Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! Creamy, buttery, and infused with the rich flavor of roasted garlic, this dish will make everyone at your table smile. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, these mashed potatoes are always a hit. They’re simple to whip up and can easily steal the spotlight as the star side dish!

What makes this recipe even more special is how well it pairs with everything from savory roasted chicken to hearty vegetable stews. You might just find yourself making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes every chance you get!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The sweet, nutty notes from the roasted garlic elevate the classic mashed potato taste.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a side dish that feels fancy but is super easy to make!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves creamy mashed potatoes! This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the potatoes ahead of time and simply reheat before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or as a cozy weeknight meal addition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!

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 Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix it up based on what you have or your personal taste preferences.

• Add Cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy twist.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk instead of half and half for a vegan version.
• Creamy Alternatives: Swap out half and half for sour cream or Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

First things first! Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Cut off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic head and drizzle it with olive oil. Wrapping it in foil helps keep all those delicious flavors trapped inside while it roasts. After about an hour, you’ll have soft, golden garlic cloves that are ready to be squeezed out of their skins. This step is key because roasting brings out the natural sweetness in garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Next, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and fill it with cold water. Add your washed and quartered red potatoes along with a teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring them to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes—until they’re fork-tender. Cooking them in cold water ensures they cook evenly, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once your potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. Toss in those lovely roasted garlic cloves you prepared earlier—they’ll add such depth of flavor!

Step 4: Add Butter and Half-and-Half

Now it’s time to make them creamy! Gently warm your half-and-half and butter until the butter melts (you can do this on the stovetop or microwave). Pour this mixture over your potatoes and garlic. Season generously with salt and fresh ground pepper. Mash everything together until combined—you want them creamy but still with a few delightful lumps!

Step 5: Serve with Love

Finally, garnish your mashed potatoes with fresh herbs and maybe even a little extra butter if you’re feeling indulgent! Serve them warm alongside your favorite main dishes. Enjoy every comforting bite of these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect roasted garlic mashed potatoes is easier than you might think! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy and flavorful every time.

• Choose the right potatoes: Using red potatoes gives a creamy texture, but you can also try Yukon Golds for a richer flavor. The starch content in these potatoes will result in a deliciously smooth mash.

• Don’t rush the roasting: Roasting the garlic slowly allows it to caramelize, enhancing its natural sweetness. This step is crucial for achieving that deep, rich flavor that elevates your mashed potatoes.

• Warm your dairy: Gently warming the half and half and butter before adding them to the potatoes helps them incorporate smoothly. Cold dairy can cool down your mash and create lumps.

• Mash with care: For the best texture, use a potato masher or ricer rather than a food processor. Over-mixing can lead to gummy potatoes, so go for a gentle hand!

• Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Always taste your mashed potatoes as you mix in salt and pepper to find that perfect balance of flavors.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are not just about taste; they also make for an inviting presentation. Here’s how you can serve them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds color and freshness, brightening up the dish.
• Extra butter: A pat of melting butter on top creates an irresistible sheen and richness that everyone loves.
• Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked pepper not only adds flavor but also enhances visual appeal with its contrast against the creamy potatoes.

Side Dishes

• Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots tossed in honey bring a lovely contrast to the savory mash, making for a vibrant plate.
• Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, creating a harmonious meal.
• Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.
• Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs: Juicy chicken thighs seasoned simply allow the flavors of the garlic mashed potatoes to shine while providing hearty protein.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your roasted garlic mashed potatoes will surely be a hit at any gathering or cozy dinner at home! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and store them for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Scoop the cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers may have about Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

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

Absolutely! While red potatoes offer a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon gold or even russet potatoes. Just adjust cooking times if needed.

How can I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes vegan?

You can easily make this dish vegan by substituting butter with plant-based butter and using almond milk or coconut milk instead of half and half for a delicious creamy texture!

What can I serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or your favorite meat substitute. They are versatile enough to complement any meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! They’re not just a side dish; they’re a warm hug on a plate that brings comfort to any meal. Enjoy every creamy bite and feel free to share your experiences or variations you try. Happy cooking!