Description
This recipe for Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic combines tender, fluffy russet potatoes with sweet, caramelized roasted garlic, enriched with butter and whole milk to create a rich and velvety side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Garlic
- 2 heads garlic
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 2-inch pieces
- 3 dried bay leaves
- 4 teaspoons sea salt, divided
Dairy and Seasoning
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup whole milk
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position a rack in the center. Slice the tops off the garlic heads and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the garlic heads in foil, placing them seam side up on the rack, and roast for about 40 minutes until the cloves are caramelized and tender.
- Cook Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, fill a large pot with water and add the diced potatoes, bay leaves, and 3 teaspoons of sea salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and discard the bay leaves.
- Mash Potatoes and Add Garlic: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Once the roasted garlic has cooled enough to handle, gently squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of the skins directly into the potatoes. Use a potato ricer or masher to mash the potatoes and mix in the roasted garlic until well combined.
- Heat Butter and Milk: In a small saucepan, combine the butter, whole milk, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Cook over medium-low heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Combine and Season: Pour the hot butter and milk mixture into the mashed potatoes. Stir quickly with a large spoon until the potatoes absorb all the liquid and the mixture becomes creamy. Season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Using russet potatoes ensures a fluffy texture perfect for mashing.
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds a sweet, caramelized depth.
- For extra creaminess, you can substitute half-and-half or cream for the whole milk.
- If you prefer chunkier mashed potatoes, mash gently without using a ricer.
- These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, gravy, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
