Decadent Roasted Garlic Mash

Prepare to be enchanted by the unparalleled richness and creamy texture of these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Far beyond your average potato side dish, this recipe elevates humble potatoes into a truly decadent experience, perfect for any occasion from a cozy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday feast. Imagine tender, fluffy potatoes infused with the sweet, mellow essence of slow-roasted garlic, then whipped with rich butter, heavy cream, and savory cheddar cheese. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that promises to become an instant family favorite and a staple in your culinary repertoire.

This recipe for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes doesn’t just meet expectations; it surpasses them. It masterfully combines convenience with gourmet flair, making it accessible for home cooks while delivering a taste that feels incredibly luxurious. Every bite is a testament to the power of simple, quality ingredients expertly prepared. The roasting process transforms sharp raw garlic into a sweet, caramel-like paste that blends seamlessly into the potatoes, creating an unparalleled depth of flavor. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply treat your loved ones, these mashed potatoes are guaranteed to hit all the right notes.

Elevate your meal with complementary side dishes! For more delightful options, be sure to explore my Garlic Butter Mushrooms, a savory pairing that perfectly complements any main course, and my Easy Green Bean Casserole, a classic comfort food that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Adore These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes aren’t just good; they’re extraordinary. Here’s why this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• Irresistible Roasted Garlic Flavor: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the roasted garlic. Unlike raw garlic, which can be pungent, roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and intensifies its natural sweetness, imparting a deeply aromatic and rich flavor profile that permeates every spoonful of mash. It adds an incredible depth and complexity that sets these potatoes apart.
• Luxuriously Creamy Texture: Made with a generous amount of heavy cream and butter, these potatoes achieve an unbelievably smooth, velvety texture. They are not just mashed; they are whipped to perfection, making them wonderfully satisfying and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This hearty creaminess is pure comfort.
• Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste and appearance, this mashed potato recipe is remarkably straightforward. With a simple handful of ingredients and clear, easy-to-follow steps, even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. It’s a fuss-free way to create an impressive side dish.
• A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a grand holiday celebration, these garlic mashed potatoes are always a hit. Their universal appeal makes them suitable for pairing with a wide array of main courses, and they are guaranteed to disappear quickly from any table.
• Decadently Cheesy Goodness: The addition of sharp cheddar cheese introduces another layer of savory flavor and richness, making these potatoes even more indulgent. The cheese melts beautifully into the warm mash, creating pockets of delightful savoriness that enhance the overall experience.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Crafting these incredible roasted garlic mashed potatoes requires a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the desired flavor and texture:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are highly recommended for their high starch content, which makes them light and fluffy when mashed. Other starchy varieties like Yukon Gold also work beautifully, offering a slightly creamier consistency.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic bulbs are essential for roasting. Avoid pre-minced garlic, as it won’t yield the same sweet, mellow flavor when roasted.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil helps the garlic cloves caramelize beautifully and tenderize during roasting, enhancing their flavor.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, allowing you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. It adds richness and helps create that irresistible creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: This is key to achieving the luxurious, velvety consistency. Whole milk or half-and-half can be substituted for a slightly lighter version, but heavy cream delivers the ultimate indulgence.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderful savory depth and a hint of tang, complementing the roasted garlic perfectly. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
• Fresh Chives: Finely chopped fresh chives not only add a delicate oniony flavor but also provide a beautiful pop of vibrant green color, making the dish visually appealing.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Always taste and adjust to your liking, as proper seasoning is crucial for a truly delicious dish.

Crafting Your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these decadent mashed potatoes is a simple process broken down into a few key steps. Follow along to create your own batch of this comforting side:

• Prepare and Roast the Garlic: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice off the very top of the garlic bulbs, exposing the cloves. Drizzle each bulb with a teaspoon of olive oil, ensuring the oil seeps in between the cloves. Wrap the garlic bulbs individually in aluminum foil or place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, golden brown, and fragrant. Roasting transforms the garlic into a sweet, spreadable paste.

