These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, buttery, and packed with sweet roasted garlic flavor. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, heavy cream, and sour cream, this easy side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinner, or any family meal.
Searching for the ultimate comfort food side dish? These roasted garlic mashed potatoes deserve a spot on your table. They’re incredibly creamy, buttery, and filled with the rich, mellow flavor of slow-roasted garlic that takes classic mashed potatoes to the next level.
Unlike recipes that use raw or boiled garlic, roasting the garlic transforms it into a sweet, caramelized spread that blends beautifully into every bite. Combined with Yukon Gold potatoes, butter, heavy whipping cream, and sour cream, these roasted garlic mashed potatoes have a smooth, velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu, serving Sunday dinner, or simply craving homemade comfort food, these roasted garlic mashed potatoes are guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
There are plenty of mashed potato recipes, but these roasted garlic mashed potatoes truly stand out.
- Rich, buttery, and incredibly creamy
- Sweet, mellow roasted garlic flavor
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners
- Great for making ahead
- Pairs with almost any main dish
- Naturally comforting and satisfying
Once you taste these roasted garlic mashed potatoes, you’ll never want plain mashed potatoes again.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 whole heads of garlic
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ยฝ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ยฝ cup heavy whipping cream, warmed
- ยฝ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Every ingredient works together to create the perfect bowl of roasted garlic mashed potatoes that is creamy without being heavy.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF. Slice the tops off two heads of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until soft and golden. Roasting the garlic is what gives these roasted garlic mashed potatoes their signature flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Peel and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot of cold salted water and boil until fork tender.
Step 3: Mash Everything Together
Drain the potatoes well before mashing them with the roasted garlic and butter. Add the warm heavy whipping cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the roasted garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, top with an extra pat of butter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
What to Serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These roasted garlic mashed potatoes pair well with so many meals, making them one of the most versatile side dishes you can make.
Try serving them with:
- Whole roasted chicken
- Roast turkey
- Crispy Baked Chicken Legs
- Sweet Ribs
- Grilled steak
- Pork chops
- Lemon Herb Marinated Chicken
- Honey glazed carrots
- Garlic green beans
- Homemade gravy
- Soft Homemade Buns
- Corn casserole
They’re especially delicious as part of a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spread.

Variations
Want to customize your roasted garlic mashed potatoes? Here are a few delicious ideas:
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix in shredded white cheddar.
- Add chopped chives for extra freshness.
- Fold in crispy bacon pieces.
- Top with caramelized onions.
- Add cream cheese for an even richer texture.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary.
Storage
Allow the roasted garlic mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make roasted garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are an excellent make-ahead side dish. Prepare them one or two days in advance and reheat before serving.
What are the best potatoes for roasted garlic mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite because they create naturally creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes, but Russet potatoes also work well if you prefer a lighter texture.
Why roast the garlic instead of boiling it?
Roasting transforms garlic into a sweet, buttery spread with a mellow flavor that blends beautifully into roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
Can I leave the potato skins on?
Absolutely! Leaving the skins on creates rustic roasted garlic mashed potatoes with extra texture and nutrients.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, although heavy whipping cream creates the richest, creamiest roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Whole milk can be substituted if desired.
How do I keep mashed potatoes warm for Thanksgiving?
Place the roasted garlic mashed potatoes in a slow cooker on the “Warm” setting for up to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add a splash of warm cream if needed.

Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the perfect holiday side dish, these roasted garlic mashed potatoes are guaranteed to impress. They’re creamy, buttery, easy to prepare, and packed with the rich flavor of roasted garlic in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Once you try these homemade roasted garlic mashed potatoes, they’ll become a permanent favorite on your family table.

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 whole heads of garlic
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ยฝ cup unsalted butter softened
- ยฝ cup heavy whipping cream warmed
- ยฝ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF. Slice the tops off two heads of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until soft and golden. Roasting the garlic is what gives these roasted garlic mashed potatoes their signature flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- Peel and cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot of cold salted water and boil until fork tender.
Step 3: Mash Everything Together
- Drain the potatoes well before mashing them with the roasted garlic and butter. Add the warm heavy whipping cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the roasted garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, top with an extra pat of butter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For the creamiest roasted garlic mashed potatoes, keep these simple tips in mind:- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally buttery texture.
- Roast the garlic until it’s soft and caramelized.
- Warm the heavy cream before mixing it into the potatoes.
- Drain the potatoes well to prevent watery mashed potatoes.
- Mash gently instead of overmixing to keep them fluffy.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
What to Serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Theseย roasted garlic mashed potatoesย pair well with so many meals, making them one of the most versatile side dishes you can make. Try serving them with:- Whole roasted chicken
- Roast turkey
- Crispy Baked Chicken Legs
- Sweet Ribs
- Grilled steak
- Pork chops
- Lemon Herb Marinated Chicken
- Honey glazed carrots
- Garlic green beans
- Homemade gravy
- Soft Homemade Buns
- Corn casserole


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