Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes for Comfort Food Lovers

There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, isn’t there? This recipe has settled into my cooking routine as one of those dishes that always delivers on flavor and satisfaction. It’s become a family favorite over time, especially when I first discovered the magic of adding roasted garlic, which adds the kind of mellow, sweet garlic flavor that takes creamy mashed potatoes to the next level.

I remember the very first time I made Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a family dinner. I was aiming for a simple, cozy side dish but wanted to avoid the usual plain mashed potatoes that can sometimes feel a little boring. The roasted garlic flavor came through so perfectly—it was smooth, rich, and comforting all at once. Since then, this dish has become a go-to comfort food side dish whenever I want to feel like I’m giving my loved ones a warm, satisfying meal.

What I love about these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is how approachable they are. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps. The ingredients are simple, and the result is reliably delicious every single time. Plus, the recipe is flexible enough to become your own, whether you like your mashed potatoes extra creamy or a little more rustic with some skin left in.

If you’ve been looking for a mashed potato recipe that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with deep, garlicky goodness, this one is for you. I hope you find it as comforting and satisfying as I do when you make it in your kitchen.

For more inspiration on creamy mashed potatoes with a twist, check out this version on The Modern Proper, where they play beautifully with roasted garlic in their mashed potatoes. Also, if you’re a fan of garlic roasted potatoes, I’ve found Sugar Spun Run’s easy garlic mashed potatoes recipe is a great complement to this dish and worth a look.

What You’ll Need for This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

Raw ingredients for roasted garlic mashed potatoes including potatoes, garlic, milk, butter, and sour cream on a marble surface
  • 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (Yukon Golds are my favorite for creamy mashed potatoes, but you can swap with Russets if you prefer fluffier texture)
  • 1 whole head of garlic (no need to peel individual cloves; roasting transforms it into a sweet, mellow roasted garlic flavor)
  • 1/2 cup of whole milk, warmed (don’t like dairy? Try unsweetened almond milk or oat milk as a simple substitute)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (adds richness and tang; Greek yogurt works perfectly here too)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or use olive oil if you want a lighter twist)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional, but I like the pop of green and freshness)

You can find these ingredients at most grocery stores year-round. This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is economical because it mainly relies on pantry staples and fresh potatoes, which tend to be budget-friendly.

Quick kitchen tip: While your garlic roasts, get your potatoes peeled and cut to save time. Also, softened butter blends more easily, so I always leave mine out ahead of time.

For storage, potatoes are best when fresh, but if you want to prep ahead, you can roast the garlic and boil your potatoes a day before — just keep the potatoes covered in cold water in the fridge and mash when ready.

Here’s my little secret that makes this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes extra special: I always include a bit more roasted garlic than the recipe calls for because that deep roasted garlic flavor is the star of the show. You can never have too much of that cozy garlicky goodness.

How to Make This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the top off your whole head of garlic, drizzle it with a little olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast for about 40 minutes until soft and caramelized. This step unlocks that rich roasted garlic flavor that makes this mashed potato recipe so memorable.
  2. While the garlic roasts, peel and chop your Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This helps them cook uniformly.
  3. Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot over low heat for a minute or two to steam dry any excess moisture, which keeps your mashed potatoes from being watery.
  5. Once the garlic is roasted and cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins into the pot with the potatoes. This roasted garlic mashed potatoes step is where that mellow roasted garlic flavor really begins to blend with the creamy potatoes.
  6. Add the softened butter, warm milk, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Begin mashing, using a hand masher, ricer, or electric mixer—whichever you prefer for creamy mashed potatoes.
  7. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper. This stage is critical because you want that comfort food side dish to have layers of flavor with a perfect balance of saltiness and garlic goodness.
  8. If you want your mashed potatoes extra smooth, keep mashing or mixing to your desired consistency. If you prefer a bit more texture or rustic feel, mash gently.

From start to finish, this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes takes about an hour, mostly hands-off while the garlic roasts and the potatoes boil. While the garlic roasts and potatoes cook, you can tidy up your kitchen or prep any other dishes, letting the kitchen fill up with that amazing roasted garlic aroma.

If your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes looks a bit clumpy or dry, don’t worry. Add a splash more warm milk and mash a little more to get that perfect creamy consistency.

For shortcuts, you can roast garlic in the microwave for about a minute if you’re tight on time—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. However, roasting it in the oven really lets those flavors develop.

