Name: ROSEMARY GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 cloves of garlic; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus 1 tablespoon for cooking potatoes; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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There’s something magical about catching the first whiff of garlic and herbs drifting from the kitchen. Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes have been trending everywhere latelyand it’s no surprise. This comforting, flavorful side comes together in about 35 minutes and transforms everyday potatoes into a dish your family will rave about.

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Imagine your favorite creamy mashed potatoes, but elevated with a grown-up twist that makes them perfect for holidays or any special dinner. Fresh rosemary and subtly sweet roasted garlic come together with buttery Yukon golds to create what just might be the best Thanksgiving potatoes you’ve ever made. Classic, yet sophisticated comfort food. Full instructions below!

I’ve tested and tweaked this mash recipe for years, dialing in the ideal herb balance for unbeatable flavor. The roasting and steeping method for the garlic makes a world of differencethat little detail I picked up after countless batches gone too sharp or bland. Make it once, and you may never go back to plain mashed potatoes again.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Growing up, my grandmother Julia believed the secret to unforgettable mashed potatoes wasn’t just the techniqueit was stirring love in with the cream. These rosemary garlic mashed potatoes live up to that philosophy by transforming everyday ingredients into a heartwarming, flavorful classic.

The magic here lies in the infusion method. Instead of tossing in raw garlic and herbs, we gently steep them in warm cream and butter. This step builds deep, nuanced flavor that lingers deliciously in every bite. Simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet special enough to be your go-to holiday recipe.

Perfect timing: Ready in 35 minutesgreat for weeknights or big gatherings
Elegant simplicity: Just seven ingredients that deliver gourmet flavor
Make-ahead friendly: They reheat beautifully for stress-free prep

The Key Players: Ingredients That Make Magic

Every component in this recipe plays a crucial role. Yukon gold potatoes are the standoutthey’re naturally creamy with a faint sweetness that works incredibly well with the rosemary-garlic combo.

Ingredients laid out for making rosemary garlic mashed potatoes using Yukon gold potatoes, fresh rosemary, garlic, cream, and butter

We use fresh rosemary for its woodsy aroma, tempered by garlic that mellows out during the steeping process. That one small tweaksteeping, not sautéing or boilingprevents bitterness and ensures a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel in the finished dish.

Ingredient	Why It Matters	Easy Swap
Yukon Gold Potatoes	Naturally creamy, low starch, beautifully golden texture	Russets (use a touch more cream)
Fresh Rosemary	Aromatic, earthy, holiday-ready flavor	Fresh thyme (use half the amount)
Heavy Cream	Adds richness and allows herbs to steep	Half-and-half plus extra butter
Fresh Garlic	Steeped garlic provides mellow, sweet depth	Roasted garlic cloves or garlic confit

Step-by-Step: How It All Comes Together

The magic lies in multitasking. While the potatoes cook, you’re crafting an infused cream that’ll spoon in boldness and balance. When it all comes together? Silky, aromatic mashed potatoes unlike any other.

Start by cubing your Yukon golds and adding them to a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until fork-tenderabout 15–20 minutes. In another saucepan, warm the cream and butter gently (don’t boil!) before adding sliced garlic and rosemary. Let that steep for 10 minutes off heat while your potatoes finish cooking.

Pro tip: Let the herbs steep fully off heatdon’t rush this flavorful step
Texture secret: Always drain potatoes well before mashing to avoid watery mash
Temperature matters: Use warm creamcold liquids cause gluey texture

Step	Timing	Key Point
Boil potatoes	15–20 minutes	Fork-tender, not mushy
Warm cream mixture	5 minutes	Heat gentlyavoid boiling
Steep herbs	10 minutes	Infuses cream with flavor
Mash and combine	5 minutes	Add cream gradually for silky results

Troubleshooting: When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Even seasoned cooks hit a mashed potato mishap now and then. Here are fixes for the most common issues, from gluey textures to flavor imbalances. These tips have kept countless dinners on track in my own kitchen!

Too lumpy: Add more warm cream gradually and mash gently
Too thin: Let the mash sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken naturally
Underseasoned: Add salt to your cream infusion and taste as you go
Garlic too strong: Strain out the garlic after steeping for a subtle taste

Make Them Your Own: Simple Tweaks and Variations

This dish is a blank canvas. Dress it up or keep it classic depending on the moment. I love folding in sharp white cheddar for weeknight comfort meals. Hosting? Finish with a swirl of garlic butter or a hit of truffle salt.

Try lemon zest for springtime brightness or swap rosemary for sage around the holidays. Don’t be afraid to get creative with herbsthis base mash can go in so many tasty directions!

Variation	What to Change	Perfect For
Cheesy Herb	Add 1/2 cup sharp cheddar during mashing	Cozy comfort food nights
Lighter Version	Sub milk for cream and use extra butter	Everyday dinners
Holiday Elegant	Roasted garlic + pinch of truffle salt	Thanksgiving or dinner parties
Herb Garden	Use rosemary, thyme, and chives	Springtime entertaining

Serving and Storage: Making the Most of Your Creation

These cream mashed potatoes are best served fresh and hot, but life’s unpredictable. The good news? They reheat perfectly with just a splash of cream or milk. I often make them a day or two ahead, store in an airtight container, and gently rewarm in a saucepan over low heat.

Serving tip: add a small pat of butter on top just before serving, along with a fresh rosemary sprig for visual flair. They pair beautifully with everything from herb-roasted chicken to seared steaks or beef tenderloin.

Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Tips
Refrigerator	Up to 3 days	Reheat on stove with splash of cream or milk; stir gently
Freezer (optional)	Up to 1 month	Thaw overnight; reheat in oven at 350°F covered with foil

Expert Says: The Appeal of Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Rosemary garlic mashed potatoes combine aromatic herbs with robust garlic flavor to elevate a classic comfort dish. The rosemary’s piney notes enhance the natural creaminess of the potatoes, creating a balanced and savory side that pairs well with a variety of main courses. This simple addition truly transforms the texture and taste.

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The Journey to Perfect Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This recipe took several kitchen experiments to perfectonce I added too much garlic and nearly scared the family off! Over time, I found how to balance rosemary’s bold flavor with the perfect gentle garlic finish. The result? Comforting mashed potatoes with character, warmth, and a sense of home in every spoonful.

FAQs ( Best Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes )

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Creamy rosemary garlic mashed potatoes served in a white bowl with rosemary garnish

Your New Go-To Side Dish is Ready

These rosemary garlic mashed potatoes pack everything you crave in a side dish: silky texture, deep flavor, and just enough elegance to give them star power. In about 35 minutes, you’ve got a dish that’s holiday-worthy but easy enough for any night of the week.

Try tucking in sharp white cheddar on a chilly night or swap rosemary for sage when planning Thanksgiving sides for two. Stored in the refrigerator, they stay creamy up to three days and reheat beautifullyjust warm with a bit of cream and they’re perfectly revived.

Have a favorite family twist on mashed potatoes? I’d love to know. Share in the comments or tag your take on socialthese small, shared moments make every dish more meaningful. Here’s to recipes that warm both your home and your heart.