Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized. Allow to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins and set aside.
Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, add the cubed potatoes and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted garlic, softened butter, and heavy cream (or milk). Mix well until creamy and combined. Adjust the consistency with additional cream or milk if desired.
Season to Taste: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix again until well incorporated.
Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with milk.