I’ve got to confess something – mashed potatoes are my ultimate comfort food, but when you add garlic confit? That’s when magic happens. These aren’t your standard spuds; they’re velvety, decadent, and infused with buttery garlic that’s been slowly transformed into something otherworldly. The humble potato deserves this luxurious treatment sometimes, don’t you think? And trust me, once your dinner guests taste that first creamy spoonful, they’ll wonder what other culinary secrets you’ve been keeping from them.
Why You’ll Love these Luxurious Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes
Once you taste these garlic confit mashed potatoes, you’ll never want to make them any other way. The secret lies in that slow-simmered garlic, bathed in olive oil until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. I’m talking about flavor that’s rich but never overwhelming.
Your dinner guests will be scraping their plates clean and asking for your culinary secrets.
The perfect balance of creamy butter, silky oil from the confit, and those buttery-soft garlic cloves that infuse every bite makes these spuds so special.
What Ingredients are in Luxurious Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes?
To create these dreamy, restaurant-quality mashed potatoes, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create something truly magical.
- 3 pounds Russet potatoes (these starchy potatoes make the fluffiest mash)
- 1/2 cup garlic cloves (about 1-2 whole heads of garlic)
- 1 cup olive oil (for creating the garlic confit)
- 1/2 cup butter or heavy cream (or a combination of both for ultimate richness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
The quality of your ingredients matters here, so if you can spring for organic potatoes and a nice olive oil, your taste buds will thank you—and remember, the garlic confit can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for even deeper flavor development.
How to Make these Luxurious Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes
The magic of these mashed potatoes starts with the garlic confit. Take 1/2 cup of garlic cloves (peeled, of course) and place them in a small saucepan with 1 cup of olive oil. You want to simmer this mixture—not boil, not fry—but gently bubble away until the garlic becomes wonderfully tender and golden, about 30 minutes. The garlic will transform from sharp and pungent to sweet and nutty, while the oil becomes infused with all that garlicky goodness. Can you imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen? Pure comfort.
While your garlic is doing its thing, peel 3 pounds of Russet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. Drop these chunks into a large pot of cold, salted water (starting with cold water helps them cook evenly), then bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly—nobody wants watery mash—and return them to the hot pot for a minute to evaporate any remaining moisture.
Now comes the therapeutic part: mashing. Add your confit garlic cloves, about 1/4 cup of the garlic-infused oil, and 1/2 cup of butter or heavy cream (or a bit of both for the most luxurious result). For the silkiest, most professional results, consider using a premium stand mixer to achieve that perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality texture. Mash until you reach your desired consistency, some like it chunky, others prefer silky smooth. Remember, overmixing can make potatoes gluey, so treat them gently.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The difference between good and great mashed potatoes often comes down to proper seasoning. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle a spoonful of the garlic-infused oil over the top just before serving. These potatoes develop even more flavor as they sit, making them perfect for preparing slightly ahead of dinner time. Just keep them warm and give a final stir before serving to revive their creamy texture.
What to Serve with Luxurious Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes
Nothing elevates a protein quite like these garlic confit mashed potatoes sitting proudly alongside it on the plate. They’re the perfect companion for a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon. The creamy texture and rich garlic flavor complement nearly any main dish.
I love pairing them with braised short ribs where the potatoes soak up all that gorgeous sauce. For vegetarians, try serving with roasted mushrooms and a bright salad for contrast.
Want something simple? A rotisserie chicken and these potatoes make Monday feel like Sunday dinner.
Leftovers and Storage for these Luxurious Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes
These luxurious garlic confit mashed potatoes actually taste even better the next day, once all those incredible flavors have had time to meld together. I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of cream or butter to bring back that silky texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but for the best results, warm them in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Can you imagine anything more comforting?
For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to a month. Perfect for meal prep, right?
Luxurious Garlic Confit Mashed Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
While we’ve covered how to store this potato masterpiece, let’s explore ways to make this recipe your own.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Can’t find Russets? Yukon Golds create an even creamier texture, though they absorb less butter (which might be a good thing for your waistline).
For herbaceous variations, try adding rosemary, thyme, or chives. Roasted garlic offers a sweeter profile than confited garlic, while black garlic brings unexpected umami depth.
My personal favorite twist? Folding in caramelized onions and a splash of truffle oil. Decadent, yes, but life’s too short for boring potatoes.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with these garlic confit mashed potatoes, I’m convinced they deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection. They’re the perfect side dish that transforms ordinary meals into something special.
The way the confit process mellows garlic’s bite into a buttery, complex flavor that infuses every bite. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, yet so simple to prepare.
Try serving these at your next gathering and watch faces light up. They pair beautifully with everything from holiday roasts to weeknight chicken dinners. For a complete menu, consider adding a Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with its delicious combination of crispy bacon and toasted pecans. Trust me, you’ll never look at mashed potatoes the same way again.