Easy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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There’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of creamy, homemade mashed potatoes—and this roasted garlic mashed potatoes recipe takes it to the next level! Roasting the garlic adds a rich, mellow flavor that blends perfectly with fluffy russet potatoes, butter, and milk. This easy side dish is a holiday favorite, but it’s simple enough to make any night of the week. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just want a cozy meal at home, these mashed potatoes will steal the show!
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Why You’ll Love Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Unbelievable Flavor: The roasted garlic gives these mashed potatoes a deep, rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s so much better than plain garlic. It adds a savory punch without being overpowering. Every bite is warm, buttery, and full of comforting taste. This is the kind of side dish that disappears fast!
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So Easy To Make: Don’t let the roasted garlic fool you—this recipe is super simple. Just roast, boil, and mash! No complicated steps, no fancy tools. Even beginner cooks can make these mashed potatoes with confidence.
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Perfect Texture: These mashed potatoes come out smooth and creamy, just the way you want them. You can use a mixer for silky soft potatoes or mash by hand for a more rustic feel. Either way, they’re fluffy, rich, and totally satisfying. They hold up great on the plate and pair beautifully with any main dish.
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Great For Holidays Or Weeknights: This is a go-to side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday meal. But it’s also quick enough for a weeknight dinner. You can even make it ahead and reheat it with no loss of flavor or texture. That makes it a lifesaver during busy times!
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Crowd-Pleasing And Versatile: Everyone loves mashed potatoes—and this garlicky version is a guaranteed hit. You can dress it up with cheese, herbs, or even sour cream. It’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so it works for lots of diets. Plus, it pairs with everything from turkey and ham to roasted veggies and meatloaf.
Ingredients For Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Garlic head – Roasting the garlic brings out a sweet, mellow flavor that blends beautifully into the potatoes.
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Olive oil – Just a drizzle is used to help the garlic roast perfectly in the oven.
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Russet potatoes – These are the best choice for mashed potatoes because they’re starchy and break down easily for a fluffy texture.
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Butter – Adds richness and that classic creamy mashed potato flavor.
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Milk – Helps thin out the mash to your preferred consistency while keeping it smooth and creamy.
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Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Large pot – For boiling the potatoes until tender.
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Aluminum foil – Used to wrap the garlic for roasting in the oven.
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Colander – Helps you drain the potatoes quickly and easily.
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Electric mixer or potato masher – Use a mixer for super smooth potatoes or a masher for a more rustic texture.
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Measuring cups – To measure the milk and butter accurately.
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Measuring spoons – For measuring the olive oil and seasonings.
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Mixing bowl – Handy if you prefer to mash the potatoes outside the pot.
How To Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Wrap the garlic in foil with a little olive oil and roast it in the oven until soft and golden.
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While the garlic roasts, boil peeled and quartered russet potatoes until they’re fork-tender.
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Drain the potatoes and let them sit for a few minutes to dry out a bit.
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Return the potatoes to the pot, then add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
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Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mix them into the potatoes.
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Mash everything together with a masher or beat with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with roasted turkey tenderloin, grilled chicken thighs, or juicy meatloaf for a hearty, comforting meal.
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Spoon onto a plate and top with homemade gravy or store-bought gravy.
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Add extra flavor with toppings like shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, or homemade bacon crumbles.
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Serve in a large bowl with a pat of melted butter and a sprinkle of black pepper for a simple, elegant presentation.
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Use leftovers as a topping for homemade shepherd’s pie or stuffed into baked potatoes for a creative twist.
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Tips For Success
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Use russet potatoes – They’re the best for mashing because they’re high in starch and low in moisture. This gives you that fluffy, creamy texture you want in mashed potatoes.
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Don’t skip drying the potatoes – After boiling, let the potatoes sit for a few minutes to release steam. This helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
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Roast the garlic low and slow – Let it bake for the full hour at 350°F so it turns soft, golden, and sweet. Roasted garlic adds depth and richness that raw garlic can’t match.
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Warm the milk and butter – Adding cold ingredients can cool down your potatoes and make them gluey. Let your milk and butter sit at room temperature or warm slightly before mixing.
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Mash to your texture preference – Use a potato masher for chunkier, rustic potatoes or a hand mixer for ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
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Season as you go – Always taste before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning!
