Garlic Lover’s Dream: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Are you a garlic enthusiast? Do you crave comfort food that’s bursting with flavor? If so, then this Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole recipe is tailor-made for you! This isn’t your grandma’s bland mashed potatoes. This is a decadent, garlicky, cheesy explosion of flavor, baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate side dish for holidays, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

## Why This Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole is a Must-Try:

* **Intense Garlic Flavor:** We’re not skimping on the garlic! We use a combination of roasted garlic, garlic powder, and even garlic-infused milk for maximum garlicky goodness.
* **Creamy and Dreamy Texture:** The addition of cream cheese, sour cream, and butter creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that will melt in your mouth.
* **Cheesy Goodness:** A generous layer of cheddar cheese adds a delightful cheesy pull and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holidays or potlucks.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves mashed potatoes, and this garlicky version takes it to the next level. It’s guaranteed to be a hit!

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **Potatoes:** 5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered. Russet potatoes are ideal because they are starchy and fluffy when mashed, creating the perfect base for our casserole. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture, or a combination of both.
* **Garlic:** 1 whole head of garlic, plus 2 cloves minced. Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor and brings out its sweetness. The minced garlic adds a fresh, pungent kick.
* **Milk:** 1 cup whole milk. Whole milk provides richness and helps create a smooth and creamy consistency. You can use low-fat milk, but the texture won’t be as decadent.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided. Butter adds flavor and richness to the mashed potatoes. We’ll use some to roast the garlic and some to add to the potatoes.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. Softened cream cheese blends seamlessly into the mashed potatoes, adding a tangy creaminess.
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup sour cream. Sour cream adds a subtle tang and moisture to the mashed potatoes.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, cheesy flavor and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Garlic powder enhances the garlic flavor and adds a subtle savory note.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. Don’t be afraid to season generously.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of paprika.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

**Step 1: Roast the Garlic**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic, exposing the cloves.
2. Place the garlic head on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Wrap the foil tightly around the garlic.
3. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the garlic cloves are soft and golden brown. The garlic is ready when you can easily pierce a clove with a fork.
4. Let the garlic cool slightly before handling. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash them with a fork. Set aside.

**Step 2: Infuse the Milk with Garlic (Optional, but Recommended!)**

1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
2. Heat over low heat for 5-7 minutes, being careful not to boil. This infuses the milk with a subtle garlic flavor.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

**Step 3: Cook the Potatoes**

1. Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce a potato with a fork without resistance.
3. Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot.

**Step 4: Mash the Potatoes**

1. Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth. If using an electric mixer, be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
2. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, softened cream cheese, sour cream, roasted garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
3. Gradually add the garlic-infused milk (if using) or regular milk, mixing until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. You may not need to use all the milk.

**Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
2. If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese even further, watching carefully to prevent burning.

**Step 7: Garnish and Serve**

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations:

* **Use a Ricer for Extra Smooth Potatoes:** For the ultimate smooth and lump-free mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher or electric mixer. A ricer presses the cooked potatoes through small holes, creating a light and airy texture.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a salty and smoky flavor that complements the garlic and cheese perfectly. Stir it into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle it on top before baking.
* **Incorporate Herbs:** Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage add a fragrant and flavorful twist to the casserole. Chop the herbs finely and stir them into the mashed potatoes.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick.
* **Add Caramelized Onions:** Caramelized onions bring a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the casserole. Sauté thinly sliced onions in butter over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Stir them into the mashed potatoes before baking.
* **Substitute Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor profile to the casserole.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Use vegetable broth instead of milk and vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives to make this casserole vegetarian or vegan.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
* **Roasting the Potatoes:** For an even richer flavor, roast the potatoes instead of boiling them. Toss the peeled and quartered potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned. Then, mash them as directed in the recipe.
* **Garlic Infusion Techniques:** Aside from infusing the milk, you can also infuse the butter with garlic. Melt the butter with minced garlic over low heat for a few minutes, allowing the garlic to flavor the butter. Strain the butter before adding it to the potatoes to remove the garlic solids, or leave them in for a more intense garlic flavor.

## Serving Suggestions:

This Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish for a variety of meals, including:

* **Holidays:** Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter
* **Roast Chicken or Turkey:** The creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes complement the savory poultry perfectly.
* **Beef Tenderloin or Steak:** A classic combination!
* **Pork Chops:** Add a touch of elegance to your pork chop dinner.
* **Vegetarian Main Courses:** Serve alongside lentil loaf, vegetable pot pie, or other vegetarian entrees.

## Storage Instructions:

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent splattering.
* **Freezing:** While mashed potatoes can be frozen, the texture may change slightly after thawing. The potatoes may become a bit grainy. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Per Serving – based on 8 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 75-100mg
* Sodium: 400-500mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-40g
* Fiber: 3-4g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion:

This Garlic Mashed Potato Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its intense garlic flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy topping, it’s a side dish that will steal the show. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to experience the ultimate garlic mashed potato casserole!