Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any meal, you’ve found it! Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a favorite in my kitchen, and for good reason. The creamy texture paired with the rich, sweet flavor of roasted garlic makes these potatoes irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

I love how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time, making them perfect for those hectic days when you still want to serve something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just under 90 minutes, you can have a delightful side dish ready to go!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves creamy mashed potatoes—especially with that hint of roasted garlic!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily prepare these potatoes in advance and reheat them for a stress-free meal.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of buttery goodness and garlic flavor will warm your heart and soul.
• Versatile side dish: Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The best part? They are all simple and wholesome! Here’s what you will need:

For the Roasted Garlic

• 1 head garlic
• 1 tsp olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds red potatoes (washed and cut into quarters)
• kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup half and half
• fresh ground pepper

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what’s on hand. Here are some tasty variations:

• Add cheese: Mix in some shredded cheddar or parmesan for an extra cheesy twist.
• Herb-infused: Stir in fresh herbs like chives or rosemary for added flavor and freshness.
• Creamy alternative: Swap half-and-half with plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
• Extra richness: Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt for even creamier mashed potatoes.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by roasting the garlic. Cut off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic head and wrap it in foil. Drizzle olive oil over it before sealing up the foil. Roasting at 375°F for about an hour transforms the garlic into a soft, golden delight that’s easy to squeeze out of its skin later on.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Place your quartered red potatoes into a large pot or Dutch oven and cover them with cold water. Adding a teaspoon of salt helps season them as they cook. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until fork-tender—about 15 minutes should do!

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Garlic

Once your potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. Now it’s time to add those luscious roasted garlic cloves! Squeeze them out of their skins right into the pot—this is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Gently warm your half-and-half and butter until melted; you can do this on the stove or microwave. Pour this mixture over your potatoes and garlic along with salt and fresh ground pepper. Mash everything together until combined but still creamy with some delightful lumps left behind.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish off your masterpiece, garnish with fresh herbs and perhaps a little more butter on top! Serve these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes hot as a comforting side dish at any meal.

I hope you enjoy making this beloved recipe as much as I do! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is all about technique and a bit of love! Here are some tips to elevate your mash game:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for red potatoes for a creamy texture with a hint of sweetness. Their waxy nature helps achieve that delightful consistency without becoming gummy.

• Roast Your Garlic Properly: Ensure you wrap the garlic tightly in foil and drizzle enough olive oil. This allows the cloves to caramelize beautifully, adding a rich flavor that’s essential for your mashed potatoes.

• Warm Your Dairy: Gently warming the half and half and butter before adding them to the potatoes ensures they mix in smoothly. Cold dairy can cool down your mash and make it less creamy!

• Don’t Over-Mash: For the best texture, mash just until combined. A few lumps add character and keep the potatoes from turning into gluey mush.

• Taste as You Go: Always taste your mashed potatoes before serving. Adjusting salt and pepper at the end ensures you get the perfect flavor balance.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Presentation is key when it comes to serving this comforting dish! Here are some delightful ideas for presenting your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Extra Butter: A pat of melted butter drizzled over the top just before serving adds richness and makes it look indulgent.
• Cracked Pepper: A sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper not only enhances flavor but also gives a nice visual contrast.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed in olive oil and grilled to perfection provide a colorful, healthy contrast.
• Roasted Chicken Thighs: Juicy roasted chicken thighs seasoned with herbs serve as a hearty protein that pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes.
• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with lemon zest offer a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of your mash.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds a crisp texture and a tangy bite that balances out the creaminess of the potatoes.

These delicious ideas will help you serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes in style, making every meal feel special! Enjoy this comforting side dish at your next gathering or cozy dinner at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not only a delightful side dish for any occasion, but they also shine when it comes to meal prep. You can make them ahead of time and enjoy the comforting flavors later in the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Let the mashed potatoes cool completely.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally; add a splash of half and half if needed for creaminess.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals until heated through, stirring in between.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use other types of potatoes for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! While red potatoes provide a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon gold or even russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that different varieties may slightly change the flavor and texture.

How do I get my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes extra creamy?

To achieve extra creaminess, make sure to warm your half and half and butter before adding them to the potatoes. This prevents the mixture from cooling down your mash and helps create that luxurious consistency.

Can I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes dairy-free?

Yes! To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan butter, and replace half and half with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream mixed with a little nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes as much as I do! They are perfect for gatherings, comforting dinners, or simply as a treat for yourself. Embrace the warmth of this recipe in your kitchen, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with friends and family. Happy cooking!