Raise your hand if you’re in shock that Thanksgiving is next week! The good news is we’ve got you covered. All you need for a successful Thanksgiving is turkey and taters, am I right? Let me introduce you to roasted garlic and ricotta mashed potatoes.

These roasted garlic and ricotta mashed potatoes will completely wow your Thanksgiving guests. They’re rich, creamy, and so full of flavor that you might just forget about the gravy altogether. The roasted garlic gives them a mellow sweetness, the ricotta adds a luxurious creaminess, and the Parmigiano Reggiano ties it all together with a touch of sharp, salty depth. If you top them with crispy fried breadcrumbs, you’ll have the most irresistible mashed potatoes ever.

We highly recommend using our Homemade Ricotta for this recipe—it makes all the difference. Once you try ricotta mashed potatoes, you’ll never go back!

Why You’ll Love These Roasted Garlic and Ricotta Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the heart of Thanksgiving. But sometimes, they can be… a little boring. These roasted garlic and ricotta mashed potatoes are everything but ordinary.

Creamy and dreamy – The blend of milk, cream, and ricotta makes these potatoes smooth without being heavy.
Loaded with flavor – Roasted garlic and Parmigiano Reggiano add a rich, nutty taste that feels straight out of an Italian kitchen.
Perfect make-ahead side – You can roast the garlic and even boil the potatoes ahead of time, then mix everything before serving.
Versatile – They pair beautifully with turkey, roasted chicken, or even steak.

If you’re ready to upgrade your Thanksgiving spread, this is the dish that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients for Roasted Garlic and Ricotta Mashed Potatoes

7–8 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter
1/2 c ricotta (we recommend Homemade Ricotta)
1/2 c heavy cream
1/2 c milk
1/4 c Parmigiano Reggiano
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2–4 roasted garlic cloves
Optional: top with fried bread crumbs

Directions for Roasted Garlic and Ricotta Mashed Potatoes

Roast garlic bulb and cut the tops off of each bulb to keep cloves intact. Cut off the top of the garlic bulb and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil. Bake at 375°F for 45–50 minutes. When soft and golden brown, pull garlic from the oven and allow to cool. Once cooled, squeeze each clove into a bowl and mash with a fork. Set aside.
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
While potatoes cook in a separate bowl, combine ricotta, cream, milk, Parmigiano, parsley, salt, and pepper. When potatoes are done, drain water and return to the pot.
Add butter and stir until melted. Add ricotta blend and roasted garlic. Blend until smooth. If potatoes are too dry, add extra splash of milk.
Place in a large shallow bowl and sprinkle fried bread crumbs on top.

Tips for the Creamiest Roasted Garlic and Ricotta Mashed Potatoes

Start with the right potatoes.
Russets or Yukon Golds are the best choice. They have the perfect balance of starch and creaminess.
Don’t skip the roasted garlic.
Roasting transforms sharp garlic into something buttery and caramelized—it’s what gives this dish its subtle sweetness.
Warm your dairy.
Cold milk or cream can make your potatoes seize up and turn gluey. Warm them slightly before mixing in.
Don’t overmix.
A few lumps are fine! Overworking mashed potatoes can make them gummy.
Add toppings last minute.
If you’re using fried breadcrumbs or extra cheese, add them just before serving so they stay crisp and melty.

How to Roast Garlic (The Easy Way)

If you’ve never roasted garlic before, don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds and it fills your kitchen with the most amazing smell. Simply slice off the top of the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Roast it at 400°F for 35–40 minutes. When it’s done, the cloves should be golden and soft enough to squeeze out like butter.

Roasted garlic is not only perfect for mashed potatoes—it’s also great spread on bread, mixed into pasta, or whisked into salad dressing. You can make a few bulbs at once and store them in olive oil for up to a week.

If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your Thanksgiving menu, check out this Thanksgiving Cooking Guide for timing tips, turkey prep, and serving ideas.

Making It Ahead of Time

These mashed potatoes reheat beautifully. To prep them ahead:

Make the full recipe up through the mashing step.
Transfer to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F, stirring halfway through, and add a splash of milk or cream if needed.

If you’re hosting a big meal, this trick will save your sanity on Thanksgiving Day.

Serving Ideas

With turkey: Of course, they’re perfect alongside your Thanksgiving bird.
With beef or lamb: The roasted garlic adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with red meat.
As a vegetarian main: Add sautéed mushrooms and a drizzle of olive oil for a comforting, meat-free dinner.
At Christmas or Sunday dinner: These mashed potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving—they’re cozy enough for any family meal.

And if you’re feeling fancy, finish them with a drizzle of browned butter before serving. It’s a small touch that adds huge flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought ricotta?
Yes, but the texture and flavor are so much better if you use our Homemade Ricotta. Store-bought can be watery, so drain it before mixing in.

Can I make these dairy-free?
You can swap in full-fat coconut milk and vegan butter, though the flavor will change slightly.

Can I use a hand mixer to mash them?
A hand masher gives you the best texture, but a mixer on low speed works if you prefer them ultra-smooth.

The Secret Ingredient: Ricotta

If you’ve only ever made mashed potatoes with milk and butter, ricotta might sound unusual—but trust me, it’s a total game-changer. It makes the potatoes extra silky, adds subtle tang, and keeps them from feeling heavy. Using Homemade Ricotta gives them the purest flavor.

Ricotta also adds a hint of protein, making this dish feel more substantial. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or bringing a side to share, everyone will ask how you made your mashed potatoes taste so good.

A Thanksgiving Classic, Reimagined

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean the same old recipes every year. Sometimes, a small twist—like swapping cream cheese for ricotta, or roasting garlic instead of using raw—can take a classic dish from “good” to unforgettable.

These roasted garlic and ricotta mashed potatoes feel rustic, Italian-inspired, and comforting all at once. Every spoonful is creamy and rich, with that subtle roasted garlic flavor that makes you close your eyes for a second.

So go ahead and make a big batch—you’ll want leftovers for sure. Serve them straight from the pot, or spoon into a baking dish with a golden breadcrumb topping for a little crunch. Either way, this side dish is pure Thanksgiving magic.