Description
This Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe features creamy, buttery mashed potatoes enhanced with the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic. The garlic is slow-roasted in the oven until soft and caramelized, then blended into tender Yukon Gold potatoes with warm cream and butter, making for a smooth, comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head garlic, whole and unpeeled
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Light sprinkle of salt for roasting
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold or another yellow, waxy potato
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the garlic, which will bring out its natural sweetness and mellow sharpness.
- Roast the garlic: Remove the outer papery skin from the garlic bulb, keeping the head intact. Slice off the top 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the cloves to expose them. Place the garlic head on foil, drizzle with the olive oil, lightly salt, then wrap loosely in the foil. Roast in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until soft and golden brown. Let it cool before handling.
- Boil the potatoes: While garlic roasts, peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a pot, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Warm the cream and melt the butter: Gently heat the heavy cream and butter together in a small pan on low heat or in the microwave until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is warm.
- Mash the potatoes with garlic: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot on low heat to evaporate excess moisture slightly. Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the potatoes. Mash thoroughly using a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth but still slightly textured.
- Add the cream and butter, then season: Pour in the warm cream and butter mixture and continue mashing until the potatoes reach your desired creamy consistency. Be careful not to overmix to prevent gumminess. Taste and add additional salt as needed to balance the flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes as they have a naturally buttery texture and flavor perfect for mashing.
- You can prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the amount of cream and butter to achieve your preferred potato texture—less for thicker, more for creamier potatoes.
- Use a potato masher or fork for mashing to avoid overworking the starches, which can make the potatoes gluey.
- Adding a splash of sour cream or cream cheese can enhance creaminess and flavor if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
