Let’s talk about comfort food. It is that warm, cozy feeling you get from a dish that just feels like a hug. For many of us, that dish is a big bowl of creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes. They are a classic for a reason, right? They show up at holiday dinners and quiet weeknight meals, always ready to make things a little better.
But what if we could take that classic comfort and add a little something special? That is where this incredible Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe comes in. We are not just tossing in some garlic powder. Oh no. We are slow roasting whole heads of garlic until they are sweet, caramelized, and jammy. It is a simple step that creates a depth of flavor you will adore.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this dish. First and foremost is the flavor. The roasted garlic is the star, offering a sweet, mellow garlic taste that is completely different from the sharp bite of raw garlic. It is sophisticated yet incredibly comforting. It is a flavor that feels both familiar and new at the same time.
Then there is the texture. We are aiming for pure luxury here. These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are unbelievably creamy and smooth. The combination of heavy cream, salted butter, and tangy cream cheese creates a foundation that is rich without being heavy. It is the kind of texture that makes you close your eyes for a second when you take the first bite. Pure bliss.
We also add a generous amount of cheese. This is a Cheese Mashed Potatoes recipe that does not hold back. The white cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully into the potatoes, creating these lovely, subtle pockets of cheesy goodness. It adds another layer of savory flavor that complements the garlic so well. This truly is a wonderful Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Finally, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. While it sounds fancy, the steps are simple enough for anyone to follow. It is an Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe at its heart. The final bake in the oven is a great touch. It gets the top slightly golden and creates these beautiful swoops, just like in a restaurant. It makes the dish feel extra special, whether you are serving it for a Tuesday dinner or a big celebration.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to potato happiness. Here is what you will need for these amazing Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
- 2 heads garlic
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 3 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled or not peeled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 bunch fresh thyme
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, plus more for drizzling
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 oz white cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- fresh chives or green onions, for serving
Let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. For the best Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice. They have a naturally buttery flavor and a waxy texture that helps them hold their shape. This means they get creamy and fluffy without turning into a watery mess. You can leave the skins on for a more rustic feel, or peel them for a silky smooth result. It is up to you!
The dairy components are key to the creaminess. Heavy cream provides richness, while cream cheese adds a wonderful tangy note that cuts through the richness. And of course, salted butter adds that classic flavor we all love in mashed potatoes.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the best Garlic Mashed Potatoes of your life? Let’s walk through it together. It is easier than you think!
Step 1: Roast The Garlic
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take your two heads of garlic and slice the very top off, just enough to expose the tops of the cloves. You want to see those little cloves peeking out. Drizzle each head with about a teaspoon of olive oil. Try to get the oil down between the cloves. Sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper.
Now, wrap each head tightly in a piece of foil. Place them directly on the oven rack and let them roast for 50 to 60 minutes. You will know they are done when the cloves are a deep golden brown and feel very soft. Your kitchen will smell amazing. Once they are done, let them cool down enough to handle. Then, just squeeze the soft, caramelized cloves out of their skins. Use a fork to mash them into a smooth paste. This is the heart of your Garlic Mashed Potatoes flavor.
Step 2: Cook The Potatoes
While the garlic is roasting, you can get the potatoes going. Place your potatoes in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Cover them with cool water, making sure the water goes about an inch above the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat a bit to maintain a steady boil. Let them cook for about 25 to 30 minutes.
The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes. If you cut them into smaller chunks, they will cook faster. To check if they are done, poke one with a fork. If the fork slides in and out easily with no resistance, they are ready. Perfect for making fluffy mashed potatoes.
Step 3: Infuse The Cream Mixture
This step adds another layer of flavor. While the potatoes are boiling, combine the heavy cream, butter, fresh thyme, and cream cheese in a small saucepan. Place it over low heat. You just want to warm everything through gently. Stir it occasionally until the butter and cream cheese are mostly melted into the cream. The thyme will infuse the mixture with its lovely, earthy aroma. It is okay if the cream cheese is a little lumpy. It will all smooth out later.
Step 4: Mash The Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain all the water out. Now you have a choice. For the absolute smoothest, fluffiest Garlic Mashed Potatoes, a potato ricer is your best friend. Pass the hot potatoes through the ricer and back into the pot they cooked in. A ricer works by pushing the potato through small holes, which makes them light and airy.
If you do not have a ricer, no problem at all. You can use a standard potato masher. Just add the drained potatoes back to the pot and give them a good mash until they are broken down. It is a great arm workout! The texture will be a little more rustic, which is also delicious. This is a very forgiving Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Step 5: Combine All The Goodness
Now for the fun part. Take your saucepan with the cream mixture and remove the thyme sprigs. Pour this warm, fragrant liquid into the pot with your mashed potatoes. Use a spatula or your masher to gently fold and incorporate the cream. Try not to overmix here. Being gentle is the key to avoiding gummy potatoes.
