Creamy, savory, and a little fragrant, Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a perfect comfort dish. Nothing beats a warm bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes, especially when they are infused with the rich flavors of garlic and fresh rosemary. This recipe combines tender Yukon gold potatoes with a smooth cream and buttery mixture, creating a side dish that is loved by many. Whether for a family dinner or a holiday feast, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your home.
In this article, we will explore why you should make this delicious recipe, how to prepare it step by step, and tips for serving and storing. Plus, we’ll address some common questions that may arise during cooking. Let’s jump in and discover the joy of making Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to choose Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes as your go-to side dish. First, the Yukon gold potatoes are naturally creamy and buttery, making them perfect for mashing. The addition of garlic provides a robust flavor while rosemary adds a lovely herbaceous touch. Together, these ingredients create a delightful combination that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Another reason to make this recipe is its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and is easy to follow, making it suitable for both novice cooks and experienced chefs. Plus, it takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or to accompany a special meal.
Additionally, mashed potatoes are a versatile dish. You can serve them alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as part of a vegetarian meal. They are satisfying and filling, making them an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home. With this recipe, you can create a side that truly shines and enhances any dining experience.
How to Make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Making Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes is simple and only requires a few steps. Below, we outline everything you need to know to create this wonderful side dish.
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
Directions:
Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by placing the Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, making sure that there is enough water to fully submerge the potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the water. This will help season the potatoes as they cook.
Boil the Potatoes: Turn the stove to high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and allow the potatoes to simmer. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender. You can check doneness by inserting a fork into a potato cube; it should slide in easily.
Prepare the Cream Mixture: While the potatoes are cooking, heat the heavy cream and unsalted butter together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the butter melts, and make sure it is warm but do not let it boil.
Infuse the Flavors: Add the three whole garlic cloves and two sprigs of fresh rosemary to the warm cream and butter mixture. Allow it to steep for about 10 minutes. This will give the cream a delightful garlic and rosemary flavor. After steeping, remove the rosemary and discard it. If you want a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to mash the garlic cloves into the mixture instead of removing them.
Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well in a colander. Return the potatoes to the pot and use a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer to mash them until smooth and creamy. It’s important to mash the potatoes thoroughly to achieve the perfect texture.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until everything is combined and the potatoes are creamy. Season the mashed potatoes with the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Serve: Serve the Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes hot. You can garnish them with additional fresh rosemary sprigs and a pat of butter on top if you like. Enjoy!
How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes can be served in many ways, making them a versatile addition to your meal. Here are some ideas for service:
As a Side Dish: Serve them alongside your favorite roasted meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork. They are an excellent pairing with gravy or sauces.
With Vegetables: For a vegetarian meal, serve the mashed potatoes alongside sautéed or roasted vegetables. Seasonal veggies like green beans, Brussels sprouts, or carrots work wonderfully.
Topped: Get creative with toppings! You can add shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chives, or additional rosemary on top for more flavor and texture.
In a Casserole: Combine the mashed potatoes with other ingredients to create a creamy casserole. For example, you can layer them with cooked ground meat and vegetables for a hearty dish.
Warm Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes elevate any meal, whether it’s a simple family dinner or a grand holiday feast. Serve them in a warm bowl, and watch as they become the centerpiece of your table!
How to Store Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
If you find yourself with leftovers (which can happen, considering how delicious these potatoes are), here’s how to store them:
Refrigeration: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep the mashed potatoes longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To avoid freezer burn, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat the mashed potatoes on the stovetop or in the microwave. If they seem dry after reheating, stir in a little extra cream or butter to restore their creamy texture.
Tips to Make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Potato Variety: While Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can also use Russet potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that different potatoes can affect the final taste and texture.
Don’t Over Mash: When mashing the potatoes, be careful not to overdo it. Over-mashing can make the potatoes gummy. Mash until they are just smooth.
Use Warm Ingredients: Make sure your cream and butter are warm when added to the potatoes. This helps to keep the mashed potatoes fluffy and light.
Experiment with Flavors: While this recipe includes garlic and rosemary, don’t hesitate to get creative. Add other herbs like thyme or chives, or mix in some grated cheese for added richness.
Variation
For a twist on the traditional Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, consider making:
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Mix in half a cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) into the mashed potatoes for a cheesy flavor boost.
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes: Swap some of the heavy cream for sour cream. This adds a tangy flavor and creaminess.
Whole Garlic Bulb Mashed Potatoes: Roast a whole bulb of garlic until soft and mix it into the mashed potatoes instead of using raw garlic for a sweeter, richer flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these mashed potatoes in advance?
Yes! You can make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes a day ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and simply reheat them when ready to serve.
2. How can I get my mashed potatoes fluffy?
To achieve a light and fluffy texture, avoid over-mashing the potatoes. Use a potato ricer or a hand mixer on low speed to help keep them airy.
3. What can I serve with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, fish, or even vegetable dishes. They are versatile enough to complement many main courses.
Now that you know how to make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes and how to enjoy them, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple yet delicious these mashed potatoes are, making them a must-have for any meal!
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Place the Yukon gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and unsalted butter, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (do not boil).
- Add the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs to the warm mixture and let steep for about 10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the warm cream mixture to the mashed potatoes and mix well. Season with the remaining kosher salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Serve the mashed potatoes hot. Optionally, garnish with additional rosemary sprigs and a pat of butter on top.