Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, offering a creamy, buttery texture with the rich flavor of roasted garlic. This recipe uses Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery taste, and the roasted garlic adds a deep, mellow garlic flavor. The addition of cream and butter makes these mashed potatoes irresistibly smooth and delicious.
Ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 whole head (bulb) of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
1. Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, wrap it in aluminum foil, and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and golden.
- Once roasted, let it cool slightly, then squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes
- While the garlic is roasting, place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
3. Drain and Mash the Potatoes
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
- Add the roasted garlic, 5 tablespoons of butter, and ⅓ cup of heavy cream to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the potatoes are too thick, add a little more cream or butter to reach your preferred texture.
4. Serve
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Roasted Garlic: Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor and adds sweetness, making it perfect for these mashed potatoes. For a stronger garlic flavor, you can add extra roasted garlic cloves.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer chunkier mashed potatoes, mash them by hand. For smoother mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer or potato ricer.
- Butter and Cream: Feel free to adjust the amount of butter and cream to suit your taste and desired richness.
Variations for Garlic Mashed Potatoes
1. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Add ½ cup shredded Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese to the potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Herb-Infused Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Infuse the heavy cream with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary by heating the cream with the herbs, then straining before adding it to the mashed potatoes.
3. Bacon and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Stir in crispy bacon pieces for a savory twist on this classic recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these mashed potatoes ahead of time. Simply prepare the potatoes, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with a little extra cream or butter to maintain their creamy texture.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up.
3. Can I freeze garlic mashed potatoes?
Yes! You can freeze garlic mashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently with additional cream or butter.
Creamy and Flavorful Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a comforting and versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Whether you serve them at a holiday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, the combination of buttery Yukon Gold potatoes and roasted garlic will always be a hit!
