These Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and the perfect side dish for any meal. Infused with roasted garlic and buttery goodness, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich garlic flavor that elevates the classic dish
- Creamy texture that pairs perfectly with any main course
- Easy to make and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners
The Perfect Side Dish
Garlic mashed potatoes are the ideal side dish that complements a wide variety of main courses. Whether you're pairing them with a juicy roast, grilled chicken, or a vegetarian entrée, these potatoes add a delicious touch to any meal. Their creamy texture and rich flavor make them a favorite at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or even a casual weeknight meal.
The beauty of garlic mashed potatoes lies in their versatility. You can easily customize the recipe by adding herbs, cheese, or even sautéed vegetables to suit your taste. This adaptability means that you can enjoy them on different occasions, making them a staple recipe in your culinary repertoire.
A Healthy Twist on a Classic
While traditional mashed potatoes can sometimes be heavy on calories, this recipe provides a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor. The use of roasted garlic instead of raw garlic enhances the taste while reducing sharpness, allowing for a more mellow and inviting flavor profile. Additionally, using heavy cream in moderation ensures a rich texture without overwhelming the dish with unnecessary fat.
By using fresh ingredients and controlling the amount of butter and cream, you can enjoy this classic comfort food guilt-free. You can even substitute some of the cream with broth or plant-based milk for a lighter version that still tastes divine!
Tips for the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes
To achieve the perfect consistency in your garlic mashed potatoes, it's essential to choose the right type of potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their starchy nature, which creates a fluffy texture when mashed. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they tend to be more dense and can lead to gummy mashed potatoes.
Another tip is to ensure your potatoes are drained well before mashing. Excess water can dilute the flavor and make the dish soggy. For an extra creamy finish, consider warming the butter and cream slightly before adding them to the potatoes. This will help them blend more smoothly and enhance the overall richness of the dish.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
In a large pot, add the peeled and quartered potatoes. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
Roast the Garlic
While the potatoes are cooking, roast the garlic. Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
Mash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
Mix Until Creamy
Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with many dishes. Try serving them alongside a succulent grilled steak for a hearty meal, or with roasted vegetables for a lighter option. They also make a great base for savory gravies or sauces, allowing you to create a more complete dish.
For a fun twist, consider using these mashed potatoes as a filling for homemade potato pancakes or shepherd's pie. The rich garlic flavor will elevate these dishes to a new level, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, storing your garlic mashed potatoes is simple. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally until they are heated through. Add a little extra butter or roasted garlic for a flavor boost!
Variations to Try
Get creative with your garlic mashed potatoes by experimenting with different add-ins. For a cheesy twist, stir in grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese before serving. If you're a fan of herbs, consider adding fresh chives, parsley, or thyme for added flavor and color.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, try mixing in some roasted red peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also swap out the heavy cream for sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor while keeping the dish creamy and rich. The possibilities are endless!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and reheat them on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
→ What type of potatoes are best for mashing?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for making creamy mashed potatoes.
→ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version, but the texture may be less creamy.
→ How can I make these mashed potatoes vegan?
You can use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan version.
Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ultimate Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Created by: Lacey Montgomery
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, add the peeled and quartered potatoes. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
While the potatoes are cooking, roast the garlic. Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves into the potatoes. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g