• Boil the Potatoes to Perfection: While the garlic roasts, prepare your potatoes. Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into large, uniform chunks. Rinse the diced potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, then drain them. Transfer the potatoes to a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced. Ensure they are fully cooked through for the creamiest mash.

• Assemble and Mash for Creaminess: Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain all the water from the pot. Return the hot, drained potatoes to the pot. Now, it’s time to add the magic! Gently squeeze the softened, roasted garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the pot with the potatoes. Add the ¼ stick of butter (56g), fresh chopped chives, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Using a potato masher, ricer, or even an electric mixer on low speed, mash all the ingredients together until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and lump-free. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.

• Bake for a Golden Finish: Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the top of the mashed potatoes. This will create a beautiful golden crust. Bake in the oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy. For an extra golden finish, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

• Garnish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh chopped chives for color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the compliments!

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes

Achieving perfectly creamy and flavorful roasted garlic mashed potatoes is easy with a few insider tips:

• Always Preheat Your Oven: For consistent and even roasting of the garlic and baking of the potatoes, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before you begin.
• For the Ultimate Smoothness, Use a Potato Ricer: While a potato masher works well, a potato ricer will produce the silkiest, most lump-free mashed potatoes imaginable. It separates the starch cells more gently than mashing, preventing a gummy texture.
• Don’t Forget to Grease the Baking Dish: A lightly greased baking dish prevents the potatoes from sticking and helps create that desirable golden crust without tearing the bottom.
• Enhance Creaminess with Cream Cheese: For an even more luxurious and tangy creaminess, consider incorporating about 4 ounces (113g) of softened cream cheese into the mash along with the other ingredients.
• Amp Up the Cheese Factor: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese to your liking. A little extra cheese can go a long way in boosting flavor.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your mashed potatoes before serving. Salt and pepper are crucial for balancing flavors. Add more if needed, a little at a time, until it’s perfect.
• Adjust Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount to one bulb instead of two. The beauty of roasted garlic is its mellow nature, so even two bulbs won’t be overpowering for most.
• A Pop of Color with Chives: Don’t underestimate the visual appeal of fresh chives. A final garnish not only adds a delicate herbaceous note but also makes the dish look professionally prepared.
• Choosing the Right Potato: As mentioned, russet potatoes are ideal due to their floury texture when cooked. Waxy potatoes, like red new potatoes, tend to be gluey when mashed.
• Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Cooking potatoes until they are just tender is key. Overcooked potatoes absorb too much water, leading to a watery, less flavorful mash.
• Warm Your Dairy: Adding cold cream and butter to hot potatoes can cool them down quickly. Gently warming the cream and melting the butter before adding them will help maintain the temperature of the potatoes and aid in easier, smoother mashing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

What are the best main dishes to serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

These flavorful mashed potatoes make for an incredibly hearty and versatile side dish that complements a wide variety of main courses. Their rich, creamy, and garlicky profile pairs beautifully with both robust and delicate flavors. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:

• The Best Beef Stew: The ultimate comfort food pairing, where the creamy potatoes soak up all the rich gravy.
• Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast: An elegant choice, the potatoes balance the savory chicken beautifully.
• Spicy Sriracha Chicken: The creamy potatoes provide a cooling contrast to spicy dishes.
• Healthy Oven Baked Cod: A lighter main course that still benefits from the richness of the potatoes.
• Spicy Lemon Baked Tilapia Recipe: Another excellent fish option, with the garlic flavor complementing the lemon and spice.
• Roasted Turkey or Chicken: A classic holiday pairing, perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Meatloaf: The ultimate nostalgic comfort meal.
• Steak or Lamb Chops: The richness of the potatoes stands up well to hearty meats.
• Pork Tenderloin: A versatile option that pairs well with the garlicky notes.

Can I prepare these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! These mashed potatoes are an excellent make-ahead option, especially convenient when entertaining a crowd or preparing for holidays. To prepare them in advance, simply complete all the steps up to the point of baking. Transfer the finished mash to your baking dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chilled roasted garlic mashed potatoes in a preheated oven at approximately 350°F (175°C). Keep the dish covered with foil to prevent the top from drying out. Bake for about 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are thoroughly heated through and bubbling gently. You can uncover for the last 10 minutes to achieve a slightly golden top if desired.

