Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a classic holiday side dish and a staple for memorable family meals. Rich with sweet roasted garlic flavor, these mashed potatoes have the perfect balance of creamy and rustic texture with just the right amount of chunkiness. They’re the kind of comforting dish that brings everyone back for seconds.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time45 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian/ American
Keyword: creamy mashed potatoes, red skin mashed potatoes
Cut the top off the garlic bulb, and place it in a baking dish or aluminum foil (with ends folded up to hold olive oil). Add olive oil (a generous amount of olive oil is good) and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees F) until the golden color starts showing.
Remove from oven and allow to cool. If using immediately, wait long enough to be able to handle the hot garlic clove contents. Then, squeeze the cut end and push the soft, roasted garlic out. Use about 4 cloves for this recipe. You can spread the rest on toast or save and add to a soup recipe!
While the garlic is roasting, make the mashed potatoes.
Make the Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
Cut the potatoes into quarters and put them in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until the potatoes are fully submerged. Add a large pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
While the potatoes are cooking, in a small saucepan, heat the butter, whole milk, salt and pepper on low heat until steamy and very fragrant, about 5 minutes. You want the milk to be hot.
Drain the potatoes and reserve 1/4 cup of the water.
Using a potato masher (or tool of choice), mash the potatoes until your desired consistency. I like the potatoes creamy with a few chunks. Then gently mix the roasted garlic and butter until fully combined. If you want creamier potatoes, mix in the reserved water.
Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh chopped green onions and fresh chives. Add a pat of butter on the top, if desired.
Notes
Do not whip the potatoes — mash them gently to avoid a gluey, gummy texture, especially with red skin potatoes
Mash while the potatoes are still hot for the smoothest texture
Season in layers by adding salt at different stages to build better flavor