Ah, the humble potato—so versatile, yet often overshadowed by its flashier vegetable comrades. But let me tell you, these buttery roasted garlic mashed potatoes are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly evening. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or just need a comforting side dish for a Tuesday night dinner.
Steps
- Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to preheat.
- Pour olive oil over the garlic head and wrap it in aluminum foil.
- Bake the wrapped garlic in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- After about 35 minutes of baking the garlic, boil a large pot of salted water. Add peeled and quartered potatoes, cooking them until tender for about 15 minutes, then drain and let them cool slightly.
- Cut the potatoes into smaller pieces and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add softened butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the garlic from the oven. Halve the garlic head and squeeze the soft cloves into the potato mixture. Blend with an electric mixer until smooth and well-combined.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of garlic, with the tops of the cloves exposed
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 4 tablespoons of softened butter
- ½ cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1376 | Total Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 2360mg | Total Carbohydrate: 192g | Dietary Fiber: 16g | Total Sugars: 16g | Protein: 24g | Vitamin C: 80mg | Calcium: 320mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 3104mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute russet potatoes with other varieties like Yukon Gold for a creamier texture, but note that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- How do I know when the garlic is properly roasted?
- The garlic is ready when the cloves are soft and golden brown. This usually takes about an hour in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them gently on the stove, adding a bit of milk or butter if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.
- What can I use if I don’t have an electric mixer?
- If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can use a potato masher or even a blender. Just be careful not to over-mix, or the potatoes might become gummy.
- How can I make this dish more flavorful?
- For more flavor, consider adding additional roasted garlic cloves or mix in other herbs like chives or rosemary. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
Tips
- Roast Garlic Thoroughly: Ensure that the garlic is roasted until it’s soft and fragrant, which usually takes about an hour. This adds a rich, mellow flavor to the mashed potatoes.
- Timing is Key: Start boiling the potatoes when the garlic has been roasting for about 35 minutes. This way, both the garlic and potatoes will be ready around the same time, making the process more efficient.
- Consistent Texture: For a smooth and creamy texture, use an electric mixer to blend the potatoes with the roasted garlic, butter, and milk. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper after mixing. This ensures the flavors are balanced to your preference.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer – For mixing the ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.
- Aluminum Foil – For wrapping the garlic head before roasting.