When I first made these garlic roasted potatoes, I learned patience was key. Don’t rush mashing or seasoning; the flavor deepens as it all comes together.

Serving Your Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

Close-up of freshly made roasted garlic mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes truly shines when served alongside roasted meats or your favorite veggie mains. I often pair it with roasted chicken or a cozy stew, like this garlic parmesan chicken stew I love.

For a balance of flavors and textures, a crisp green salad or steamed green beans work beautifully. The creamy mashed potatoes cut through rich dishes with just the right amount of softness.

This mashed potato recipe is a classic comfort food side dish perfect for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or whenever you want something warm and reassuring on the plate.

Presentation is simple: a bowl sprinkled with fresh chopped chives or parsley adds a fresh look. For leftover creative ideas, I sometimes turn these roasted garlic mashed potatoes into crispy potato cakes — just pan fry small patties and serve with sour cream.

Seasonally, I’ve stirred in a bit of roasted butternut squash or even swapped herbs depending on what’s in the garden. Every variation keeps the essence of that roasted garlic flavor intact.

Family and friends always appreciate this dish. There’s a warmth to it that brings people together, whether around a holiday table or a casual weeknight meal.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might love the one on Pardon Your French that also highlights that roasted garlic mashed potatoes comfort.

Common Questions About This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

Can I make parts of this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can roast the garlic and boil the potatoes a day in advance. Store the boiled potatoes in cold water in the fridge to prevent browning, and warm everything up when ready to mash.

What’s a good substitute for sour cream in this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Greek yogurt is a great, tangy alternative and adds creamy texture just like sour cream.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, Russets are good if you want fluffier mashed potatoes, but Yukon Golds give you that creamy mashed potatoes texture I love.

How can I make this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes for fewer people?

Simply cut the recipe in half, but keep the ratio of garlic to potatoes so the flavor stays balanced.

Should I peel the potatoes or leave the skins on?

For the creamiest texture, peel them. But if you like a bit of rustic texture, leaving skins on is fine.

Can I add cheese to my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

Sure! A handful of shredded Parmesan, cheddar, or even a bit of cream cheese adds richness and depth.

What if my mashed potatoes are too dry?

Add a little more warm milk or butter, a spoonful at a time, until you get the creamy mashed potatoes texture you want.

Do I have to roast the garlic?

Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds sweetness, which really makes the dish special. You can use raw garlic, but it will be sharper and more pungent.

If you’re curious about different takes on creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, take a peek at the recipe on Sugar Spun Run for a simple but delicious version. These different resources helped me perfect my own roasted garlic mashed potatoes approach.

Final Thoughts on This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe holds a special place in my collection because it’s both simple and deeply satisfying. It’s that familiar dish that everyone can enjoy, yet it feels elevated thanks to that buttery roasted garlic flavor.

My Top Tips for This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

  • Roast whole garlic heads until soft for mellow, sweet flavor that blends beautifully into mashed potatoes.
  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest mashed potatoes texture.
  • Warm your milk and soften butter before mixing to avoid cooling down your potatoes.

Variations I love include stirring in a little cream cheese for tang, adding fresh herbs like rosemary for a fragrant twist, or mixing in roasted caramelized onions.

The version that gets requested most often at my table is the classic with sour cream and extra roasted garlic—can’t beat that balance of richness and flavor!

I encourage you to make this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes your own. Try adjusting the texture, experimenting with herbs, or pairing it with different meals. What I hope you love most is how reliably satisfying it is—perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.

If you want to see a fantastic creamy take on mashed potatoes with roasted garlic flavor, The Modern Proper has a great recipe to compare. Meanwhile, for a comforting meal featuring garlic, don’t miss the garlic parmesan chicken stew over on Cakes Plus Taste. These go really well together.

Happy cooking, my friends! There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a warm plate of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with the people you care about. Give it a try and let it become one of your kitchen staples too.

Print

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Freshly prepared roasted garlic mashed potatoes on white plate

Creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes combine tender potatoes with caramelized garlic for a rich and comforting side dish perfect for any meal.

  • Author: Lissandra Hayes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 whole bulb garlic
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft.
  2. While garlic roasts, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes and return to the pot.
  4. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them with the butter until smooth.
  5. Add the roasted garlic-butter mixture, remaining olive oil, and warm milk to the potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For extra creaminess, substitute the milk with half-and-half or cream. These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats or holiday dinners.

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