When it comes to cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, few dishes top a bowl of buttery garlic mashed potatoes. And when you add sweet, caramelized roasted garlic into the mix? Now you’re talking next-level delicious. These mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and full of deep flavor—exactly what you want as a holiday side dish, but easy enough to whip up any night of the week.

These aren’t your average mashed potatoes. Roasting the garlic adds a mellow, slightly sweet depth that blends perfectly with buttery red potatoes and warm half-and-half. One bite and you’ll understand why these always get second (and third) helpings.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted garlic brings a subtle, rich flavor
Creamy texture with a hint of rustic chunkiness
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weeknights
Easy to make ahead and reheat beautifully

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 head garlic
1 tsp olive oil
2 lbs red potatoes, quartered
6 tbsp butter
3/4 cup half-and-half
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the top 1/4 inch off the garlic head to expose the cloves.
Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 1 hour until soft and golden. Let cool slightly, then squeeze garlic cloves out of the skin.
Place quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes or until fork-tender.
Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Add in roasted garlic.
Gently warm the butter and half-and-half together until the butter is melted. Pour over the potatoes.
Mash everything until creamy but slightly textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with extra butter and fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Don’t skip warming the butter and half-and-half—it blends more smoothly this way.
A potato masher gives a nice rustic texture; for extra smoothness, use a hand mixer.
Red potatoes keep some skin for texture and color, but feel free to peel if you prefer ultra-smooth.
Add extra roasted garlic if you’re a garlic lover—there’s no such thing as too much!

Why This Dish is Always on My Holiday Table

These mashed potatoes started as a “fancier” Thanksgiving side and quickly became a staple at every celebration. The roasted garlic adds a depth that makes everyone pause for a moment after their first bite. They’ve become one of those dishes people ask for by name—my go-to for comfort, celebration, or just when I need a little edible hug.

What to Serve with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These potatoes are a perfect match for roast turkey, beef tenderloin, or a hearty mushroom gravy. They also shine next to meatloaf, grilled chicken, or stuffed peppers. For a vegetarian main, pair them with roasted vegetables and a rich lentil loaf.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat slowly.

FAQs About This Holiday Side Dish

Can I use a different kind of potato?

Yes! Yukon Golds are another great option—they’re naturally creamy and buttery.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Definitely. Make a day ahead and reheat gently, stirring in extra half-and-half if needed.

How can I make them even richer?

Try swapping half-and-half for heavy cream, or stirring in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese.

Your New Go-To Garlic Mashed Potatoes

With roasted garlic, rich butter, and velvety texture, these garlic mashed potatoes are everything a creamy mashed potato dish should be. Whether you’re prepping for a big feast or just need a cozy companion to weeknight meatloaf, this holiday side dish brings warmth and wow-factor to every bite.

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