Make‑Ahead Herb‑Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The quintessential Thanksgiving side dish just got a whole lot easier with our make‑ahead herb‑roasted garlic mashed potatoes recipe. Perfect for large gatherings, this stress‑free dish can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and reheated on the day of serving, ensuring a silky, buttery, and flavorful accompaniment to your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
- 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast the Garlic Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off each head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until cloves are tender and mashed easily.
- Step 2: Boil the Potatoes Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 3: Mash with Herb‑Roasted Garlic and Cream Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the roasted garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they're mostly smooth. Gradually add the softened butter, heavy cream, and grated cheddar cheese (if using), continuing to mash until the potatoes are silky and creamy.
- Step 4: Refrigerate and Reheat Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. On the day of serving, reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
Why This Recipe Works
This make‑ahead herb‑roasted garlic mashed potatoes recipe is a game-changer for Thanksgiving. The key to its success lies in the combination of roasted garlic, which adds a deep, nutty flavor, and the use of heavy cream, which ensures a silky texture. By preparing the dish ahead of time and refrigerating it, you can save time on the day of serving and focus on other aspects of your Thanksgiving feast.
Additionally, this recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, add other herbs like parsley or chives, or even mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish for any occasion.
Recipe Card
Make‑Ahead Herb‑Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
🛒 Ingredients
- - 4-5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- - 2 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- - 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off each head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until cloves are tender and mashed easily.
Boil the Potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Mash with Herb‑Roasted Garlic and Cream: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the roasted garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they're mostly smooth. Gradually add the softened butter, heavy cream, and grated cheddar cheese (if using), continuing to mash until the potatoes are silky and creamy.
Refrigerate and Reheat: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. On the day of serving, reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Potatoes
For the best results, use high-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho. These will yield a light, fluffy texture.
Substitutions: If you can't find Russet or Idaho potatoes, you can use other high-starch potatoes like Yukon Gold. However, avoid using waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or New Potatoes, as they will result in a gluey texture.
Garlic
Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and deepens its flavor. For an even more intense flavor, you can roast the garlic a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
Substitutions: If you're short on time, you can use 2-3 cloves of raw garlic, minced, instead of roasted garlic. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be less rich and complex.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
💡 Choose the Right Potatoes
Select high-starch potatoes for light, fluffy mashed potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes, which will result in a gluey texture.
🥔 Don't Over-Mix
Mix the potatoes just until they're combined with the butter, cream, and seasonings. Over-mixing can lead to gluey, unappetizing mashed potatoes.
Variations & Customizations
Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Add 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped chives to the mashed potatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
Increase the amount of roasted garlic to 3-4 heads and add 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped, to the mashed potatoes for a more intense, herby flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey breast, perfectly glazed and golden brown
- Green bean casserole, made with fresh green beans and crispy fried onions
- Sweet potato casserole, topped with a crunchy marshmallow-strewn brown sugar crust
🍷 Drink Pairings:
A dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the herb-roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the herb-roasted garlic mashed potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate, covered, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
Refrigerator Storage
Store the mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Freezer Storage
Transfer the cooled mashed potatoes to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My mashed potatoes are too gluey. What can I do?
A: Over-mixing can cause gluey mashed potatoes. Try adding a little more butter or cream to loosen the texture. If the problem persists, start over with a new batch of potatoes.
Q: Can I make these mashed potatoes in advance and freeze them?
A: Yes, you can make the mashed potatoes up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
With this make-ahead herb-roasted garlic mashed potatoes recipe, you'll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your Thanksgiving feast. The combination of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy butter will make your guests swoon, and the fact that it can be prepared ahead of time will make it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your family and friends as you bring this delicious side dish to the table. Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving!
