Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A comforting and easy-to-make side dish featuring roasted garlic and buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes perfect for cozy meals and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 whole head garlic, roasted until soft (about 40 minutes)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until soft and golden. Set aside to cool.
- Peel and cut 2 pounds of potatoes into uniform 2-inch chunks.
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by an inch. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain potatoes well in a colander. Return to pot and place over low heat for 1-2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of skins directly into potatoes. Add 4 tablespoons softened butter and mash with a masher or ricer until smooth but fluffy.
- Gradually stir in ½ cup warmed heavy cream. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust cream or butter for preferred consistency.
- Gently stir to combine without overworking. Sprinkle with chopped fresh chives if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a sweet nuttiness. Drying the potatoes after draining prevents gluey texture. Warm the cream and butter before adding to keep potatoes hot and smooth. Avoid overmixing to prevent gummy mashed potatoes. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based spread and heavy cream with coconut or almond milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 230280
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2530
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic, comfort food, easy side dish, holiday side, cozy meals