A Creamy, Protein-Packed Alternative To Mashed Potatoes, Made With Buttery Beans, Roasted Garlic, And Fragrant Herbs. Easy, Wholesome, And Absolutely Comforting!
This Roasted Garlic & Herb Butter Bean Mash is one of those side dishes that feels like a hidden gem. I originally whipped it up when I was out of potatoes and had a can of butter beans staring at me from the pantry. A little garlic, a few herbs, and suddenly we had a mash that was not only incredibly smooth and flavorful but also packed with plant-based protein.
What I love most is how it feels rich and comforting without being heavy. My kids didn’t even notice it wasn’t mashed potatoes the first time, and my husband went back for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a simple weeknight meal, this dish always earns compliments and makes everyone feel like they’re eating something special.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use canned butter beans?
A: Yes! Canned butter beans are perfect for this recipe and save a lot of time. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well.
Q: What’s the best way to roast garlic?
A: Slice off the top of a whole garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30–35 minutes. The cloves will become soft, sweet, and caramelized.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Make the mash, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or olive oil to loosen it up.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, it freezes quite well. Store in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat slowly, stirring occasionally.
Q: Is this a good side dish for the holidays?
A: Absolutely! It’s elegant enough for a holiday table and a great option if you’re cooking for vegetarians or looking for a twist on traditional mash.
What You Need to Make Roasted Garlic & Herb Butter Bean Mash
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 whole bulb of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for roasting)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or more, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or extra herbs, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Roasted Garlic & Herb Butter Bean Mash
1. Roast the garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a bulb of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins.
2. Warm the beans
In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil (and butter if using) over medium heat. Add the rinsed butter beans, roasted garlic cloves, thyme, and rosemary. Stir gently until everything is warmed through and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Mash and blend
Use an immersion blender or food processor to mash the mixture until smooth. Add the vegetable broth gradually to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Serve
Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Tips
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth.
- Want it chunkier? Use a potato masher instead of blending fully for a more rustic texture.
- Make it dairy-free: Just skip the butter – the olive oil and garlic still give it richness.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “This mash is genius! Creamy, full of flavor, and such a nice change from mashed potatoes. I served it with grilled chicken, and my whole family cleaned their plates!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “Roasted garlic takes this to another level. I made it for our Sunday roast and it was gone before anything else!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “I love how smooth and velvety it is. You’d never guess it was made from beans – feels so luxurious but healthy too!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “Great flavor, and super easy to whip up. I made it as a meal prep side and it reheated beautifully throughout the week.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “A total surprise hit! Even my picky kids enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be making this again.”
Printable Recipe
Roasted Garlic & Herb Butter Bean Mash
This creamy Roasted Garlic & Herb Butter Bean Mash is a comforting, flavorful side dish made with buttery beans, roasted garlic, and herbs. It’s a plant-based alternative to mashed potatoes that’s just as satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 whole bulb of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for roasting)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or more, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or extra herbs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Roast the garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a bulb of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins.
2. Warm the beans
- In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil (and butter if using) over medium heat. Add the rinsed butter beans, roasted garlic cloves, thyme, and rosemary. Stir gently until everything is warmed through and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Mash and blend
- Use an immersion blender or food processor to mash the mixture until smooth. Add the vegetable broth gradually to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Serve
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Roasted Garlic & Herb Butter Bean Mash, please share it with your friends and family! It’s a simple side dish that feels gourmet and is sure to impress. Share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram – and don’t forget to tag me if you make it. I’d love to see how yours turns out!
