Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This comforting side dish is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it a cherished part of family dinners and holiday feasts. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or gathering loved ones around the table, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit.

What makes this recipe special is not just the roasted garlic that adds depth and warmth but also how simple it is to prepare. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a delectable side that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal hands-on time, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good scoop of mashed potatoes! They complement any main dish and are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these potatoes in advance and simply reheat them before serving.
• Delicious Flavor: The roasted garlic adds an irresistible richness that elevates the classic mashed potato experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

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 their flexibility! Feel free to make them your own with these fun variations:

• Add Some Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or thyme for an aromatic twist.
• Creamy Alternatives: Swap half and half for plant-based milk or cream if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Spice It Up: Add roasted garlic along with some crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by prepping the garlic. Cut off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic head. Wrap it in foil and drizzle with olive oil. This step is important because roasting softens the garlic, giving it a sweet, mellow flavor. Pop it in the oven at 375 degrees F for about an hour. Once done, it will be soft and golden—just squeeze those lovely cloves right out!

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Next, place your quartered red potatoes in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover them with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance their flavor while boiling. Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Cooking them correctly ensures that your mashed potatoes turn out fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Garlic

Once your potatoes are done cooking, drain them carefully and return them to the pot. Don’t forget those delicious roasted garlic cloves you prepared earlier! Adding them now will infuse your mashed potatoes with that wonderful roasted flavor.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

In another bowl, gently warm up your half and half along with butter until everything is melted together. This helps achieve that creamy texture without shocking the hot potatoes with cold milk. Pour this mixture into the pot with your potatoes and garlic, then sprinkle in some salt and fresh ground pepper.

Step 5: Mash It All Together

Now comes the fun part—mashing! Use a potato masher or fork to blend everything until it’s creamy but still has some lumps for texture. You want these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes to be smooth yet rustic.

Finally, garnish with fresh herbs or more butter if you’re feeling indulgent before serving! Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting side dish!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Making the perfect Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is easier than you think! Here are some tips to elevate your dish and impress your family or guests.

• Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well, resulting in a deliciously smooth mash.

• Don’t rush the garlic roasting: Allowing the garlic to roast until it’s soft and golden enhances its sweetness, creating a mellower flavor in your mashed potatoes that is simply irresistible.

• Warm the dairy: Gently warming the half and half and butter before adding them to the potatoes helps everything blend smoothly, ensuring that your mash is rich and creamy without any lumps.

• Season in layers: Adding salt gradually as you prepare each component (potatoes, garlic, and dairy) allows for better flavor distribution throughout the dish, giving you perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like chives or parsley into your mash for an extra pop of flavor and color. It makes the dish even more inviting!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways that will leave everyone wanting more!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Extra butter: A pat of melting butter on top creates a beautiful sheen and enriches the flavor.
• Grated cheese: For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of grated parmesan or cheddar can take these mashed potatoes to another level.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables—like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and squash—roasted with olive oil and herbs brings vibrant colors and flavors to your meal.

• Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with herbs complement the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes beautifully.

• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans provide a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the potatoes.

• Salad with Vinaigrette: A light salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

These serving suggestions will surely make your meal memorable! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and they store well too.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Ensure to label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• To freeze, scoop the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Flatten the bags for easier storage and quicker thawing.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of half and half or milk to regain creaminess.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

Can I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes without butter?

Yes! You can substitute butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan butter or olive oil for a lighter version while still enjoying creamy mashed potatoes.

What makes Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes so special?

The roasted garlic adds a rich, sweet flavor that elevates traditional mashed potatoes. It creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Can I add other ingredients to Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.

How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture in Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

The key is to mash gently until just combined with your butter and half and half mixture. This keeps some lumps while ensuring creaminess without overworking the potatoes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also incredibly versatile for any meal. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to impress. Don’t hesitate to share your own twists on this classic—happy cooking!