Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Creamy, comforting, and oh-so delicious, Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish! Made with rich Yukon Gold potatoes, a touch of butter, and the magic of freshly roasted garlic, these velvety potatoes melt right in your mouth!
The Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes
I’ve been making mashed potatoes for as long as I remember, but I have to admit these Garlic Mashed Potatoes with roasted garlic is a game changer. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones for a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting indulgence, these garlic-infused mashed potatoes promise an unforgettable and flavorful experience.
It’s totally worth the effort of taking the time to roast that garlic. Trust me, once you have your mashed potatoes like this, you’ll never make them any other way.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Side Dish! This recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Made with just a handful of basic ingredients in a few simple steps, these potatoes are a quick and easy side dish.
- Garlic Infused Deliciousness! The magic of roasted garlic transforms ordinary creamy mashed potatoes into a dish that’s rich, savory, and utterly delicious, making them a standout on any occasion.
- Crowd Pleaser! Garlic mashed potatoes are always a favorite at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and potlucks! Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large event, these potatoes will be a hit.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These yellow-fleshed potatoes are naturally buttery and creamy, providing the ideal base. You can also use Russet potatoes, but they will produce a slightly different texture.
- Garlic: The star of this recipe! Once roasted, the garlic infuses the potatoes with a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Butter: Adds a buttery richness that complements the roasted garlic. You should always use unsalted butter in cooking to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Heavy Cream: Enhances the creaminess and gives the garlic mashed potatoes their dreamy texture. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer.
- Salt: An essential seasoning that brings the dish together.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
- Chives: Provide a burst of color and a hint of oniony freshness. You can also garnish the potatoes with green onions or fresh parsley as alternatives.
Making homemade mashed potatoes is super easy! With just a few simple steps, you can transform humble ingredients into a side dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
To begin you need to roast your garlic! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then take the garlic and cut the top off each head to expose the garlic cloves. Now, wrap each head in foil and put them in the oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. When done, the cloves should be soft and slightly caramelized. Then set them aside to cool.
While the garlic is roasting, peel your potatoes and cut them into quarters that are all about the same size. Next, put them into a large pot, add just enough water to cover them, and then add a generous amount of salt to season the water.
After you’ve prepped your potatoes, bring them to a rapid boil over medium-high heat. Then once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are fork tender.
With the garlic roasted and potatoes cooked, it’s time to start bringing the elements together. First, drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Next, use your fingers to squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and add it to the pot with the cooked potatoes.
Time for potato mashing magic! Add the unsalted butter and heavy cream to the pot. Then use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and garlic together until they become a smooth and creamy consistency. You can also use an electric hand mixer if you prefer an even smoother texture. Then give your mashed potatoes a taste and season them with salt and pepper as needed.
Once mashed, garnish your roast garlic mashed potatoes with some freshly chopped chives and a pat of butter. Then serve them on the side with some Instant Pot turkey breast or Swedish Meatballs if you like!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add to the potatoes?
You can certainly get creative and add extra ingredients or garnishes to suit your taste. Some popular additions include grated cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of truffle oil.
How do you fix gluey mashed potatoes?
If your potatoes turn out gluey, it’s typically due to overmixing or overcooking. To fix this, gently reheat the mashed potatoes and gradually incorporate more hot milk or cream, while stirring. But be careful not to overdo it. You need to add the liquid in small increments until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Why are my mashed potatoes not mashing?
It might be because you didn’t cook them long enough or you didn’t use the right type of potatoes. It’s important to cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender. You can also use a potato ricer to try to fix the texture.
Serve With
Prime Rib Roast
Beef Tenderloin
Roast Chicken
Apple Stuffed Pork Loin
Expert Tips
- Generously salt the water. When boiling the potatoes, don’t skimp on the salt. A generous amount of salt in the boiling water seasons the potatoes from the inside, infusing flavor into every bite.
- Uniformly cut the potatoes. To ensure even cooking, cut the potatoes into equal-sized chunks. This consistency in size ensures that all potato pieces cook at the same rate, resulting in a better texture.
- Slowly roast the garlic. Don’t try to speed up the garlic roasting process. Slow roasting allows the cloves to caramelize gently, intensifying their sweetness and flavor.
- Cut the butter into chunks. When adding the butter, cut it into chunks before mashing the potatoes. This allows the butter to melt more easily and incorporate into the potatoes.
Storage
You can store leftover garlic mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little extra cream or milk to restore their creamy texture and warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
It’s also possible to freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. Then simply let them thaw out overnight in the fridge and reheat them to enjoy.
Discover More Great Sides
- Buttered Noodles
- Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
- Patatas Bravas
- Colcannon
- Funeral Potatoes
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 heads garlic
- ½ cup butter (unsalted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh chives (chopped)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of each head of garlic to expose the cloves, leaving the head itself intact. Wrap each head with foil and place in the oven for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and slightly caramelized. Let cool
- While the garlic is roasting, peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Place them in a large pot and add enough water to cover the potatoes. Add a generous amount of salt.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and add it to the pot with the potatoes.
- Add the butter and heavy cream to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and garlic until they are smooth and creamy. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also use an electric mixer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives and a pat of butter.
Equipment
Notes
- Potato Type: Yukon Gold potatoes are chosen for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, but Russets can also be used if preferred.
- Roasted Garlic: If in a hurry, minced garlic sautéed in butter can be substituted, but roasted garlic gives a richer, more mellow flavor.
- Creaminess Level: Adjust the heavy cream amount to achieve desired consistency. For lighter potatoes, substitute with half-and-half or milk.
- Mashing Technique: For ultra-smooth potatoes, consider passing them through a potato ricer before mashing or use a hand mixer to mix them well.
- Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the seasoning. Some might prefer a more pronounced garlic or pepper punch.
- Storing & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
