There’s just something about mashed potatoes that says, “home.” But when you infuse them with the earthy punch of garlic and the comforting aroma of fresh rosemary, you get something even better; Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes. These are no ordinary mashed spuds. They’re buttery, creamy, and just herby enough to make everyone at the table do a double take… and then ask for seconds.
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and a believer that simple recipes, when done right, are the most memorable. These rosemary garlic mashed potatoes are one of those dishes. I made them the first Thanksgiving my husband and I hosted together, and they’ve been on our table ever since. He’s a food lover who lives for the little flavor notes, and this dish hits every single one. From the roasted garlic to the fragrant rosemary, this is a mash worth remembering.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real: mashed potatoes are expected on Thanksgiving. But this twist? It’s what makes people talk about the mashed potatoes instead of just piling them on the side.
First, the garlic. Instead of tossing in raw garlic and hoping for the best, we slow-roast it until it’s soft and sweet. No bitterness, just mellow flavor. Then there’s the rosemary, which adds this savory, woodsy vibe that pairs beautifully with all the other holiday stars like this Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey or Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.
Also, this recipe gives you restaurant-level creaminess without any fancy gadgets or extra fuss. It’s family-friendly, beginner-friendly, and ready in under 40 minutes. Honestly, this dish feels fancy without being fussy; just the way Thanksgiving sides should be.
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These rosemary garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect Thanksgiving side dish; creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Roasted garlic and fresh rosemary turn classic mashed potatoes into something special.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
6–8 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
6 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half), warm
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Roast garlic cloves at 375°F for 25–30 minutes with olive oil until soft.
2. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–18 minutes or until tender.
3. Drain potatoes and return to pot.
4. Mash potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, and warm cream until smooth.
5. Stir in rosemary and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm with additional rosemary garnish.
Notes
You can substitute Yukon Golds for creamier texture.
Make ahead: Store mashed potatoes in the fridge and reheat with extra cream.
Add a swirl of sour cream or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled, Mashed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few pantry and fridge staples to pull this off. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed | 3 pounds |
| Garlic cloves, peeled | 6–8 cloves |
| Fresh rosemary (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Butter | 6 tbsp |
| Heavy cream (or half & half) | 1 cup (warm) |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Feel free to double this recipe for a big gathering or pair it with other holiday sides like this Green Bean Casserole.
How to Make Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This recipe is broken down into easy steps, each one made to get you that perfect creamy mash without fail.
- Step 1: Roast the garlic.
Place peeled garlic cloves in a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle with olive oil, cover with foil, and roast at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. The garlic should be golden and fork-tender. - Step 2: Boil the potatoes.
In a large pot, cover cubed potatoes with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and boil until soft, about 15–18 minutes. Drain well. - Step 3: Mash and mix.
Return the drained potatoes to the hot pot (this helps evaporate leftover moisture). Add roasted garlic, butter, and warm cream. Mash until smooth. Stir in rosemary, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
This creamy side pairs wonderfully with hearty sides like Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin.
Tips and Variations
- Make it even creamier: Use a mix of heavy cream and sour cream for added richness. Want a silky finish? Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer.
- Add a flavor twist: A pinch of nutmeg or Parmesan cheese adds a subtle upgrade. Or swirl in creamy garlic sauce for a bold garlic punch.
- No rosemary? Try fresh thyme or sage for an earthy holiday alternative. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried rosemary works, just use half the amount.
- Make-ahead tip: These mashed potatoes can be made the day before. Just reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of cream and a pat of butter stirred in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make rosemary garlic mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, and they reheat beautifully! Just warm them on low heat with extra cream or butter to bring back the smooth texture.
What’s the best potato for mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes are best for fluffy mash, while Yukon Golds give a richer, creamier consistency. You can even combine the two.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Use about ½ tablespoon of dried rosemary since it’s more concentrated in flavor.
How do I avoid gluey mashed potatoes?
Don’t overmix! Use a hand masher or potato ricer, and avoid food processors or electric mixers which can make the texture gummy.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving, make your mashed potatoes the dish everyone raves about. These rosemary garlic mashed potatoes are cozy, flavorful, and simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough for your holiday table. Serve them up beside turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings, and get ready to hear, “Wow, what’s in these mashed potatoes?”
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
