**Ultimate Guide to the Best Oven Mashed Potatoes Recipe**

When it comes to comfort food, mashed potatoes are often at the top of the list. But have you ever tried making them in the oven? This method not only frees……

When it comes to comfort food, mashed potatoes are often at the top of the list. But have you ever tried making them in the oven? This method not only frees up your stovetop but also infuses the potatoes with a rich, roasted flavor that you just can't get from boiling. In this ultimate guide to the best oven mashed potatoes recipe, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes that will be the star of any meal.

### Ingredients You Will Need

To make the best oven mashed potatoes recipe, gather the following ingredients:

- 4-5 large russet potatoes

- 1/2 cup of heavy cream

- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your potatoes will cook evenly and develop that delicious roasted flavor.

#### 2. Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into large chunks to help them cook faster and more evenly. Place the potato chunks in a large baking dish.

#### 3. Season and Add Garlic

Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic to the dish, tossing everything to ensure the potatoes are well-coated.

#### 4. Roast the Potatoes

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and golden brown. Stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.

#### 5. Heat the Cream and Butter

While the potatoes are roasting, heat the heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. You want the butter to melt and the cream to be warm but not boiling. This will help create a smoother texture for your mashed potatoes.

#### 6. Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.

#### 7. Add the Cream and Butter

Slowly pour the warm cream and melted butter mixture into the mashed potatoes, stirring continuously until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

#### 8. Garnish and Serve

For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish your oven mashed potatoes with freshly chopped chives or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

### Tips for the Best Oven Mashed Potatoes Recipe

- **Choose the Right Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because of their high starch content, which yields a fluffier texture.

- **Don't Overwork the Potatoes:** Over-mixing can make the potatoes gummy. Mash them just until smooth.

- **Warm Ingredients:** Adding warm cream and butter helps the potatoes absorb the liquids better, resulting in a creamier texture.

- **Garlic Variation:** If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, you can roast whole garlic cloves with the potatoes and then mash them together.

### Variations to Try

- **Cheesy Mashed Potatoes:** Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the potatoes after mashing for a cheesy twist.

- **Herb-Infused:** Mix in some fresh rosemary or thyme with the garlic for an herb-infused flavor.

- **Bacon and Chives:** Stir in crispy bacon bits and chopped chives for a loaded mashed potatoes experience.

### Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate guide to the best oven mashed potatoes recipe. This method not only simplifies the process but also elevates the flavor profile of traditional mashed potatoes. Whether you're serving them for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these oven mashed potatoes are sure to impress. Happy cooking!