Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes with a deep, sweet flavor from whole roasted garlic cloves. Made with minimal salt, this is a heart-healthy take on a classic comfort food side dish, perfect for any family dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the garlic
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Slice off the top quarter-inch of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- d.Place the garlic on a small piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it up.
- e.Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- f.Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Boil the potatoes
- b.While the garlic roasts, place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot.
- c.Cover with cold water by at least an inch and add 1 tsp of salt.
- d.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer.
- e.Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- f.Drain the potatoes well and return them to the hot pot for a minute to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mash and combine
- b.Add the roasted garlic cloves to the pot with the potatoes.
- c.Mash everything together with a potato masher until the garlic is fully incorporated.
- d.Add the warmed milk, softened unsalted butter, black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- e.Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep them fluffy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and serve
- b.Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets for the fluffiest texture.
- 2Always start potatoes in cold water for even cooking.
- 3Warming the milk and butter before adding them helps keep the potatoes hot and absorb better.
- 4Don't overmix the potatoes, as this can develop gluten and make them gummy.
- 5For an even smoother texture, pass the cooked potatoes through a ricer before mashing.
- 6Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the whole milk with an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or soy, and use a vegan butter substitute instead of unsalted butter.
healthyHealthy
Substitute half of the potatoes with steamed cauliflower to reduce carbs. Use low-fat milk and reduce the butter to 1 tbsp.
high proteinHigh protein
Stir in 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt along with the milk for a protein boost and extra tanginess.
kid friendlyKid friendly
For a milder garlic flavor, use only half of the roasted garlic head. You can also stir in a little shredded cheddar cheese for extra appeal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance.
Heart-Healthy Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its potential to support cardiovascular health and provide antioxidant benefits.
Low in Sodium
This recipe uses minimal salt, making it a great choice for a low-sodium diet, which can help manage blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, they can be part of a healthy diet. This version is low in sodium, which is good for heart health. Potatoes are a good source of potassium and Vitamin C. Roasting garlic also brings out its beneficial compounds.