Steam collecting on the windows. Someone clanging pans in the kitchen. That smellRosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoespulling you back to Grandma’s Sunday dinners. This cozy dish is everywhere right now, popping up on Pinterest boards and fall dinner tables alike.
It’s just the classics, upgraded. Creamy mashed Yukon Golds, fresh rosemary, roasted garlic, and a splash of cream. Smells like Thanksgiving, tastes like home. Pantry staples do the heavy lifting here. Full details in the blog!
I made this one for a chilly Tuesday dinner that somehow felt like a holiday. It’s the kind of dish we test, tweak, and eat straight from the pot. I added a little twist I picked up one winter in VermontI tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Simple and cozy: Minimal ingredients, loads of flavor, and just 35 minutes from prep to table.
Nostalgia factor: The dreamy garlic and rosemary aroma will give you all the holiday feels, even on a weeknight.
Beginner-friendly: No fancy tools or techniquesif you can boil water and mash spuds, you’ve got this!
Versatile: Perfect as a rustic Thanksgiving side for the whole family or scaled down for just two (hello, leftover heaven).
Key Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
The ingredient list for this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is refreshingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient
Notes
2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
Soft, buttery, and perfect for mashingno need to peel unless you want to.
3 cloves garlic
Adds a mellow, roasted flavor to the potatoes. Mash or discard after steeping.
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
The star herb here. Infuses the cream with its earthy, woodsy aroma.
4 tbsp unsalted butter
Softened, to melt seamlessly into those dreamy potatoes.
½ cup heavy cream
For the creamiest mashed potatoes ever. Substitute milk if needed, but cream wins for richness.
Salt & black pepper
Season to taste and bring everything together.
You’ll also need a large saucepan, a small saucepan, and a trusty potato masher or hand mixer.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Cook the potatoes: Place your chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
Infuse the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the cream and butter over medium heat. Stir to melt the butter, then toss in the garlic and rosemary. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then remove the rosemary and garlic (or mash the garlic in for extra flavor).
Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes well, return them to the pot, and mash them up! A hand mixer will give you the smoothest texture, but a classic potato masher works great too.
Combine and season: Slowly stir in the warm rosemary-garlic-infused cream, mixing until heavenly smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve: Dish it up hot, with an extra rosemary sprig or a pat of butter for flair if desired.
Step
Time Needed
Prep potatoes, garlic, and rosemary
10 minutes
Boil and simmer potatoes
15–20 minutes
Infuse cream
10 minutes
Drain, mash, and combine
5 minutes
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of cream to bring back the creaminess.
Freezer: These mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently on the stove.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Refrigerated
Up to 4 days
Frozen
Up to 1 month
Pro Tip: If reheated mashed potatoes seem dry, a splash of cream or milk works miracles.
Tweaks and Variations
Dial up the garlic: Love garlic? Mash the steeped cloves right into the potatoes for extra punch.
Herb swap: Not into rosemary? Thyme or sage will add their own cozy vibes to the dish.
Lighter version: Use milk instead of cream, or cut back on the butter.
Scalable recipe: Halve the ingredients for a romantic “Thanksgiving sides for two” or double for a festive holiday crowd.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes elevate a classic side by introducing aromatic depth and subtle earthiness. The rosemary’s pine-like notes complement the sweetness of roasted garlic, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances the natural creaminess of the potatoes without overpowering them.
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Finding the Perfect Balance with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This rosemary garlic mashed potatoes recipe didn’t come together overnight. After a few attemptslike once forgetting the garlic altogetherI finally nailed the balance of earthy rosemary and creamy potatoes. It’s been a gradual, tasty process that turned into a family favorite, and I’m excited to share the version that’s truly foolproof.
FAQs ( Best Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes )
Can I make rosemary garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! These mashed potatoes are perfect for meal prep and work wonderfully as make-ahead Thanksgiving sides. You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F with a splash of cream or milk to restore their creamy texture. This makes them ideal for busy holiday cooking when you need to manage multiple dishes at once.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are the gold standard for the best Thanksgiving potatoes because they have the perfect balance of starch and creaminess. Russet potatoes also work well if you prefer a fluffier texture, while red potatoes will give you a slightly chunkier, more rustic mash. For the silkiest results, stick with Yukon Gold – they naturally create that restaurant-quality smooth and buttery finish that makes these rosemary garlic mashed potatoes truly special.
How much fresh rosemary should I use?
For 2 pounds of potatoes, use about 2-3 tablespoons of fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped. Fresh rosemary has a strong, piney flavor that can easily overpower the dish, so start with less and taste as you go. If you’re using dried rosemary, cut the amount in half since dried herbs are more concentrated. The key is achieving that perfect aromatic balance where the rosemary enhances rather than dominates these cream mashed potatoes.
Can I substitute the garlic with garlic powder?
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor depth, you can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 3-4 fresh cloves called for in the recipe. However, fresh roasted garlic will give you that sweet, mellow flavor that makes this one of the best fall meal recipes. Consider roasting a whole bulb of garlic beforehand – the caramelized cloves will mash beautifully into the potatoes and create an incredibly rich flavor profile.
Are these mashed potatoes suitable for small gatherings?
Yes! This recipe scales down beautifully and works perfectly as Thanksgiving sides for two or small family dinners. Simply halve all the ingredients for an intimate meal, or keep the full recipe since leftover rosemary garlic mashed potatoes reheat wonderfully and make excellent potato pancakes the next day. They’re also fantastic as a base for shepherd’s pie or as a comforting side for winter dinner recipes throughout the season.
Last Bite: Why You’ll Love These Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes come together in under 40 minutes, with creamy, dreamy texture and that cozy herb-and-garlic hug you crave in the best Thanksgiving potatoes. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but soulful enough to steal the show at holiday feasts.
Feel free to play with garlic levels or swap rosemary for sageboth bring their own magic. Leftovers? Reheat gently with a splash of cream for that fresh-from-the-pot feel. (Pro tip: I picked that one up from longtime home cooks who swear by it!)
Got a twist you love? Snap a pic or drop a note below. Did this recipe remind you of any cozy family classics? Share the love and make someone’s next fall meal a little brighter. Trust me, you’ll wanna make it again.
These Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy and infused with fresh rosemary and garlic. Perfect as a Best Thanksgiving Potatoes side dish, they work well for both holiday gatherings and everyday dinners. Try these Cream Mashed Potatoes for a comforting Recipes For Dinner Winter meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.
While the potatoes are cooking, heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is warm.
Add the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs to the warmed cream mixture. Let it steep for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove the rosemary sprigs and discard the garlic cloves or mash them in if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
Drain the potatoes well in a colander. Return them to the pot and use a potato masher ricer or hand mixer to mash them until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the mashed potatoes mixing until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot garnished with additional fresh rosemary sprigs and butter if desired.
Notes
1
Nutritional information is only an estimate
The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed
The nutritional value will vary based on the type of ingredients used
It does not include the nutrition for any substitutions or additions
2
Be sure to check out the Key Ingredients along with the Recipe Tips and Notes sections found in the post for more tips options substitutions and variations for this recipe You will also find step-by-step photos
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
