Okay, let’s talk comfort food, my friends! Is there anything quite as soul-soothing as a bowl of perfectly creamy mashed potatoes? Well, I’m here to tell you that it gets even better. My Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is a dinnertime win, packed with flavor and surprisingly simple to make, even on the busiest weeknights. This is how Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes became a staple in our home.
Years ago, I was searching for a way to jazz up our usual mashed potatoes. We needed a comforting side that was also a bit more exciting. My kids gave it two thumbs up (which is a HUGE win in my book!). I’m thrilled to share this sanity-saving comfort food with you today.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you need to whip up a batch of these dreamy Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Don’t worry; the list is short and sweet!

- 2.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered: These make the creamiest mashed potatoes, hands down!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that punchy flavor.
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary: Adds a woodsy, aromatic touch.
- ½ cup heavy cream: For that luscious, velvety texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Because butter makes everything better, right?
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial!
Trust me, this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.
Comfort-focused ingredient swap: I have used milk instead of heavy cream in the past if that’s all I have available. But the heavy cream definitely offers a better richness. My family gets extra comfort when I add a little bit of Parmesan cheese. Don’t be afraid to customize the rosemary mashed potatoes to your family’s liking!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to transform those simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. These instructions are written like we are cooking together.
- Boil the potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Don’t worry if your Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes looks a little lumpy at this stage.
- Sauté the garlic and rosemary: While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh rosemary sprigs. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Your Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes should smell amazing by now. This step brings out the flavors of the herbs and garlic. For another aromatic twist, check out this Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes recipe.
- Drain the potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well in a colander. Return them to the pot. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! I like to use a potato ricer to make them extra creamy.
- Mash the potatoes: Use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream and the sautéed garlic and rosemary (including the melted butter) to the potatoes. Continue to mash until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Season and serve: Season the Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes – learn from my experience! I used to not salt them enough.
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You can substitute dried rosemary for fresh, but fresh really makes a difference. I have found that dried herbs lack the robust flavor of fresh herbs.
While your Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This garlic mashed potatoes recipe is very forgiving. So don’t be afraid to experiment.
How We Love to Eat This!
This Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes is a star on its own, but it also plays well with others! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this comforting side dish.
The kids devour this comforting Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes when I serve it with Rosemary Dijon Chicken. My family likes dipping everything in the mashed potatoes! This herb mashed potatoes recipe is fantastic paired with roast chicken or pork tenderloin.
This Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I often serve it with a simple green salad and some grilled chicken for a complete and satisfying meal. For Thanksgiving, this is a must-have on our table! My guests always rave about how flavorful it is. If you love potatoes as much as we do, check out my recipe for Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup!
I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Another way to add more flavor is to melt a little extra butter on top before serving. If you have leftovers, try using them in shepherd’s pie!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you busy moms have questions, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones about this recipe. Remember, simple comfort food is the goal!
Is this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! Potatoes are packed with nutrients and fiber. The added butter and cream make them even more satisfying. Plus, the delicious flavor encourages kids to eat their veggies! For another family favorite, consider these Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes slow cooker version!
What if my picky eater won’t try this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes?
Start by offering a small taste alongside something they already love. You can also try pureeing the Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a smoother texture. Another mom told me her kid likes the rosemary mashed potatoes better with gravy, which covers up the green specks.
Can I meal prep this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes for busy weeks ahead?
You sure can! Make the mashed potatoes according to the recipe instructions, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
While Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor, you can also use Russet potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. The Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes might be a little less creamy. You might also want to try this Rosemary Mashed Potatoes recipe.
What other herbs could I use in this dish?
Thyme, oregano, or even a little bit of sage would also be delicious in these mashed potatoes. Consider adding some fresh dill to the garlic mashed potatoes recipe.
Is it possible to make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened plant-based milk and use a plant-based butter alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing.
How can I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?
Avoid over-mixing the potatoes, as this can release too much starch and result in a gluey texture. Mash them gently until just smooth. Similar to this recipe, my Roasted Garlic Potato Soup has similar techniques.
Final Thoughts:
My hope is that this Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe becomes a go-to in your family’s rotation, bringing comfort and smiles to your table. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. So, relax, have fun, and let the deliciousness happen!
This Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe supports your family’s comfort food goals because it is satisfying, easy to prepare, and adaptable to different preferences.
Here are my Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes Comfort Hacks:
- Roast the garlic: Roasting the garlic before adding it to the mashed potatoes will give it a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
- Add cheese: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Use broth instead of cream: For a lighter version, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of heavy cream.

Family-tested Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes variations include adding roasted vegetables, bacon bits, or a swirl of pesto. My son prefers his with extra butter, while my daughter loves a sprinkle of cheese on top. My husband is a fan of the classic version as described in the garlic mashed potatoes recipe.
Remember, this is your kitchen, your family, and your comfort food journey. Make it your own way! So go ahead and whip up a batch of these satisfying Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Enjoy!
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, comforting mashed potatoes infused with aromatic rosemary and savory garlic. This classic side dish is elevated with simple ingredients for a flavorful and crowd-pleasing accompaniment to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes well and return them to the pot.
- Add garlic, butter, milk/cream, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Mash potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the potatoes. You can also use vegetable broth instead of milk or cream for a lighter option.