Can you freeze these Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze roasted garlic mashed potatoes, although for the very best texture and flavor, they are ideally enjoyed fresh. If you do choose to freeze them, ensure they are completely cooled first. Transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.

To reheat from frozen, you can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or reheat them directly from frozen. They can be reheated in the oven (covered with foil) or gently on the stovetop over low heat. When reheating, a splash of milk, cream, or even chicken broth is highly recommended to help loosen them up and restore their creamy consistency, as freezing can sometimes alter the texture slightly. Stir frequently until heated through and smooth.

Explore More Delicious Side Dishes

Looking to round out your meal with more incredible flavors? Here are some other fantastic side dish recipes that are sure to please:

• Cheesy Broccoli Bites: A fun and flavorful way to get your greens in.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: If you can’t get enough cheese, this is another creamy favorite.
• Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes: Simple, crispy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Easy Potatoes Gratin: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: A vibrant and savory vegetable side.

We hope you truly enjoy crafting and savoring this incredible Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe. It’s a dish designed to bring warmth and joy to your table, whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular meal. We encourage you to give it a try, experience its rich flavors, and share the culinary delight with your cherished friends and family!

Should you create this recipe and find yourself delighted, please share your culinary masterpiece with us on INSTAGRAM using our hashtag for a chance to be featured in our story! For all our latest social posts and delicious recipes, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST.

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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

By:

Mariam Ezzeddine

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are sure to become a family favorite! Creamy potato mash with rich, roasted garlic.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour

Total Time:

1 hour
10 minutes

Servings:

6
servings

Ingredients

• 2
  lb.
  russet potatoes,
  peeled and diced into large chunks
• 2
  bulbs
  garlic,
  roasted
• 2
  tsps.
  olive oil
• 1/4
  stick
  butter,
  plus 2 tbsps.
• 1
  cup
  heavy cream
• 1
  cup
  cheddar cheese,
  shredded
• 1/2
  cup
  fresh chives,
  chopped
• 1
  tsp.
  salt
• 1
  tsp.
  pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Carefully cut the top off of two garlic bulbs to expose the cloves. Place them on a small baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle one teaspoon of olive oil over each garlic bulb. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, golden brown, and fragrant.
3. Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes into large, uniform chunks. Rinse the diced potatoes thoroughly and drain them well. Transfer the potatoes to a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender.
4. Once the garlic has finished roasting, drain all the water from the cooked potatoes. Return the hot potatoes to the pot. Gently squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the pot with the potatoes. Add the ¼ stick of butter (56g), fresh chives, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Mash everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Rub a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to grease it. Transfer the mashed potatoes into the prepared dish and smooth out the top. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter evenly over the surface of the mashed potatoes.
7. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the top achieves a beautiful golden color. For an extra crispy and golden top, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with some fresh chopped chives, and serve hot.

Notes

• Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature for consistent results.
• For the silkiest mashed potatoes, consider using a potato ricer instead of a traditional masher.
• Always grease your baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
• To enhance creaminess further, incorporate 4 oz. (about half a block) of softened cream cheese into the mash.
• Increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese if you desire an even cheesier flavor profile.
• Always taste the mashed potatoes before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference.
• If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, you can use just one bulb of garlic instead of two. Roasted garlic is naturally milder than raw.
• Garnish with fresh chives not only for a lovely pop of color but also for a delicate fresh oniony accent.

Nutrition

Calories:
384
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
29
g

|

Protein:
9
g

|

Fat:
27
g

|

Saturated Fat:
16
g

|

Cholesterol:
84
mg

|

Sodium:
492
mg

|

Potassium:
699
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
1
g

|

Vitamin A:
1035
IU

|

Vitamin C:
11
mg

|

Calcium:
188
mg

|

Iron:
2
mg