about the Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe that makes it a must-try for any home cook. With its deep roasted garlic flavor and perfectly smooth texture, this dish transforms simple potatoes into a delightful experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this heavenly side dish—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Boiling, Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy and flavorful roasted garlic mashed potatoes made with tender red potatoes, rich butter, and roasted garlic for a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 8 large heads of garlic
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Mashed Potatoes
- 6 pounds red potatoes, washed and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Melted butter, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a foil packet on a baking sheet. Peel away the papery outer layers from the garlic bulbs while keeping the bulbs intact. Cut off the top half inch of each bulb to expose the cloves. Place the garlic bulbs cut side up on the foil, drizzle them with the olive oil, then seal the foil packet tightly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Cook Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, place the red potato chunks into a large pot. Cover them with cold water, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for about 25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot off the heat. Lightly mash the potatoes to your desired texture. Add the unsalted butter and heavy whipping cream, then continue mashing until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of the bulb skins into a small bowl. Mash the cloves until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the mashed roasted garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Serve the mashed potatoes warm, garnished with melted butter and freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and adds sweetness, giving the mashed potatoes richer flavor.
- Use red potatoes for a creamy, naturally buttery texture and beautiful color.
- You can adjust the amount of cream and butter to your preferred consistency and richness.
- For extra smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a traditional masher.
- These mashed potatoes can be made ahead and gently reheated with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
