Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe – Creamy Holiday Side Dish with Herbs & Butter
These Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate savory side dish—velvety smooth, rich in flavor, and infused with aromatic herbs. Roasted garlic and fresh rosemary elevate classic mashed potatoes into a gourmet comfort food that’s perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or elegant entertaining. Made with real butter, cream, and Yukon Gold potatoes, this recipe delivers a luxurious texture and bold flavor in every bite. Serve with roasted meats or vegetarian mains for a crowd-pleasing pairing.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Comfort Food, holiday favorite, Side Dish
Cuisine Rustic European / Modern American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal
Large pot
Colander
Foil
Baking sheet
Potato masher or ricer
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups & spoons
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bulb garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting garlic)
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more for boiling water)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup cream cheese or Parmesan for extra richness
- Optional: olive oil and oat milk for dairy-free version
Roast Garlic: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wrap garlic cloves in foil with olive oil. Roast for 30–40 minutes until golden and soft.
Boil Potatoes: Place cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain & Steam: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Let sit uncovered for 2–3 minutes to steam off excess moisture.
Mash: Add butter, warm cream, milk, roasted garlic, and rosemary. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Season: Stir in salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve: Garnish with extra rosemary, cracked pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil.
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For ultra-smooth texture, use a potato ricer.
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Mash while potatoes are hot for best absorption of butter and cream.
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Roast garlic ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
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Make ahead: Store in fridge for 2 days or freeze in portions for up to 1 month.
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Reheat gently with added cream or butter to restore texture.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Potatoes, garlic, holiday sides, Mashed Potatoes, rosemary