Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting side that feels both cozy and a little luxurious, this Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender Yukon gold potatoes, perfectly mashed to creamy perfection, infused with the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic that adds so much warmth and character. It’s a simple dish made special by a few thoughtful touches, perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you want to impress with comfort food that really sings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe, you’ll need just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a starring role, from the fragrant roasted garlic that deepens the flavor to the creamy potatoes that provide the perfect base. These basics keep the dish approachable yet totally irresistible.

• Garlic bulb: Roasting brings out a rich, caramelized sweetness that takes mashed potatoes to the next level.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a velvety texture and subtle fruity notes, enhancing every bite.
• Sea salt: Essential for seasoning both the garlic and the potatoes, balancing flavors beautifully.
• Yukon gold or butterball potatoes (2 pounds): These starchy yet buttery potatoes mash smoothly and hold flavor well.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick that cuts through the creaminess.
• Butter (optional): For a luscious, silky finish when serving.
• Chopped chives and/or rosemary (optional): Fresh herbs that add vibrant color and herbal notes.

How to Make Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by trimming the top quarter inch off the garlic bulb, exposing the tops of the cloves. Place the bulb cut-side up on a piece of foil, then drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Wrap the garlic in foil to seal in the steam and roast it in the oven for 40 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cloves are tender and golden brown, releasing that mouthwatering aroma. Let it cool slightly before mashing the soft cloves into a fragrant paste. This roasted garlic paste is the heart of the Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe, infusing every bite with deep, mellow flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender

While your garlic roasts, peel your potatoes and place them in a large pot with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Cover with cold water, ensuring the potatoes are submerged by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until they are fork tender—around 20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect mash, as potatoes cooked evenly result in a silky texture. Once done, drain them but carefully reserve about one cup of the cooking liquid to add moisture and creaminess later.

Step 3: Mash and Combine with Roasted Garlic

Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes into a large bowl until smooth but still light and fluffy. Add in the roasted garlic paste along with ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil, half a cup of the reserved potato cooking liquid, one teaspoon of sea salt, and a few generous pinches of freshly ground black pepper. Fold all these ingredients together gently with a rubber spatula until creamy and perfectly seasoned. If you prefer a looser texture, gradually add up to half a cup more cooking liquid – this step gives you control over the consistency and richness of your final Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches and Serve

If you like, finish your mashed potatoes with a pat of butter for extra silkiness and sprinkle with chopped chives or rosemary to add freshness, color, and herbal brightness. Serve these while warm as the ultimate crowd-pleaser side dish that perfectly complements everything from roasted meats to vibrant vegetable mains.

How to Serve Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chives or rosemary add both a pop of color and a subtle earthy twist that elevates the dish. A pat of butter melting on top adds richness and beautiful gloss, making the potatoes shine with warmth and comfort. Don’t hesitate to sprinkle some coarse sea salt just before serving for a delightful crunch and flavor burst.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, or a juicy steak, as the smooth, garlicky potatoes balance savory proteins and their natural juices. A crisp green salad or sautéed seasonal vegetables add freshness and crunch for a well-rounded meal. They’re a go-to side for cozy dinners and special holidays alike.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon your mashed potatoes into individual ramekins, top with breadcrumbs and more herbs, then broil for a minute or two for a golden crust. Another idea is to swirl in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving for tangy creaminess. You can even shape the potatoes into little quenelles for a fancy plating touch that will wow your guests and make everyday potatoes feel extraordinary.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, keep the mashed potatoes slightly drier as you can always add liquid when reheating to refresh their creaminess.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Spoon cooled mashed potatoes into a freezer-safe container, covering the surface tightly with plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. They’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

Gently reheat the mashed potatoes on low heat in a saucepan, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of reserved cooking liquid, broth, or milk to help loosen the texture and bring back that creamy mouthfeel. Avoid high heat that can dry them out. A quick microwave reheating in short bursts with stirring in between also works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Yes, but Yukon gold or butterball potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when mashed. Russets work well too but can be a bit fluffier. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes tend to be less creamy and more gluey, so they are not recommended for this Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe.

Is roasting garlic necessary, or can I use raw garlic?

Roasting garlic transforms its flavor into something sweet, mellow, and rich, which complements mashed potatoes beautifully. Raw garlic would be too sharp and overpowering, so roasting is highly recommended for the best flavor experience.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative, and make sure your olive oil is high quality for richness. The olive oil combined with roasted garlic makes the dish flavorful enough on its own to satisfy vegan diets.

What if I don’t have a potato ricer? Will a masher work?

A potato masher works perfectly fine and is more common in home kitchens. Just mash gently to avoid overworking the potatoes, which can lead to a gummy texture. The ricer is a great tool but not essential for this Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe.

Can I add cream or milk to the mashed potatoes?

You can add cream or milk if you like a richer, creamier mash, but the olive oil and reserved cooking liquid already provide great moisture and flavor. Adding dairy is optional depending on your texture preference.

Final Thoughts

Give this Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe a try and watch it quickly become a must-have in your recipe collection. It’s the perfect marriage of simple ingredients and thoughtful technique that transforms everyday comfort food into a dish bursting with flavor and soul. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive celebration, these mashed potatoes bring warmth and joy to the table every time.

Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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These Garlic Mashed Potatoes feature perfectly roasted garlic blended into creamy Yukon gold potatoes, creating a rich and flavorful side dish ideal for any meal. The roasting process mellows the garlic, adding a sweet and savory depth while olive oil and reserved potato cooking liquid keep the texture smooth and luscious.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

Roasted Garlic

• 1 whole garlic bulb
• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
• Sea salt (a pinch, for roasting)

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds Yukon gold or butterball potatoes, peeled
• 2 teaspoons sea salt (divided: 1 teaspoon for cooking potatoes, 1 teaspoon for seasoning)
• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, several pinches
• Butter (optional, for serving)
• Chopped chives and/or rosemary (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
2. Roast Garlic: Trim the top ¼ inch off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Place the bulb cut-side up on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, then wrap tightly in the foil. Roast in the oven for 40 to 60 minutes until cloves are deeply golden and tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
3. Mash Roasted Garlic: Once cool enough to handle, squeeze or mash the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins using the back of a knife or a small masher until it forms a smooth paste. Set aside.
4. Cook Potatoes: Place peeled potatoes in a large pot and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover with water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork tender, approximately 20 minutes. Drain potatoes, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
5. Mash Potatoes: Using a ricer or potato masher, mash the hot potatoes in a large bowl until smooth.
6. Mix Ingredients: Fold in the roasted garlic paste, ⅓ cup of olive oil, ½ cup of reserved cooking liquid, 1 teaspoon salt, and several pinches of freshly ground black pepper using a rubber spatula. Continue folding until the mixture is creamy, adding up to an additional ½ cup of reserved liquid if desired for extra creaminess.
7. Serve: Serve the mashed potatoes hot, topped with optional butter and sprinkled with chopped chives and/or rosemary for garnish.

Notes

• Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness, giving the mashed potatoes a sweet, nutty flavor.
• Yukon gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture but butterball potatoes work well too.
• Reserving some cooking liquid from the potatoes helps adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste after mixing all ingredients.
• For richer mashed potatoes, add butter when serving.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.