How to Create Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most beloved comfort foods. They’re rich, hearty, and perfect for pairing with all sorts of dishes. But do you know what makes mashed potatoes even better? Adding roasted garlic! Roasted garlic has a mellow, sweet flavor that can take your mashed potatoes to the next level. In this blog, we’ll go step-by-step showing you how to make creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2–2.5 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 1 head of garlic
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup of milk (whole milk or even heavy cream is ideal for extra creaminess)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- (Optional) Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Roasting garlic is the secret to the delicious depth of flavor of these mashed potatoes. To roast garlic:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take one whole head of garlic and peel away the outer layers of skin without removing the individual cloves. Slice off the very top (about ¼ inch) of the garlic head so the tops of the cloves are exposed.
- Place the garlic on a small piece of foil and drizzle it with a tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil, creating a little packet.
- Roast the garlic in the oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant.
- Once cooled, squeeze or press the soft roasted garlic out of each clove into a small bowl, mashing them slightly with a fork to create a paste.
Step 2: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
While the garlic is roasting, start preparing the potatoes:
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Peeling is optional—you can leave the skin on for a more rustic texture if using Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Cut the potatoes into uniform chunks (about 2 inches thick). This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 3: Drain and Mash
Once the potatoes are cooked, it’s time to mash!
- Drain the potatoes completely and return them to the pot while the stove is still warm (but turned off). The warmth will help remove any excess moisture from the potatoes.
- Grab a potato masher or a large fork and mash the potatoes until smooth. If you prefer a super silky texture, you can use a potato ricer instead.
Step 4: Mix in the Creamy Goodness
Now, it’s time to combine the mashed potatoes with the butter, milk, and roasted garlic.
- Add the softened butter to the mashed potatoes, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly, until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. You can add more or less milk depending on the consistency you like.
- Stir in the roasted garlic paste, mixing well so that the flavor is distributed throughout the mashed potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Take your time adjusting the seasoning—you want these potatoes to be packed with flavor!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes are ready to serve! Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and, if you’d like, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a touch of color.
These mashed potatoes are perfect as a side dish for roasts, grilled chicken, steak, or even on their own with a drizzle of gravy. The creamy texture and roasted garlic flavor are sure to impress your family and friends!
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy and have a buttery flavor, while Russet potatoes create a fluffier texture. Either works great, depending on your preference.
- Don’t overmix: Stirring mashed potatoes too much can make them gluey. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Warm the milk: Warm milk blends into the potatoes better and keeps everything creamy. You can heat it in the microwave or on the stove before adding it in.
- Make ahead option: You can roast the garlic a day ahead of time to save prep time. Just refrigerate the roasted garlic paste and bring it to room temperature before mixing into the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
Creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a game-changer for any meal. With only a handful of ingredients, the recipe is simple to follow yet filled with bold, comforting flavors. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, roasted garlic mashed potatoes are bound to be a hit at your table.
Now that you know how to make them, why not give it a try tonight? Happy cooking!
