Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re ready to experience mashed potatoes in their most decadent, cozy, and flavor-packed form, you’ll fall head over heels for this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Imagine fluffy red potatoes blended with sweet, caramelized roasted garlic, bathed in creamy butter and half and half, all seasoned just right. This dish defines comfort food, delivering an irresistible upgrade that’s both classic and a little bit special—perfect for celebrations or simply sharing something memorable with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is all about elevating a handful of honest, basic ingredients into something truly spectacular. Each component has its own role, ensuring the potatoes are rich, flavorful, and beautifully textured.

• Head of garlic: Roasting brings out a mellow, slightly sweet flavor that’s the secret to deep, complex mashed potatoes.
• Olive oil: Just a drizzle helps the garlic roast evenly and turn beautifully golden.
• Red potatoes (2 pounds, washed and quartered): Their thin skin adds extra color and texture, and they mash up creamier than most!
• Kosher salt: Enhances every element and makes the flavors sing.
• Butter (6 tablespoons): Adds that unmistakable richness and lush mouthfeel everyone loves.
• Half and half (3/4 cup): Provides perfect creaminess without being too heavy—your potatoes will turn out smooth and dreamy.
• Fresh ground pepper: For a touch of warmth and depth with every bite.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

The foundation of this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe starts with sweet, caramelized garlic. Slice the top quarter inch from the head of garlic to expose the cloves, nestle it in foil, drizzle with just a splash of olive oil, and wrap tightly. Roast at 375 degrees F for about an hour. The transformation is worth every minute—the garlic turns incredibly soft, fragrant, and bursting with flavor. Once cooled slightly, simply squeeze the buttery cloves from their skins.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Place your quartered red potatoes into a large pot or Dutch oven, then cover them with cold water. Toss in a teaspoon of kosher salt—seasoning at this early stage helps the flavor work its way into every bite. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and ready for mashing.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Roasted Garlic

Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them right back to the pot. Squeeze those sweet, golden roasted garlic cloves right in with the hot potatoes—the warmth melts the garlic, making it easy to mix through and infuse every forkful with flavor.

Step 4: Warm the Dairy and Mash

Gently heat the butter and half and half together until the butter has just melted—this little step ensures your potatoes stay piping hot and absorb all that luscious richness evenly. Pour the warm mixture into the potato pot, season with extra salt and freshly ground pepper, then mash everything together. Aim for a creamy mash with a few rustic lumps for texture—don’t overmix, and enjoy the heady aroma of roasted garlic swirling through your kitchen!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe onto a pretty serving platter or straight from the pot if the crowd is hungry! Top with an extra pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. The rich color from the red potato skins and a drizzle of melted butter take the presentation to another level.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! A flourish of chopped parsley, snipped chives, or even a dusting of smoked paprika works wonders. For an extra glow, a swirl of melted butter or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt just before serving will highlight all the best notes of your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with anything from classic roast chicken and turkey to juicy steak or even grilled veggies. The hearty, garlicky flavor stands its ground against bold entrees and brings balance to lighter dishes. For a vegetarian feast, try it alongside sautéed mushrooms and crisp green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Sometimes, the way you serve makes all the difference! Pile your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe into individual ramekins with a pat of butter, or make a rustic swirl in a big bowl and top with roasted garlic cloves for drama. Hosting brunch? Turn leftovers into mini potato pancakes or pipe the mash on top of savory pies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe can be a blessing! Let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prepping or last-minute comfort food cravings.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe! Spoon leftovers into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top. For best texture, add a pat of butter before sealing. Freeze for up to a month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To restore that just-made creaminess, reheat your mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If they seem a bit dense, loosen them up with a splash of half and half or milk. Stir and heat through until piping hot—no one will guess they’re not fresh from the pot!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato in this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! Yukon golds are a delicious, buttery option, while Russets will give a fluffier result. Just keep in mind that red potatoes add a pop of color and creamy texture that really complements the roasted garlic.

Why do I need to warm the butter and half and half?

Adding warm dairy helps the potatoes stay light and fluffy, absorbs more easily, and prevents the mash from cooling down before it hits the table. It’s one of those tiny tricks that makes a big difference!

Should I peel the potatoes first?

It’s optional—leaving the skins on red potatoes adds lovely color and texture, not to mention extra nutrients. If you prefer silky-smooth mashed potatoes, go ahead and peel them before boiling.

How do I avoid gluey mashed potatoes?

Be sure not to over-mix or use a food processor, as that can break down the starch too much and result in a gummy texture. Mashing by hand leaves you with the perfect creamy, slightly rustic finish.

Can I make this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for a quality vegan alternative, and use unsweetened plant milk in place of half and half. The roasted garlic flavor will still shine, and your potatoes will be just as comforting and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a bowl of these creamy, flavor-packed Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe with friends and family. Whether you’re dressing up a fancy dinner or just indulging on a cozy night in, give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a new favorite!

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