Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Name: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head garlic; 2 pounds red potatoes (washed and cut into quarters); 6 tablespoons butter; 3/4 cup half and half; kosher salt; fresh ground pepper; 1 tsp olive oil

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

May 31, 2025

Updated:

May 31, 2025

Pin1

1 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that elevates any meal. This creamy, flavorful recipe combines the rich taste of roasted garlic with buttery potatoes, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where comfort food is needed. The unique flavor profile and smooth texture set these mashed potatoes apart from traditional recipes, ensuring they become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor – The roasted garlic adds a deep, savory taste that enhances the potatoes.
Easy to Prepare – With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this dish is quick to whip up.
Versatile Side Dish – Perfect for pairing with meats, vegetables, or as part of a festive spread.
Comfort Food Classic – Creamy and satisfying, these mashed potatoes will warm you from the inside out.
Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for family gatherings or Thanksgiving dinner; everyone will want seconds!

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and ensure you enjoy every moment of creating this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Baking sheet
Foil
Potato masher or ricer
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot or Dutch oven – Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly until fork-tender.
Baking sheet – Helps in roasting the garlic evenly in the oven without mess.
Potato masher or ricer – Ensures a creamy consistency while mashing the potatoes without lumps.

Ingredients

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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Cut the top 1/4 inch off of the garlic head. Wrap the garlic head in foil and drizzle olive oil over it. Close the foil around the garlic and roast in an oven preheated to 375 degrees F for about an hour. The garlic will become very soft and golden when done. Once ready to use, you can easily squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skin.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Place the quartered red potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover them with cold water and add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add in all of the roasted garlic cloves squeezed from their skins.

Step 4: Mix in Creamy Ingredients

Gently warm 3/4 cup half and half and 6 tablespoons butter until the butter melts (this can be done on either stovetop or microwave). Pour this mixture into the pot with potatoes and garlic. Season with additional salt and fresh ground pepper. Mash everything together until incorporated; aim for a creamy consistency while leaving some lumps for texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with fresh parsley and more butter if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite dishes!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal. They pair wonderfully with various main courses and can be served in different ways to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Meats

Grilled Chicken – The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes complements the smoky flavor of grilled chicken perfectly.
Roast Beef – A classic pairing; the richness of roast beef meets its match with the garlic-infused potatoes.
Pork Chops – Serve alongside juicy pork chops to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Add Toppings

Chives or Green Onions – Sprinkling fresh chives adds a vibrant color and a mild onion flavor.
Cheese – Top with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for an extra layer of flavor.
Bacon Bits – Crispy bacon bits provide a savory crunch that enhances the dish.

Serve as a Comfort Dish

Family Gatherings – These mashed potatoes are perfect for family dinners, adding warmth and comfort to your table.
Holiday Meals – Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes make an excellent side for Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts.

How to Perfect Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Perfecting Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

Choose Quality Potatoes – Use red potatoes for their creamy texture and rich flavor, which makes them ideal for mashing.
Roast Garlic Properly – Ensure that garlic is soft and caramelized before mixing it into the potatoes for maximum flavor.
Warm Dairy Ingredients – Gently warm the half and half and butter before adding them; this helps achieve a creamy consistency without cooling down the mash.
Don’t Overmix – Mash just until combined; leaving some lumps adds character and prevents a gummy texture.
Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving; each batch may require different amounts based on personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes can shine as part of a well-rounded meal. Here are some great side dishes that pair beautifully with them.

Steamed Broccoli – The bright green color adds visual appeal, while its slight bitterness balances the richness of the mashed potatoes.
Honey-Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots provide a lovely contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Caesar Salad – Fresh romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy potatoes.
Green Beans Almondine – Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add texture and elegance to your plate.
Corn Pudding – This sweet and savory dish contrasts nicely with roasted garlic flavors, making for an interesting combination.
Baked Zucchini Fries – Crunchy zucchini fries bring another layer of texture while staying light on calories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

Skipping the roasting step: Roasting garlic enhances its flavor and sweetness. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for that rich taste.
Overcooking the potatoes: If you cook the potatoes too long, they can become watery. Keep an eye on them and test with a fork for doneness.
Using cold ingredients: Adding cold butter or half and half can cool down your mash. Warm these ingredients beforehand for a smoother consistency.
Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoned mashed potatoes can taste bland. Make sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Mashing too much: Over-mashing can lead to a gluey texture. Mash just until creamy but leave some lumps for a rustic feel.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes will last for about 3–5 days in the fridge.
Allow them to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place potatoes in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
Stovetop: Place in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare them ahead of time! Just store them in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I customize my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Feel free to add cheese, sour cream, or herbs like chives for extra flavor! You can also use different types of potatoes if you prefer.

What should I serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a side dish during festive meals like Thanksgiving.

Can I use other types of garlic instead of roasted garlic?

While roasted garlic adds a sweet flavor, you can use raw garlic for a sharper taste, but it will change the overall profile of your mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent side dish for any meal or celebration. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients or herbs. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!