Oh, the humble potato! It is a true kitchen hero, isn’t it? And when you introduce it to the magic of roasted garlic, well, that is when the real party starts. If you have been searching for that ultimate side dish, something comforting, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to whip up, then you have hit the jackpot with this Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Forget those bland, boring spuds. We are talking about creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible Garlic Mashed Potatoes that will steal the show at any dinner table. This is more than just a side; it is a warm hug in a bowl, and honestly, you are going to wonder why you did not make them sooner.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let us be real for a moment. Who does not love a good plate of mashed potatoes? But these are not just good; they are spectacular. This homemade mashed potatoes recipe is a game changer for a few fantastic reasons. First off, the flavor profile is out of this world.
We are talking about sweet, mellow, roasted garlic infused into every single bite, perfectly balanced with a hint of tang from the yogurt. It is a sophisticated flavor without any of the fuss, making it one of the best mashed potatoes ever you will taste.
Then there is the texture. Oh my goodness, the texture! We are aiming for light, fluffy, and incredibly creamy, without feeling heavy or greasy. Using Yukon Gold potatoes is key here, as they mash up beautifully, giving you that velvety smoothness we all crave in our Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
This recipe is also wonderfully convenient. While it might seem like roasting garlic adds an extra step, it is mostly hands off time, letting your oven do all the hard work. And trust me, that rich, aromatic result is absolutely worth every minute. It truly elevates your average mashed potatoes to something extraordinary, making them a fantastic choice for a comforting weeknight meal or a festive holiday spread.
Plus, it is incredibly versatile. You can serve these Garlic Mashed Potatoes alongside practically anything, from a simple roasted chicken to a hearty pot roast. It is a crowd pleaser, a comfort food champion, and a recipe you will turn to again and again. Get ready to impress everyone with this fantastic dish!
Ingredients
- 2 heads plus two cloves garlic, divided
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into one and a half to two inch chunks
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, preferably white
- 1 cup plain non fat yogurt
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab those two heads of garlic you set aside for roasting. You will want to prepare them by leaving the garlic head intact, but cutting the very tip off of the garlic cloves. This exposes the lovely flesh of each clove, which is exactly what we want. Repeat this with the second head of garlic.
Now, place both heads, root side down, on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle that teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil over the exposed garlic flesh. Gently wrap up the heads into a neat little bundle. Pop this fragrant packet into your preheated oven and bake until the garlic is wonderfully tender and fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma, about 45 minutes should do the trick. Once done, open the packet just a bit to vent and set it aside to cool down.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base
Once your roasted garlic has cooled enough to handle, it is time for the fun part. Squeeze the soft, caramelized garlic right out of its skins into a mixing bowl. It should be super soft and easy to get out. Take a fork and mash this roasted garlic into a smooth, delightful paste. This is where a lot of the deep flavor for your Garlic Mashed Potatoes comes from.
To this garlic paste, mash in your softened unsalted butter. Add the ground pepper, preferably white pepper for a cleaner look, and the remaining half teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Finally, mix in the cup of plain non fat yogurt. This adds a lovely creaminess and a subtle tang that really brightens up the dish, making these roasted mashed potatoes extra special.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
While your roasted garlic is cooling and you are preparing that delicious flavor base, you can start on the potatoes. Take your peeled Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into one and a half to two inch chunks, and place them in a large saucepan. Don’t forget to add the two remaining raw garlic cloves here too; they will cook down and add another layer of flavor to our Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Cover the potatoes and garlic generously with cold water. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the potatoes cook like this until they are super tender when you pierce them with a fork. This usually takes about 15 to 18 minutes.
Step 4: Mash and Combine
Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, carefully drain them and return them to the same pot. Now, it is time to mash! Use a potato masher to break down the potatoes until they are mostly smooth. Do not over mash, or they can become gluey. We are looking for a nice, fluffy consistency for our quick mashed potatoes.
Finally, add the yogurt mixture you prepared earlier to the mashed potatoes. Continue mashing everything together until it is all smooth and beautifully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer your glorious Garlic Mashed Potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley leaves. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
How To Store Leftovers
Got some of these amazing Garlic Mashed Potatoes left over? You are in luck! They store pretty well, so you can enjoy that comforting flavor again. The key is to get them into the fridge quickly after your meal. Let the mashed potatoes cool down to room temperature, but do not leave them out for more than two hours.
Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out or absorbing other flavors from your fridge. You can safely store your homemade mashed potatoes recipe in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. They make for a fantastic quick lunch or a convenient side for another dinner.
When you are ready to reheat, you have a few options. For individual servings, a microwave works great. Just add a splash of milk or broth to help rehydrate them, stir, and heat until warm, stirring occasionally. For larger amounts, you can gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, again adding a little liquid to bring back that creamy texture. You could even bake them in an oven safe dish covered with foil until heated through. Enjoying these best mashed potatoes ever a second time is almost as good as the first!
Tips
Making stellar Garlic Mashed Potatoes is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can take them from great to absolutely unforgettable. Here are some tips to ensure your batch is always a winner.
First, always start with cold water when boiling your potatoes. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly from the outside in. If you start with hot water, the outside can get mushy before the inside is fully cooked, leading to an inconsistent texture in your quick mashed potatoes.
When it comes to mashing, do not overdo it. Over mashing can release too much starch, resulting in a gummy or gluey texture. Use a potato masher for the best results, aiming for a few small lumps rather than a completely smooth, paste like consistency. This keeps them light and fluffy.
For an even richer flavor, you can swap out some of the plain non fat yogurt for full fat sour cream or even a little cream cheese. This will make your roasted mashed potatoes extra decadent, perfect for a holiday meal. Just be mindful of the added fat content if you are watching your diet.
Do not be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning. Salt levels in potatoes can vary, so always taste your mashed potatoes before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a wonderfully warm and subtle flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
Consider garnishes beyond parsley. Fresh chives or green onions can add a lovely oniony kick and a pop of color. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pat of butter on top right before serving can also make them look even more appealing. These small details really elevate the presentation of your best mashed potatoes ever.
Lastly, if you want to make these ahead of time, prepare them up to the point of adding the yogurt mixture. You can store the cooked, mashed potatoes and the yogurt mixture separately in the fridge. Then, gently reheat the potatoes with a splash of milk or broth, and then fold in the yogurt mixture just before serving. This helps maintain that fresh, creamy texture.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! A truly fantastic recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. It is simple, it is comforting, and it packs a flavor punch that is hard to beat. From the sweet, mellow notes of roasted garlic to the creamy texture of perfectly mashed Yukon Golds, every spoonful is pure bliss.
Whether you are cooking for a cozy family dinner or preparing a feast for friends, these homemade mashed potatoes recipe will always be a hit. They are versatile, easy to make, and a sure fire way to bring smiles to faces around the table. So go ahead, give this recipe a try. You will be so glad you did!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for their creamy texture, you can use Russet potatoes for a fluffier result. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they tend to become gummy when mashed.
How can I make my Garlic Mashed Potatoes even creamier?
For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of warm milk or heavy cream along with the yogurt mixture. Ensure the liquid is warm to avoid cooling down your potatoes too much. A potato ricer can also help achieve a super smooth texture.
Can I prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the garlic up to two to three days in advance. Store the mashed roasted garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes preparing your quick mashed potatoes even faster on the day you plan to serve them.
What if I do not have white pepper?
No worries at all! Black pepper works perfectly fine. White pepper is often preferred in mashed potatoes for its less noticeable flecks, keeping the dish looking pristine. However, the flavor difference is minimal, so use what you have.
Can I freeze leftover Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Place cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer safe airtight container or heavy duty freezer bags. They will keep well for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding a little milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Forget bland, boring spuds! This recipe delivers creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Infused with sweet, mellow roasted garlic, these potatoes are the ultimate comforting side dish for any meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut the tips off two heads of garlic, place on aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, wrap into a bundle, and bake for 45 minutes until tender. Let cool.
- Once cooled, squeeze the soft roasted garlic out of its skins into a mixing bowl. Mash into a paste with a fork.
- Mash in the softened unsalted butter, ground pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine, then mix in the plain non-fat yogurt.
- Place the potato chunks and two raw garlic cloves in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to break them down until mostly smooth.
- Add the yogurt mixture to the mashed potatoes and continue mashing until smooth and combined. Season to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Always start boiling potatoes in cold water to ensure they cook evenly from the outside in.
Do not over-mash the potatoes, as this can release too much starch and make them gluey. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
For an even richer and more decadent flavor, you can swap some of the yogurt for full-fat sour cream or a little cream cheese.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