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Make ahead for holidays – Prepare a day or two in advance, refrigerate in a baking dish, then cover and reheat in the oven before serving. This saves time and reduces holiday stress.
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Don’t overmix – Overworking mashed potatoes can make them gummy. Mix just until smooth and creamy, then stop.
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Use high-quality butter – Since this is a simple recipe, every ingredient shines. Good butter makes a big difference in flavor.
Variations And Substitutions
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Add cheese – Mix in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese for an extra creamy and cheesy version.
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Use half-and-half or heavy cream – For a richer texture, swap milk with half-and-half or even heavy cream. It makes the mashed potatoes extra indulgent.
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Make it dairy-free – Use vegan butter and non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety for the best flavor.
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Try different potatoes – Yukon Golds make great mashed potatoes too and have a naturally buttery flavor. The texture will be a little more dense and creamy.
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Add herbs – Fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley add brightness and aroma. Stir them in at the end or sprinkle on top before serving.
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Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick. This works especially well if you’re serving with grilled meats.
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Go low-carb – Substitute half of the potatoes with steamed cauliflower for a lighter version that still tastes amazing.
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Add sour cream – For tangy, creamy mashed potatoes, mix in a couple tablespoons of sour cream. Great with chives on top!
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator – Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezer – You can freeze mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Microwave – Reheat single portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
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Oven – For larger batches, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes or until heated through.
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Stovetop – Reheat gently in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk or butter to loosen the texture if needed.
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Tip – Stir while reheating to bring back the creamy texture, especially if the potatoes have been in the fridge or freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are perfect for making in advance. Just prepare them up to two days ahead, then transfer to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until hot all the way through, about 30 minutes.
What’s the best way to roast garlic?
Trim the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and bake at 350°F for one hour. The garlic will become soft, sweet, and golden brown. Once cool enough to handle, just squeeze the cloves out like a paste and mash them right into the potatoes.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can! Russet potatoes give the fluffiest results, but Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great choice. They have a naturally buttery taste and create a creamy texture that’s a little more dense.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
No problem! A simple potato masher works great, especially if you like a slightly chunkier texture. Just be sure the potatoes are cooked all the way through so they mash easily by hand.
How do I keep mashed potatoes warm for serving?
Keep them warm in a covered slow cooker on the “warm” setting or transfer to an oven-safe dish and keep them in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve. Stir occasionally and add a little milk or butter if they start to dry out.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Just use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat. Roasted garlic still adds amazing flavor, and your vegan mashed potatoes will be just as rich and delicious.
Other Easy Potato Recipes
Creamed Baby Potatoes and Green Peas – Tender baby potatoes and sweet green peas are coated in a rich, creamy sauce for the perfect classic side dish.
Crispy Frozen Potato Wedges in the Air Fryer – These frozen potato wedges turn out golden and extra crispy in the air fryer with zero prep time!
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes – Fingerling potatoes come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside using just your air fryer.
Twice Baked Potatoes in the Air Fryer – These cheesy, stuffed twice baked potatoes cook up fast in the air fryer with crispy skins and creamy filling.
Roasted Potatoes with Crispy Skins – Oven-roasted potatoes with their skins on are crispy, golden, and full of flavor with every bite.
Instant Pot Baby Potatoes – Quick and easy baby potatoes are pressure cooked in the Instant Pot until tender and buttery.
Creamy Potato Egg Salad Recipe – This classic potato salad combines tender potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing for a crowd-pleasing side.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic top trimmed to expose the cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 pounds russet potatoes peeled and quartered
- 4 tbsp butter softened
- ½ cup milk
- 1/4 tsp salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Large pot
- Aluminum foil
- Electric mixer or potato masher
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Drizzle olive oil over the garlic head and wrap tightly in foil. Roast for about 1 hour, or until the cloves are soft and golden.
- While garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and boil for about 15 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain well and let sit for a few minutes to release steam.
- Return the potatoes to the pot or place in a large mixing bowl. Add softened butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Once garlic is done, cut it in half and squeeze the soft cloves directly into the potato mixture.
- Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy, or mash by hand for a chunkier texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Want an extra burst of flavor? Add ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before mashing.
- These mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven — perfect for holidays!
