Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
There’s something remarkably comforting about a bowl of Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; the aroma of the caramelized onions and roasted garlic filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in like a warm blanket. As I stirred the creamy potatoes, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s an experience that brings loved ones together around the dinner table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight meal, these mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of sweet, caramelized onions and the rich, savory flavor of roasted garlic melds beautifully with the creamy buttermilk and parmesan cheese, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and heartwarming. If you’re looking for something special to elevate your next meal, I promise you’ll love this recipe!
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
10 mins
50 mins
Medium
320 kcal
8 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
12 g
Skillet, Oven, Peeler, Large Pot, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet
Why This Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Works
Rich Flavor Profile
The magic of Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes lies in its deep, rich flavor. As the onions caramelize, they become sweet and golden, adding a layer of complexity that elevates ordinary mashed potatoes to something extraordinary. Roasting the garlic mellows its harshness, creating a creamy, buttery experience in every bite.
Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s no denying that this dish embodies comfort food. The creamy texture paired with the savory flavors makes it the ideal companion to any main dish. I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I prepare these mashed potatoes; they remind me of family dinners and cozy nights in.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a casual dinner, or an elegant gathering, these mashed potatoes fit right in. Their versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make them a go-to side dish for any occasion. You can serve them alongside roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or even a simple salad.
Easy to Make
Don’t let the list of ingredients intimidate you. Making Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes is surprisingly straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you can create a side dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Make Ahead Option
Another aspect I love about this recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time. The mashed potatoes can be made in advance and reheated when you’re ready to serve. This is especially handy during busy holidays or family gatherings, allowing you to focus on other dishes and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
Customization Opportunities
Feel free to get creative! You can adjust the amount of garlic or onions based on your personal preference. Add some herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe truly adaptable to your taste.
Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

This recipe is all about the harmony of flavors and textures. The key players, like the yukon gold or russet potatoes, create a creamy base, while the buttermilk adds a tangy richness. The caramelized onions and roasted garlic bring warmth and depth, making each bite a comforting experience.
- 3 lbs yukon gold or russet potatoes – Peeled and chopped into chunks, these potatoes form the creamy foundation of the dish.
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil – This oil adds a light, nutty flavor and is perfect for cooking the onions.
- 2 large yellow onions – Finely chopped, they will caramelize beautifully, adding sweetness.
- 1 bulb garlic – Roasted until golden brown, it infuses the potatoes with rich flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk – This creamy ingredient offers a slight tang, enhancing the overall taste.
- 2 cups parmesan cheese – Grated and mixed in, it adds a savory depth that’s hard to resist.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter – Optional, but it adds an extra layer of creaminess.
- 1 tsp sea salt – To taste, elevating and balancing the flavors.
How to Prepare Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Making Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes is a delightful journey of flavors. Follow these steps to create your own batch of comfort.
- Start by adding the avocado oil to a large non-stick skillet and heat it to medium-high. Once hot, add the finely chopped onions and sprinkle liberally with sea salt. Cover the skillet to trap the moisture, allowing them to soften and release their liquid, stirring occasionally.
- After about 20 minutes, the onions will start to turn translucent and soften. Remove the cover and reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized, which should take another 30 to 40 minutes.
- While the onions caramelize, prepare the garlic. Cut the top off the bulb, place it on a sheet of foil, drizzle with avocado oil, and wrap it tightly. Roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cloves are golden brown and tender.
- Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the bulb over a cutting board to release the soft cloves. Chop them into smaller pieces and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Peel and chop the potatoes into roughly equal-sized chunks and add them to the boiling water. Cook until they’re very soft when poked with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them back to the pot. Ensure they are still hot, as this will help with the mashing process.
- Add the buttermilk, parmesan cheese, butter (if using), and sea salt to the hot potatoes. Mash thoroughly using a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency.
- Give the mashed potatoes a taste and adjust the seasoning with more sea salt or parmesan cheese if necessary. Finally, fold in the caramelized onions and chopped roasted garlic until well combined.
- Serve your creamy Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes hot with your favorite main dish. Enjoy the compliments!
Things Worth Knowing
- Consistency: Ensure that your potatoes are well-cooked but not overcooked to maintain a good texture when mashed.
- Flavor Depth: If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary when mashing.
- Reheating: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of buttermilk to restore creaminess.
- Make it Creamy: For extra creaminess, you can use sour cream or cream cheese in addition to buttermilk.
Change It Up

There are endless ways to put your twist on these mashed potatoes. Here are some tips to customize your Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes:
- Storage: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of buttermilk.
- Freezing: You can freeze mashed potatoes for up to a month. Just make sure to cool them completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Pairing: These mashed potatoes are perfect alongside roast chicken, meatloaf, or grilled vegetables.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
- Texture Variation: For a chunkier texture, leave some potato pieces unmashed for a rustic feel.
Pairing Suggestions for Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Serving Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes creates a wonderful opportunity to enhance your meal with delicious pairings. Here are some fantastic options:
- Perfect with Roasts: These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roast chicken or beef, complementing their flavors perfectly.
- Vegetarian Options: Serve alongside sautéed greens or grilled mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Seasonal Pairings: In the fall and winter, you can enjoy them with hearty stews or braised dishes that warm you up from the inside out.
- Occasions: Ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or casual dinners, they’ll impress at any table.
- Easy Leftovers: Enjoy them the next day as a side with a simple salad for a quick lunch.
FAQ
Conclusion
Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes are a flavorful twist on the classic dish that will bring warmth and comfort to your dining experience. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they are a favorite at family gatherings and special occasions. Don’t hesitate to whip them up for your next dinner — I promise they’ll be a hit with everyone!

Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Peeler
- Large Pot
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 3 lbs yukon gold or russet potatoes peeled and chopped into chunks
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 2 large yellow onions finely chopped
- 1 bulb garlic
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups parmesan cheese or to taste
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter optional
- 1 tsp sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by adding the avocado oil to a large non-stick skillet and heat it to medium-high. Once hot, add the finely chopped onions and sprinkle liberally with sea salt. Cover the skillet to trap the moisture, allowing them to soften and release their liquid, stirring occasionally.
- After about 20 minutes, the onions will start to turn translucent and soften. Remove the cover and reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized, which should take another 30 to 40 minutes.
- While the onions caramelize, prepare the garlic. Cut the top off the bulb, place it on a sheet of foil, drizzle with avocado oil, and wrap it tightly. Roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cloves are golden brown and tender.
- Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the bulb over a cutting board to release the soft cloves. Chop them into smaller pieces and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Peel and chop the potatoes into roughly equal-sized chunks and add them to the boiling water. Cook until they’re very soft when poked with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them back to the pot. Ensure they are still hot, as this will help with the mashing process.
- Add the buttermilk, parmesan cheese, butter (if using), and sea salt to the hot potatoes. Mash thoroughly using a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency.
- Give the mashed potatoes a taste and adjust the seasoning with more sea salt or parmesan cheese if necessary. Finally, fold in the caramelized onions and chopped roasted garlic until well combined.
- Serve your creamy Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes hot with your favorite main dish. Enjoy the compliments!
Notes
- Tip 1: 3 pounds will be approximately six medium to large sized russet potatoes. Note that if you’re serving more than 8 people, going up to 5 pounds of potatoes may be a solid choice. Just be sure to adjust the amounts of the other ingredients as needed.
- Tip 2: You can use low-fat buttermilk if you’d like, but I use regular. You can replace the buttermilk with full-fat canned coconut milk if you don’t do fresh dairy.


