Name: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head garlic, top trimmed to expose cloves; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered; 4 tablespoons butter, softened; ½ cup milk; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food side dish. The creamy potatoes combined with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic make a dish that feels rich, flavorful, and cozy. I like serving them alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as the star on a vegetarian plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the roasted garlic takes ordinary mashed potatoes to the next level. Instead of sharp raw garlic flavor, roasting makes it buttery and slightly sweet, which blends beautifully with potatoes, butter, and milk. I find these mashed potatoes easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a holiday table. The texture is smooth, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, and I can always adjust the richness to my taste.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 medium head garlic, top of bulbs trimmed off so tops of cloves are exposed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
4 tablespoons butter, softened
½ cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I drizzle olive oil over the garlic head, then wrap it in foil.
I roast it for 1 hour until the cloves are soft and golden.
While the garlic roasts, I bring a pot of salted water to a boil. I cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes until tender, then drain and let them cool slightly.
I chop the potatoes and place them in a mixing bowl with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
I squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the bowl and mash everything together with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes about 20 minutes of prep time, 1 hour of cooking time, and 1 hour 20 minutes in total.

Variations

I sometimes use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier or heartier texture.
If I want extra richness, I swap the milk for half-and-half or cream.
Adding sour cream, cream cheese, or Parmesan gives the potatoes more tang and depth.
For a rustic feel, I leave some of the potato skins on.
Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme make a fresh finishing touch.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess. I also reheat them in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Can I roast the garlic ahead of time?

Yes, I roast the garlic a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until I’m ready to use it.

Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

I freeze them in portions, but I find they’re best eaten fresh. When frozen, I reheat them slowly and add extra butter or cream to bring back the texture.

How can I make these mashed potatoes lighter?

I use less butter and swap whole milk for low-fat milk or even broth for a lighter version.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, I replace the butter with vegan butter and the milk with almond or oat milk. The roasted garlic still gives that delicious flavor.

How do I keep mashed potatoes warm for serving?

I keep them in a slow cooker on warm or in a covered oven-safe dish at low heat until ready to serve.

Conclusion

I love making roasted garlic mashed potatoes because they turn a simple dish into something rich and memorable. The roasted garlic adds depth without overpowering the flavor, and the creamy texture makes them irresistible. Whether I serve them for a holiday dinner or a simple family meal, they always disappear quickly.