Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Featured in: Earthy Comfort Dinners

This dish combines Yukon or Russet potatoes with tender roasted garlic, cream, butter, and fresh chives, creating a velvety side that's rich and flavorful. Slow-roasting garlic softens and sweetens its flavor before mashing it into warm potatoes. The mixture is enriched with creamy dairy and fresh herbs for depth. Ideal to serve alongside roasted meats or enjoy as a comforting vegetarian option, this smooth, savory mash balances richness with a subtle herbal lift.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:19:00 GMT
Close-up of Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, fluffy, garnished with fresh chives, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Close-up of Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, fluffy, garnished with fresh chives, ready to serve and enjoy. | olivebriar.com

Luxuriously smooth mashed potatoes blended with sweet roasted garlic, rich cream, and fresh chives—an irresistible side dish bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • Roasted Garlic: 2 whole heads garlic 2 tsp olive oil
  • Dairy & Flavorings: 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, plus extra for serving 80 ml (⅓ cup) whole milk, warmed 2 tbsp sour cream 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh Herbs: 3 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until tender and golden. Cool slightly, then squeeze out the softened garlic cloves.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 15–18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
Step 3:
Return drained potatoes to the pot. Add roasted garlic, butter, and warm cream. Mash until mostly smooth.
Step 4:
Stir in milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Continue mashing or use a hand mixer for extra creaminess. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5:
Fold in fresh chives, reserving a little for garnish. Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with extra butter and sprinkle with remaining chives.
Step 6:
Serve hot.
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| olivebriar.com

Deliciously fluffy Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, richly flavored, made with roasted garlic and creamy dairy ingredients. Pin it
Deliciously fluffy Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, richly flavored, made with roasted garlic and creamy dairy ingredients. | olivebriar.com

This recipe is a comforting classic that's perfect for any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes work best for smooth texture?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes provide a creamy, fluffy texture ideal for mashing.

How does roasting garlic enhance the dish?

Roasting garlic softens its pungency and brings out a sweet, mellow flavor that blends beautifully into the mash.

Can I make the mash extra smooth?

Using a potato ricer or hand mixer ensures a silky, lump-free consistency.

What role do chives play in this dish?

Fresh chives add a delicate, onion-like brightness that balances the richness of the dairy.

Are there dairy-free alternatives suggested here?

Plant-based butter and cream substitutes can be used to create a vegan-friendly version.

How can I adjust the flavor for extra tang?

Replacing sour cream with Greek yogurt introduces a pleasant tanginess to the mash.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Luxuriously smooth mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, cream, butter, and fresh chives delivering rich flavor.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Potatoes

01 3.3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

Roasted Garlic

01 2 whole heads garlic
02 2 tsp olive oil

Dairy & Flavorings

01 ½ cup heavy cream
02 4 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for serving
03 ⅓ cup whole milk, warmed
04 2 tbsp sour cream
05 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
06 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Fresh Herbs

01 3 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Roast Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice tops off garlic heads to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until tender and golden. Cool slightly and squeeze out softened cloves.

Step 02

Cook Potatoes: Place potatoes in large pot, cover with cold salted water, bring to boil, reduce to simmer, and cook 15–18 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.

Step 03

Mash Potatoes: Return drained potatoes to pot. Add roasted garlic, butter, and warm cream. Mash until mostly smooth.

Step 04

Incorporate Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Continue mashing or use hand mixer for creamier texture. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 05

Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Fold in most chives, reserving some for garnish. Transfer to serving bowl, top with extra butter, and sprinkle remaining chives. Serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Chef's knife
  • Mixing spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy including butter, cream, milk, and sour cream.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 270
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
  • Protein: 4 g