Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy bowl of mashed potatoes. When you add roasted garlic to the mix, it takes this classic side dish to the next level. This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion when you want something special. The subtle sweetness of roasted garlic combined with buttery potatoes creates a creamy, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to prepare this flavorful version of a beloved comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The roasted garlic brings out a rich, caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy mashed potatoes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, these mashed potatoes fit right in.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the creaminess, add herbs, or even make it dairy-free—this recipe is flexible enough for your preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious roasted garlic mashed potatoes:

• 1 head garlic: Roasting the garlic brings out its sweetness, infusing the mashed potatoes with a rich, earthy flavor.
• 1 tsp olive oil: This helps soften and caramelize the garlic while roasting.
• 2 pounds red potatoes: These potatoes have a slightly waxy texture, perfect for achieving a creamy consistency with a few lumps for texture.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the potatoes and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
• 6 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the mashed potatoes.
• 3/4 cup half and half: This mixture of milk and cream provides the perfect balance of creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
• Fresh ground pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the other flavors.

this RECIPE

How to Roast Garlic for Mashed Potatoes

Roasting garlic is the key to giving these mashed potatoes their signature flavor. Here’s a simple guide:

1. Prepare the Garlic

Cut off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle the exposed garlic with olive oil.

2. Wrap and Roast

Wrap the garlic head in foil and roast it at 375°F for about an hour. Once done, the cloves will be soft, golden, and ready to squeeze out of their skins.

3. Cool and Squeeze

Allow the garlic to cool slightly before squeezing the cloves into the mashed potatoes. The roasted garlic will be smooth and almost paste-like.

Preparing the Perfect Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes

After cutting the red potatoes into quarters, place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a teaspoon of kosher salt to season the water.

2. Cook Until Tender

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This ensures they are soft enough to mash easily.

3. Drain and Return to Pot

Once tender, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. This helps evaporate any excess moisture, keeping your mashed potatoes from becoming watery.

Combining Ingredients for Creamy Mashed Potatoes

1. Warm the Butter and Half-and-Half

Gently warm the butter and half-and-half together on the stovetop or in the microwave until the butter melts. This ensures they incorporate smoothly into the potatoes without cooling them down.

2. Mash the Potatoes and Garlic

Add the roasted garlic cloves to the drained potatoes, along with the butter mixture, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Mash until everything is combined and the potatoes reach your desired consistency—smooth with a few lumps for texture.

3. Adjust Seasoning

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. For a touch of brightness, you can also add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of herbs like parsley or chives.

Tips for Making the Best Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Don’t Overmix: Over-mixing mashed potatoes can cause them to become gummy. Mash just until combined.
• Warm Ingredients are Key: Make sure the butter and half-and-half are warm before adding them to the potatoes. Cold ingredients can cool down the mixture and prevent the potatoes from absorbing the butter and cream.
• Use a Potato Masher or Ricer: A masher will give you a creamy texture with some lumps, while a ricer will result in ultra-smooth mashed potatoes. Choose based on your preference.

Variations and Swaps

• Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream.
• Different Potatoes: If you prefer a different texture, Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work well in place of red potatoes. Yukon Golds offer a buttery texture, while russets provide a fluffier result.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for extra flavor. You can even stir in a bit of parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For boiling the potatoes.
• Foil: For wrapping the garlic while roasting.
• Potato Masher or Ricer: To mash the potatoes to your desired texture.
• Roasting Tray: To roast the garlic in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, garnish your roasted garlic mashed potatoes with a pat of butter, freshly chopped herbs like parsley, and a sprinkle of ground pepper. Serve as a side dish with roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or a hearty stew.

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to help bring back the creamy texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best texture, stir in some additional butter or cream while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze roasted garlic mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze them. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a bit of butter or cream to refresh the texture.

2. What’s the best type of potato to use?

Red potatoes are great for this recipe because of their waxy texture, which helps create a creamy consistency. However, you can also use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, depending on your preference for texture.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and reheat them when needed. Just add a little more half-and-half or butter when reheating to restore the creaminess.

Conclusion

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. With the sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic paired with creamy potatoes, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish offers a wonderful balance of flavor and comfort.

Try out this recipe and share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this!

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