Print

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Easy Lightened Up Side Dish)

roasted garlic mashed potatoes - featured image

These creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a lightened-up version of a classic comfort food, using Greek yogurt and roasted garlic for a silky texture without heavy cream. They’re quick to make, perfect for everyday meals or special occasions, and packed with sweet, nutty flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 6 medium)
  • 2 whole heads garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Β½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ΒΌ cup milk (any kind; warm before adding)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Β½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Slice off the top quarter-inch of each garlic head to expose cloves. Place each head on a square of aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil per head, and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt. Wrap foil tightly around each head and place on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast garlic for 35-40 minutes until cloves are soft and golden. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
  3. While garlic roasts, peel and chop potatoes into 1 to 2-inch chunks. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  4. Bring potatoes to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender but not falling apart. Drain thoroughly in a colander for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from their skins; mash into a smooth paste with a fork.
  6. In a small saucepan, warm milk and butter together over low heat until warm but not boiling.
  7. Return drained potatoes to the pot. Add roasted garlic paste, warm milk-butter mixture, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Mash gently until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh chives and an extra crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overwork the potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Start potatoes in cold water for even cooking. Warm dairy before adding to keep potatoes hot. Roast garlic ahead of time for meal prep. For smoothest texture, use a ricer. Leftovers keep in fridge for up to 4 days; reheat on stovetop with a splash of milk. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted garlic mashed potatoes, lightened up mashed potatoes, healthy mashed potatoes, Greek yogurt mashed potatoes, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, easy side dish, Thanksgiving side dish, comfort food