Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate, look no further than these delightful Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, blending creamy potatoes with the aromatic goodness of fresh rosemary and garlic. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this dish fits perfectly on any table.
The combination of buttery smoothness and fragrant herbs makes these mashed potatoes truly special. They are simple enough to whip up after a long day yet elegant enough to impress your guests during holiday feasts. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have creamy mashed potatoes that taste like they took all day.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves mashed potatoes! This dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare them ahead of time and reheat, making meal planning a breeze.
- Rich Flavor: The infusion of rosemary and garlic elevates the classic potato dish into something memorable.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfectly pairs with any protein or can stand alone as a comforting vegetarian option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! These Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes are made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Each element contributes to that rich and satisfying flavor we love.
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 potatoes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add Cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for an extra layer of richness.
- Herb Swap: Try using thyme or chives instead of rosemary for different flavor notes.
- Cream Alternative: If you prefer something lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or plant-based milk.
- Roasted Garlic Twist: Roast the garlic before adding it to the cream for a sweeter, mellow flavor.
How to Make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by placing the Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Adding 1 tablespoon of salt helps season them as they cook. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked potatoes will mash beautifully!
Step 2: Warm the Cream Mixture
While the potatoes are cooking, take a small saucepan and add the heavy cream and unsalted butter. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture is warm. This ensures that when you combine it with the potatoes later, everything stays nice and hot.
Step 3: Infuse Flavors
Next, add the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs to your warm cream mixture. Allow it to steep for about 10 minutes—this infuses those lovely flavors into your cream. Once done, remove the rosemary sprigs (and discard or mash in those garlic cloves if you want more garlic punch!).
Step 4: Mash Those Potatoes
Drain your cooked potatoes well in a colander and return them back to the pot. Now it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer until they reach your desired smoothness. The key here is to get them creamy without overworking them.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Gradually pour in your warm cream mixture while mixing everything together until well combined. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! Tasting at this stage is essential—adjust as needed for that perfect balance.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Finally, serve those beautiful Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes hot! You can garnish with additional fresh rosemary sprigs or even dab some extra butter on top for an indulgent touch. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Pro Tips for Making Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Every great recipe comes with a few insider tips to elevate your dish, and these mashed potatoes are no exception!
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Choose the right potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are perfect for mashing due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They create a rich and smooth mash that will impress any guest.
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Infuse the cream properly: Allowing the garlic and rosemary to steep in the warmed cream is key to achieving a deep, aromatic flavor. This method ensures that every bite is fragrant and delicious.
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Mash while hot: For the creamiest texture, mash the potatoes while they are still warm. Cold potatoes can become gummy or sticky, so get mashing right after draining!
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Adjust consistency to your liking: If you prefer your mashed potatoes a bit thinner, feel free to add more cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about personal preference!
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Season generously: Don’t shy away from tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper! Each potato variety has a different flavor profile, so seasoning will make a significant difference in bringing out their natural goodness.
How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes can be served in various delightful ways that will make your meal truly memorable. Here are some ideas to help you present this comforting side dish beautifully.
Garnishes
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: A couple of fresh rosemary sprigs on top not only look beautiful but also enhance the aromatic experience.
- A pat of butter: Let a small piece of butter melt on top just before serving for an extra touch of richness and flavor.
Side Dishes
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Roasted vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrients. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers tossed in olive oil bring out their natural sweetness.
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Grilled chicken or fish: Lightly seasoned grilled chicken or fish complements the creamy mashed potatoes perfectly without overpowering them, providing a well-rounded meal.
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Green salad: A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich mashed potatoes. The acidity helps balance flavors beautifully.
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Steamed asparagus: Tender asparagus spears drizzled with lemon juice provide a bright side that pairs nicely with the creamy texture of the potatoes while adding vibrant color to your plate.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes will shine at any gathering or dinner table! Enjoy every comforting bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious side dish throughout the week or for special occasions. Making them ahead of time not only saves you effort but also enhances their flavors!
Storing Leftovers
- Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Freezing
- Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
- Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
- Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes provide a creamy texture and rich flavor, you can also use Russet or red potatoes. Keep in mind that different varieties may yield slightly different textures.
How do I make my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes extra creamy?
To achieve an ultra-creamy consistency, consider adding more heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream. You can also incorporate additional butter for richness!
Can I prepare Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! These mashed potatoes are great for meal prepping. You can make them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer, then easily reheat when ready to serve.
What dishes pair well with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
These delightful mashed potatoes complement a variety of main dishes like roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or even vegetarian options like stuffed peppers. They truly enhance any meal!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making these Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes! Their comforting blend of flavors makes them a fantastic addition to any dinner table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every creamy bite and feel free to share your experiences—I’d love to hear how your version turns out!
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, a delightful side dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Made with Yukon gold potatoes, fresh rosemary, and fragrant garlic, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting staple that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Whether served alongside grilled chicken or enjoyed on their own, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cloves 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
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes: Place cubed Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain.
- Warm the cream: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and unsalted butter until melted and warm.
- Infuse flavors: Add garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs to the warm cream mixture; steep for about 10 minutes before removing herbs.
- Mash the potatoes: Return drained potatoes to the pot and mash using a potato masher or ricer to your desired smoothness.
- Combine: Gradually mix in the warm cream mixture while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot: Garnish with fresh rosemary or an extra pat of butter if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
