Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you’ve ever craved comfort food that feels like a warm hug, then this Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how rich and velvety these mashed potatoes turn out, thanks to the magic of roasting garlic before mashing it in. It adds such a dreamy depth of flavor that you just can’t get from plain garlic cloves. Stick with me here—I’ll share all the tips and tricks I’ve learned so you can nail this every time, whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a cozy weeknight side.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work like a dream together—the roasted garlic brings mellow sweetness and depth, while the Yukon Gold potatoes give you that naturally creamy texture. Make sure to pick good quality olive oil as it really shines in this dish.

• Garlic bulb: Roasting whole garlic softens the cloves and transforms them into a spreadable, sweet paste that’s nothing like raw garlic.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and silkiness without the heaviness of cream or butter, plus a subtle fruity note.
• Sea salt: Enhances flavors naturally; I like to use flaky sea salt for a cleaner taste.
• Yukon Gold or Butterball potatoes: These types mash up beautifully with a naturally creamy texture, perfect for this recipe.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Just a few pinches add a bit of warmth and balance the richness nicely.
• Butter (optional): I love a pat of butter on top right before serving for extra indulgence.
• Chopped chives and/or rosemary (optional): Fresh herbs add a bright, savory touch that complements the garlic beautifully.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is—you can easily swap things around or add your personal touch depending on what you’re craving or what’s in your kitchen.

• Herb Infused: I often stir in fresh thyme or sage along with rosemary for a more complex herbal flavor that my family adores.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the butter and just rely on olive oil—you won’t lose richness, and it’s lighter and perfect if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Extra Creamy: If you want a more indulgent feel, try swapping half the olive oil for warmed cream or sour cream—just keep in mind it changes the texture.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne gives a subtle spicy undertone that’s fun and unexpected.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Garlic to Golden Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, take a whole garlic bulb and trim just the top ¼ inch so the cloves peek through. Place it cut-side up on a sheet of foil, drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Wrap it up tightly and roast for 40 to 60 minutes—this is the magic window where those garlic cloves go from sharp to sweet, soft, and caramelized. You’ll know it’s ready when the cloves are golden brown and tender enough to squeeze out like a paste. Be sure to let it cool before pressing it out with the back of a knife or a small masher. This step really elevates the whole dish!

Step 2: Cook Potatoes Until Perfectly Tender

While the garlic is roasting, peel about 2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into chunks for even cooking. Toss them into a large pot with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a boil and let them cook for roughly 20 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This part is straightforward but so crucial—overcooked potatoes get soggy, undercooked ones make your mash chunky. Drain the potatoes but reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water; this starchy liquid is like liquid gold for adjusting the creaminess later.

Step 3: Mash, Mix, and Tweak to Creamy Bliss

Now here’s the fun part. Use a ricer if you have one for silky smooth potatoes, or a traditional masher if not. Dump the mashed potatoes into a big bowl, then fold in your roasted garlic paste, ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil, ½ cup of the reserved cooking liquid, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until creamy and light. If you want them creamier, add more cooking liquid bit by bit. Taste and adjust seasoning—you’ll find that little touches make a big difference.

Step 4: Serve with a Touch of Butter and Herbs

Transfer your gorgeous mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. I love to add a pat of butter on top so it melts into those warm potatoes. Sprinkle over chopped chives and a little rosemary if you like, for that fresh aromatic pop. It not only tastes amazing but looks inviting—a total crowd-pleaser every time.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped chives for a mild oniony crunch, and sprinkling rosemary gives a lovely piney scent that pairs beautifully with the roasted garlic. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper and a drizzle more olive oil for shine and flavor. Butter on top melts right in, making it feel extra indulgent.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe goes perfectly alongside a juicy roast chicken, slow-cooked beef brisket, or pan-seared salmon. For veggies, I love pairing it with roasted green beans or sautéed garlic spinach to keep the meal balanced but still comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try piping the mashed potatoes onto your plate with a star tip for an elegant look or use a spoon to swirl the top into pretty peaks that catch the melted butter and herbs. Another fun trick I’ve done is baking the mashed potatoes under a thin layer of parmesan and bread crumbs for a crunchy top—a total crowd favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, they’ll still be creamy and flavorful—just make sure to add a splash of the reserved potato cooking water or a bit more olive oil to loosen them up.

Freezing

Freezing these mashed potatoes works well if you want to prep ahead. Let them cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, they might be a bit thicker, so stir in some warm liquid to bring back that creamy texture. I usually freeze in single-serving portions for easy warm-ups.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warming in a saucepan over low heat works best—add a teaspoon or two of reserved cooking water or olive oil and stir gently until warmed through. Microwave can work in a pinch, but be sure to stir halfway to evenly heat and maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my heart and dinner rotation. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both simple to make and impressively flavorful—plus, it’s vegan-friendly right out of the gate if you keep it olive oil based. I love serving this to friends and family because it always sparks compliments and requests for seconds. Give it a try and I promise you’ll have your own go-to mashed potatoes recipe you’ll want to make time and time again.

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