Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal, look no further than these Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my kitchen for years, and I’m excited to share it with you! The combination of creamy potatoes with the aromatic infusion of rosemary and garlic makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings.

What I love most about these mashed potatoes is their versatility. They can easily elevate a simple dinner into something special, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Plus, they are super easy to whip up, so even if you’re pressed for time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade side!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have creamy mashed potatoes ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves mashed potatoes! These are sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
• Flavorful Infusion: The rosemary and garlic add incredible depth of flavor that will impress your guests.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.
• Comfort Food Classic: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of mashed potatoes to make you feel at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, you’ll be using simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Together, they create the rich flavors that make this dish so special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 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 the potatoes
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Cheese: Mix in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan for an extra cheesy twist!
• Herb Swap: Try thyme or chives if you’re looking for different herb flavors.
• Cream Alternative: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Roasted Garlic: For an even richer flavor, use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic cloves.

How to Make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start by placing your cubed Yukon gold potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Bringing the water to a boil is essential; it helps cook the potatoes evenly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender. This step is crucial because tender potatoes will mash easily, creating that perfect creamy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Mixture

While those delicious potatoes are cooking away, grab a small saucepan and heat the heavy cream with softened butter over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts completely. Adding garlic and rosemary sprigs at this stage will allow those beautiful flavors to infuse into your cream mixture. Let it steep for about 10 minutes—it’s worth the wait!

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

Once your potatoes are cooked and drained well in a colander, return them back to the pot. Now comes one of my favorite parts—mashing! Using either a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer, mash those spuds until they’re smooth and creamy. Remember, this step is all about achieving that velvety texture everyone loves.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Gradually pour in your warm cream mixture while mixing continuously until everything is well combined. Taste your mashed potatoes here; seasoning with salt and pepper will enhance all those lovely flavors you’ve created!

Step 5: Serve Hot

Finally, serve your Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes hot! For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs or pats of butter on top. Trust me; this final touch will make them irresistible!

Now you have everything you need to create delicious Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes that are sure to become a beloved staple in your home too! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to the next level!

• Choose the right potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for mashing because of their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They create a rich consistency that is hard to beat.

• Don’t rush the cooking process: Allowing your potatoes to cook until they are fork-tender ensures that they will mash easily and evenly. Undercooked potatoes can lead to a chunky, less enjoyable texture.

• Infuse flavors properly: Steeping garlic and rosemary in warm cream brings out their natural oils and flavors, resulting in a more aromatic and flavorful mash. This step is essential for achieving that delicious herbal note throughout.

• Add warm cream gradually: Mixing in the warm cream mixture slowly helps incorporate it into the potatoes without making them gummy. This ensures a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Taste as you go: Seasoning is crucial! Always taste your mashed potatoes before serving to ensure they’re seasoned just right. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.

How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Presentation is key when it comes to serving these delightful mashed potatoes! The creamy texture and aromatic flavors make them a standout side dish for any meal. Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh rosemary sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh rosemary not only add visual appeal but also enhance the aroma of the dish.
• A pat of butter: Adding a small dollop of butter on top just before serving creates a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of richness.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans provide a colorful and nutritious contrast, adding both texture and flavor to your meal.
• Grilled chicken or fish: A simple grilled chicken breast or flaky fish such as salmon pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes, creating a well-rounded plate.
• Salad with vinaigrette: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the mashed potatoes, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
• Stuffed bell peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice provide an exciting twist that complements the earthiness of garlic and rosemary.

With these serving suggestions, your Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes will shine as a centerpiece at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time, stored, and enjoyed throughout the week, saving you time and effort on busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Scoop the cooled mashed potatoes into a freezer-safe container or plastic bag.
• Press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Can I use other herbs besides rosemary in my mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! While this recipe features rosemary, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme or chives for a different flavor profile.

How can I make my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes vegan?

You can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, for a delicious vegan version.

What should I serve with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a hearty vegetarian stew. They’re versatile enough to complement any main dish!

Can I make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later. Just follow our storage instructions above.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find these Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes as delightful as I do! They’re creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re having a simple dinner or hosting a holiday gathering. Enjoy making this special dish and savor every bite. Happy cooking!