Indulge in the creamy, rich, and flavorful delight of garlic mashed potatoes made with Yukon gold potatoes and an abundance of roasted garlic. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also serves as the perfect side for any meal!

Ingredients for Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Making these creamy garlic mashed potatoes requires just a few simple ingredients:

• Potatoes – I recommend using Yukon Gold potatoes or German butterballs. Their rich golden hue contributes to an incredibly creamy texture, making them my top choice. They are far superior to russet or waxy red potatoes in this recipe.
• Roasted garlic – This is the secret ingredient! A whole head of roasted garlic adds a delightful garlicky flavor to the potatoes.
• Olive oil – The rich taste it provides, along with the starchy cooking water, ensures these mashed potatoes are just as creamy as those made with butter, milk, or sour cream.
• Salt and pepper – These are essential! I always salt the potato cooking water and season the potatoes to enhance their flavor.

Find the complete recipe with precise measurements below.

How to Prepare Garlic Mashed Potatoes

The full garlic mashed potatoes recipe is available at the bottom of this post. For now, here’s a brief overview of the preparation process:

First, roast the garlic by placing it in a 350°F oven until the cloves become deeply brown and tender, which can take up to 60 minutes! Tip: You can roast the garlic in advance! Wrapped in foil, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Next, peel the potatoes. If you want truly creamy mashed potatoes, peeling is essential. Once peeled, you don’t need to cut them before cooking; simply place them in a large pot and cover with 1 inch of cold water.

After that, boil the potatoes. Add a teaspoon of salt to the pot and boil until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Before draining, remember to reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.

Now, it’s time to mash! For the creamiest texture, I prefer to rice the potatoes first and then use a regular potato masher to eliminate any chunks. If you don’t have a potato ricer, just be sure to mash thoroughly.

Finally, fold everything together. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and mash them into a paste. Fold the garlic into the potatoes along with the olive oil, reserved potato cooking water, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more water as necessary for your desired consistency.

Top with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Choose the right potatoes. Yellow potatoes, such as Yukon Golds or German butterballs, are fantastic for this recipe. They create a perfect creamy texture, truly outshining red or russet varieties!
• Prepare the garlic ahead of time so your garlic mashed potatoes can come together quickly! The roasted garlic can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it also freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Add toppings for extra flavor. These potatoes are delicious on their own, but they really shine with additions! Consider fresh herbs like rosemary or chives, a pat of butter, or even a drizzle of mushroom gravy. The possibilities are endless!