Can I make these potatoes without a potato masher?

Absolutely! A fork works well for a more rustic texture. For ultra-smooth potatoes, you can use a potato ricer or even push them through a fine-mesh sieve. Just avoid food processors or blenders, which can make potatoes gluey.

My mashed potatoes seem too dry. How can I fix them?

Simply warm a bit more cream or butter and fold it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that potatoes continue to absorb liquid as they sit, so they might need a little extra when reheating.

Can I use milk instead of cream in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute milk, but the potatoes won't be quite as rich. Whole milk is preferable to skim. You could also use half-and-half as a middle-ground option. Whatever you do, avoid cold liquid – always warm it first!

How many cloves are in a head of garlic?

A typical head of garlic contains about 10-15 cloves, but don't worry about counting – you'll use the entire roasted head in this recipe for maximum flavor.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Name: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head of garlic; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 pounds potatoes, russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and cut into 1 inch chunks; Salt; 1/3 cup heavy cream, or evaporated milk; 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are simply life-changing – creamy, rich, and infused with the sweet, nutty flavor of slow-roasted garlic. Ready in just over an hour, they elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. The buttery texture combined with the depth of flavor makes these potatoes the perfect side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you try these, there’s no going back to regular mashed potatoes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor Profile: The roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow, caramelized flavor that transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into something absolutely magical.
Silky Texture: The combination of heavy cream and butter creates the most luxurious, velvety smooth potatoes you’ve ever tasted.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday planning – make them ahead and reheat without losing that perfect texture.
Versatile Side Dish: These potatoes pair beautifully with practically any main course, from simple roast chicken to elegant holiday roasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic: A whole head of garlic becomes sweet and mellow when roasted, losing its sharp bite and transforming into a creamy, spreadable dream. It’s the star of this dish!
Olive Oil: Used to coat the garlic before roasting, helping it caramelize perfectly in the oven.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold both work wonderfully – Russets give a fluffier result while Yukons yield a naturally buttery flavor. The choice is yours!
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a silky texture. This is not the time to compromise with skim milk!
Butter: Salted butter adds both richness and seasons the potatoes. More is always better when it comes to mashed potatoes.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Don’t be shy here – potatoes need generous seasoning.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity that complements the sweet roasted garlic beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Herb-Infused

Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to take these potatoes to the next level. Mix them in after mashing for bright flavor and beautiful flecks of green.

Cheesy Upgrade

Fold in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, sharp cheddar, or Gruyère cheese for an indulgent twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Lighter Version

Substitute half the cream with chicken broth for a lighter option that still maintains creaminess.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Transform them into loaded mashed potatoes by topping with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Trim the top quarter-inch off a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring it seeps between the cloves. Wrap tightly in foil and roast for 35-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and beginning to brown. The garlic should be soft enough to squeeze out like butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

While the garlic roasts, peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes until they’re fork-tender – you should be able to easily slide a fork in and out.

Step 3: Dry the Potatoes

This crucial step makes all the difference! After draining the potatoes, return them to the hot pot and place over low heat for 1-2 minutes. This evaporates excess moisture, ensuring your mashed potatoes won’t be watery.

Step 4: Combine and Mash

Add warm cream and melted butter to the potatoes. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves directly into the pot (they should slide right out of their papery skins). Mash everything together until you reach your desired consistency – whether you prefer perfectly smooth or slightly chunky.

Step 5: Season to Perfection

Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed – the potatoes should be flavorful enough to enjoy on their own.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Garlic: Proper roasting takes time, but the caramelized flavor is worth the wait. If your garlic isn’t soft after 40 minutes, give it another 10.
Use Warm Cream: Heat your cream or milk before adding to the potatoes to prevent cooling down the mixture and keep the potatoes smooth.
Don’t Overwork the Potatoes: Excessive mashing or using a food processor can make potatoes gluey. Use a traditional masher or ricer for the best texture.
Season in Stages: Add some salt to the boiling water, then taste and adjust seasoning again after mashing. Potatoes absorb a lot of salt!

How to Serve

These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect companion to so many main dishes:

Classic Pairings

Serve alongside a juicy steak, roast chicken, or meatloaf with a pool of gravy nestled in the center of the potatoes.

Holiday Feast

These potatoes are worthy of your holiday table – they pair beautifully with turkey, ham, or prime rib. Make extra because everyone will want seconds!

Gravy Vessel

The little divots in these fluffy potatoes make the perfect vessels for holding pools of delicious gravy or sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They’ll firm up when cold, but don’t worry – they’ll become creamy again when reheated.

Freezing

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. The texture may change slightly but will still be delicious. For best results, add a little extra butter when reheating.

Reheating

For small portions, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until heated through. For larger amounts, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). Add a splash of cream and a pat of butter while reheating to refresh the texture.

FAQs

Can I make these potatoes without a potato masher?

Absolutely! A fork works well for a more rustic texture. For ultra-smooth potatoes, you can use a potato ricer or even push them through a fine-mesh sieve. Just avoid food processors or blenders, which can make potatoes gluey.
My mashed potatoes seem too dry. How can I fix them?

Simply warm a bit more cream or butter and fold it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that potatoes continue to absorb liquid as they sit, so they might need a little extra when reheating.
Can I use milk instead of cream in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute milk, but the potatoes won’t be quite as rich. Whole milk is preferable to skim. You could also use half-and-half as a middle-ground option. Whatever you do, avoid cold liquid – always warm it first!
How many cloves are in a head of garlic?

A typical head of garlic contains about 10-15 cloves, but don’t worry about counting – you’ll use the entire roasted head in this recipe for maximum flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes aren’t just a side dish – they’re the kind of food that creates memories around the dinner table. The transformation of simple ingredients into something extraordinary is what cooking is all about. Make these once, and I guarantee they’ll become your signature potato dish. They’re worth every minute of preparation, and the compliments will keep coming!