Next, add your roasted garlic paste, the grated white cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue to fold everything together until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Give it a taste. This is important! You might want to add another pinch of salt or pepper to get it just right. The flavor should be rich and savory. This is what makes it such a special Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Step 6: The Final Bake
This step is technically optional, but I highly recommend it. It takes your Garlic Mashed Potatoes to a whole other level. Transfer the potato mixture into a baking dish. Use the back of a spoon to create some nice swoops and swirls on the top. These little peaks and valleys will get beautifully golden in the oven.
Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top for good measure. Bake in your 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes. The potatoes will be heated through, and the top will have some lovely color. When you pull it out of the oven, it looks so impressive. Serve them hot, garnished with some fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Garlic Mashed Potatoes, they are easy to store. First, let them cool down to room temperature. It is not safe to put a hot dish directly into the refrigerator. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to four days.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, you have a few options for reheating. The microwave is the quickest way. Just place them in a microwave safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can also reheat them on the stovetop. Put the potatoes in a saucepan over low heat and stir frequently. For both methods, you might want to add a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy texture. You can also reheat the entire baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Garlic Mashed Potatoes turn out fantastic every single time. First, be careful not to overwork the potatoes. When you mash and stir potatoes too much, they release a lot of starch, which can make them gummy or gluey. Mix just until everything is combined and then stop.
Using warm dairy ingredients makes a big difference. Adding cold cream and butter to hot potatoes can make them cool down too quickly and become stiff. By warming the cream mixture, you help everything combine smoothly and keep the potatoes light and fluffy.
Do not be shy with the seasoning. Potatoes need a good amount of salt to bring out their flavor. Make sure you taste the potatoes after you have mixed everything together. Adjust the salt and pepper levels until they taste delicious to you. A little extra seasoning can make all the difference.
Feel free to get creative with your cheese. While this Cheese Mashed Potatoes recipe calls for white cheddar or Monterey Jack, other cheeses would also be great. Gruyere, parmesan, or even a smoked gouda could add a fun twist. Just choose a cheese that melts well.
Conclusion
There you have it. A recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes that is sure to become a new favorite in your home. It takes a humble side dish and makes it feel special and celebratory. The combination of sweet roasted garlic, tangy cream cheese, and savory cheddar creates a complex flavor that is deeply satisfying.
Whether you are making this for a holiday feast or just to brighten up a regular weeknight meal, it is a dish that brings people together. It is comfort in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious potatoes as much as I do. It is more than just a recipe; it is a way to create warm memories around the dinner table.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato?
Absolutely. While Yukon Golds are recommended for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, Russet potatoes are another great option. Russets are very starchy and can make for very light and fluffy mashed potatoes. Just be aware they can absorb more liquid, so you might need to adjust your cream amount slightly. Red potatoes would also work for a more rustic, textured dish, especially with the skins left on.
Can I Make These Garlic Mashed Potatoes Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great recipe to prepare in advance. You can make the entire dish, place it in the baking dish, and then cover and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you are ready to serve, just take it out of the fridge for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated all the way through.
I Do Not Have A Potato Ricer, What Can I Use?
No ricer, no problem! A simple hand held potato masher works just fine. Your Garlic Mashed Potatoes will have a slightly more rustic, lumpy texture, which many people love. You can also use a food mill if you have one. The one tool to avoid is a blender or food processor. These will overwork the potatoes very quickly and turn them into a gummy, unappealing paste.
What Can I Serve With These Potatoes?
These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish. They are a classic pairing with roasted chicken, turkey, or a nice steak. They are also wonderful alongside meatloaf, pork chops, or short ribs. Honestly, they go well with just about any main course that needs a comforting, savory partner. They are a standout dish all on their own.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This classic comfort food gets a flavorful update with sweet, caramelized roasted garlic and a rich, cheesy finish. These potatoes are unbelievably creamy and smooth, making them a standout side dish for any occasion.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off two heads of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and wrap each in foil. Roast for 50-60 minutes until soft. Let cool, then squeeze cloves out and mash into a paste.
- Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cool water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 25-30 minutes until fork-tender, then drain well.
- While potatoes boil, warm heavy cream, butter, fresh thyme, and cream cheese in a small saucepan over low heat until melted.
- For the smoothest texture, pass hot potatoes through a ricer back into the pot. Otherwise, use a standard potato masher.
- Remove thyme sprigs from the cream mixture and pour it into the potatoes. Gently fold to combine. Add the roasted garlic paste, grated cheese, salt, and pepper, folding until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, create swirls on top, and drizzle with extra melted butter.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Garnish with fresh chives and serve hot.
Notes
Be careful not to overwork the potatoes when mixing, as this can release too much starch and make them gummy.
Using warm dairy ingredients is key. Adding cold cream or butter can stiffen the potatoes. Warming everything helps it combine smoothly.
Don’t be shy with seasoning. Potatoes need a good amount of salt to bring out their flavor. Taste and adjust before baking.
Feel free to get creative with your cheese. Gruyere, parmesan, or a smoked gouda would also be delicious alternatives.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
