Nothing quite beats the comfort of a hearty, homemade meal that fills both your kitchen and your heart. Imagine biting into creamy, velvety mashed potatoes infused with the rich sweetness of roasted garlic, topped with savory, juicy sausage, and bathed in a deep, flavorful gravy. This is more than just dinner—it’s a culinary hug, a dish that brings warmth, satisfaction, and joy to any table. As we enter into cooler weather ahead make sure to add Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sausage & Gravy to the menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s explore why this dish is a must-try:
- Rich, velvety texture: The roasted garlic transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece.
- Savory sausage flavor: Juicy, perfectly cooked sausage adds protein and depth to the meal.
- Deep, flavorful gravy: Onion-infused gravy with hints of beer, soy, and a touch of maple syrup elevates the dish.
- Comfort food perfection: This recipe embodies warmth, satisfaction, and nostalgia—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
By the end, you’ll have not just a meal but a culinary experience that delights every sense.
Ingredients for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sausage & Gravy:
Having all your ingredients prepped ensures a smooth cooking experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
For the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medium potatoes | 4-5 | Scrubbed and cleaned |
| Garlic cloves | 4-5 | Roasted for sweetness |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Unsalted recommended |
| Bay leaves | 3-4 | Adds subtle aroma |
| Milk | 1 cup | Warmed for creaminess |
| Salt | To taste | Enhances flavor |
For the Sausage & Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sausages | 3 | Optional: remove casing |
| Onion | 1 | Finely sliced |
| Beef stock | 2 ½ cups | Rich base for gravy |
| Dark beer | ½ cup | Stout or porter preferred |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon | Enhances umami |
| Maple syrup | ½ teaspoon | Adds subtle sweetness |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon + ¼ teaspoon | For thickening |
| Cold water | 1 tablespoon + ¼ teaspoon | To make slurry |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Following these steps ensures perfectly roasted garlic mashed potatoes with sausage and gravy that’s rich in flavor and smooth in texture.
Roast the Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Leave garlic cloves unpeeled, lightly coat them with oil, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast until golden brown—10 minutes for smaller cloves, 15–20 minutes for larger ones.
- Once cool, peel the skins and remove the hard nubs.
Tip: Roasting garlic transforms its sharpness into a natural, mellow sweetness that complements mashed potatoes perfectly.
Boil the Potatoes
- Scrub your potatoes thoroughly.
- In a large pot, add the potatoes, bay leaves, and enough water to cover them. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Boil over medium-high heat for 30–40 minutes or until a knife slides smoothly into the potatoes.
- Optional peeling: make a circular slit, soak in cold water, and peel easily.
Pro Tip: Using starchy potatoes like Russets gives you the fluffiest mashed potatoes.
Mash the Potatoes
- In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes with roasted garlic, warm milk, and butter.
- Adjust the consistency to your liking—creamy or slightly chunky.
- Season with salt to taste.
Flavor Tip: Warm milk and butter help achieve a smooth, luscious texture.
Cook the Sausage
- Remove sausage from casings if preferred, breaking into small pieces.
- Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove sausage, keeping the drippings in the pan for gravy.
Pro Tip: Browning the sausage in its own fat intensifies flavor for the gravy.
Make the Onion Gravy
- In the skillet with sausage drippings, cook the sliced onion over medium-low heat until brown and soft, about 15 minutes.
- Add beef stock, dark beer, and soy sauce; simmer 5–10 minutes, scraping up any crispy bits from the pan.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry; stir into the simmering gravy until thickened.
- Add maple syrup for depth of flavor.
Tip: Stir constantly after adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps.
Assemble the Dish
- In serving bowls, layer mashed potatoes as the base.
- Top with cooked sausage.
- Generously ladle onion gravy over the top.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for creamy, fluffy results.
- Warm your milk and butter before mashing to avoid cooling the potatoes.
- Roast garlic until golden brown but not burnt to bring out natural sweetness.
- Make gravy ahead and reheat gently to maintain consistency.
Variations & Flavor Boosters:
You can tailor this dish to match your taste or dietary needs:
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar, parmesan, or Gruyère for a richer flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives for an aromatic punch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the gravy for warmth.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable stock.
Nutrition & Serving Suggestions:
| Nutrient | Approximate per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–550 kcal |
| Protein | 15–20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50–60 g |
| Fat | 20–25 g |
| Fiber | 4–5 g |
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a crisp green salad.
- Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of savory gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare mashed potatoes and gravy a day in advance. Reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.
What type of sausage works best?
Pork, beef, or a mix works beautifully. For extra flavor, try spicy sausage.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely. Whole, 2%, or plant-based milk like oat or almond can be used without compromising taste.
How should I store leftovers?
Store mashed potatoes and sausage gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but freeze components separately to preserve texture. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Why This Dish is the Ultimate Comfort Food:
- Combines creamy, savory, and sweet elements in one dish.
- Easy to customize for different taste preferences.
- Ideal for gatherings or a quiet, cozy night in.
- Hearty and satisfying without being complicated to make.
This recipe captures the essence of comfort food: it’s warm, flavorful, and evokes memories of home-cooked meals. Each bite brings a perfect balance of richness from the potatoes, savory depth from the sausage, and a touch of sweetness from the roasted garlic and maple syrup.
Final Thoughts:
You now have the complete guide to creating Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sausage & Gravy that will impress everyone at your table. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve perfectly creamy potatoes, juicy sausage, and savory gravy with every attempt.
Your next step: Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and create this heartwarming dish for your loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a comfort food classic. Share your creations on social media or invite friends over—you might just start a new family tradition!
More Recipe Suggestions:
Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan
Golden Country-Fried Steak with Homestyle Gravy
Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
Sunrise Delight Breakfast Pizza
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sausage & Gravy
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 –5 medium potatoes
- 4 –5 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 –4 bay leaves
- 1 cup milk
- Salt to taste
For the Sausage & Gravy:
- 3 sausages
- 1 onion finely sliced
- 2 ½ cups beef stock
- ½ cup dark beer such as stout or porter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon + ¼ teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon + ¼ teaspoon cold water
Instructions
Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Leave the garlic cloves unpeeled and coat them lightly in oil. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast until golden brown—about 10 minutes for smaller cloves, and 15-20 minutes for larger ones. Once cool, peel the skins, remove the hard nubs, and set aside.
Boil the Potatoes:
- Scrub the potatoes clean. In a large pot, add potatoes, bay leaves, and enough water to cover them. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until a knife can be inserted smoothly into the potatoes, about 30-40 minutes. Drain and, if desired, peel the potatoes using the cold water method described: make a circular slit, soak in cold water, and peel.
Mash the Potatoes:
- In a large bowl, mash the boiled potatoes with the roasted garlic, milk, and butter until you achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
Cook the Sausage:
- Optionally, remove the sausage meat from the casings and break it into small pieces. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside, keeping the drippings in the pan.
Make the Onion Gravy:
- In the same pan with the sausage drippings, add the sliced onion. Cook over medium-low heat until brown and soft, about 15 minutes.
- Add the beef stock, dark beer, and soy sauce, and simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors. Scrape any crispy bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this into the simmering gravy, stirring continuously until thickened. Stir in the maple syrup.
Assemble the Dish:
- In serving bowls, layer the mashed potatoes at the bottom. Top with cooked sausage and generously ladle over the gravy.
