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If you are on the hunt for a truly comforting, silky, and herb-kissed side dish, look no further than this Creamy Rosemary Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This classic version elevates simple yellow potatoes with fresh rosemary’s aromatic charm and a rich blend of butter and half & half that creates a dreamy, smooth texture. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or adding a touch of elegance to your holiday spread, these mashed potatoes never fail to impress with their warm, inviting flavor and luxurious creaminess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect creamy rosemary mashed potatoes is wonderfully straightforward thanks to a handful of thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: tender yellow potatoes provide that buttery texture naturally, fresh rosemary infuses the dish with fragrant earthiness, and the combo of half & half and butter guarantees that signature smooth richness.
- Yellow Potatoes (2 Pounds): Their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture make them the ideal base for mashed potatoes.
- Half & Half (1 Cup): Adds richness and smoothness without overpowering the delicate potato flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (4 Tablespoons): Provides a luscious mouthfeel and perfectly complements the rosemary.
- Fresh Rosemary (1-2 Sprigs): The star herb here, giving the potatoes that delightful aromatic lift.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes throughout the cooking and mashing process.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the creaminess.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Creamy Rosemary Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Boil Your Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the yellow potatoes into even chunks so they cook uniformly. Placing them in cold water with a pinch of salt helps season them from the inside out. Bring this to a rolling boil then reduce to a gentle simmer until the potatoes become tender, which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly soft potatoes ready to mash.
Step 2: Infuse the Half & Half with Rosemary
While your potatoes cook, gently warm the half & half with the fresh rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan over low heat. This allows the beautiful pine-like fragrance of rosemary to seep into the dairy without boiling away the delicate herbal notes. Once infused for approximately five minutes, remove and discard the rosemary to keep the flavor balanced and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Butter and Infused Cream
Add the butter to the rosemary-infused half & half, continuing to warm until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is pleasantly warm to the touch. This luxurious combination is what makes the mash irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
Step 4: Mash the Potatoes to Perfection
Drain your potatoes well and then pass them through a potato ricer into a large mixing bowl to ensure a silky, lump-free texture. Avoid vigorous mashing; instead, gently fold in the warm butter and cream mixture with a spoon or spatula, letting the potatoes soak up all the lusciousness.
Step 5: Season and Final Touches
Finally, season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This step transforms simple potatoes into an extraordinary side dish. Give the mashed potatoes a gentle fold to fully incorporate the seasoning before transferring to a serving dish. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for that beautiful pop of green and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Rosemary Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives not only adds a vibrant green color but also a subtle herbaceous freshness that complements the rosemary perfectly. For an extra indulgent touch, a small pat of butter on top that melts into the warm potatoes is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Rosemary Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb. It’s especially delightful alongside a juicy roast chicken or a savory beef stew. The creamy texture and herbal notes bring balance and comfort to hearty mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, consider piping the mashed potatoes into rosettes using a piping bag with a star tip and lightly broiling until golden on top. Another fun idea is layering them in a casserole dish topped with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for a gratin-inspired twist—still creamy but with a satisfyingly crispy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them cold helps preserve the creamy texture and fresh rosemary notes, so you can enjoy that comforting taste even after your initial meal.
Freezing
You can freeze these mashed potatoes for up to 2 months by placing them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to cool them completely before freezing to maintain the best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps restore their creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to keep the potatoes velvety smooth and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, russet or Yukon Gold potatoes can be used as well. Just keep in mind that russets can be a bit fluffier, so adjust the dairy quantity slightly for desired creaminess.
How important is fresh rosemary versus dried?
Fresh rosemary delivers a brighter, more vibrant flavor that infuses beautifully into the half & half. Dried rosemary can be used in a pinch but tends to be more potent and less fragrant, so use sparingly and consider adding it during cooking for best results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the half & half with a full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The rosemary infusion will still provide plenty of flavor to keep the dish delicious.
What’s the best way to achieve perfectly smooth mashed potatoes?
Passing the boiled potatoes through a ricer is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Avoid using a food processor or blender, which can make potatoes gluey. Gently folding in warm butter and cream ensures the perfect consistency.
Can I prepare the rosemary-infused cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can infuse the half & half with rosemary up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and gently warm it again before adding butter and mixing with the potatoes to retain the fresh flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about a bowl of creamy, herb-infused mashed potatoes that warms you from the inside out. This Creamy Rosemary Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like home—simple ingredients transformed by love and a touch of rosemary magic. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a beloved part of your meals too!
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Creamy Rosemary Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Creamy Mashed Potatoes offers a smooth, velvety texture infused with the delicate flavor of fresh rosemary. Made with yellow potatoes, half & half, and butter, it results in a comforting side dish perfect for any meal. The potatoes are boiled to tender perfection, infused with aromatic rosemary in warming cream, and finished with fresh herbs for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 Pounds Yellow Potatoes (Peeled and Cut Into Chunks)
Dairy
- 1 Cup Half & Half
- 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1–2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Chives (For Garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut yellow potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 1-2 teaspoons of salt to the pot to season the potatoes while boiling.
- Boil Potatoes: Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the potatoes gently until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Infuse Cream: While the potatoes cook, combine the half & half and fresh rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat for about 5 minutes to let the rosemary infuse its flavor. Remove and discard the rosemary sprigs.
- Melt Butter in Cream: Add the unsalted butter to the warmed rosemary-infused half & half and continue heating until the butter has fully melted and the mixture is warm.
- Rice Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and pass them through a potato ricer into a large mixing bowl to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm butter and infused cream mixture over the riced potatoes.
- Mix Gently: Using a spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold the cream and butter into the potatoes until fully incorporated, making sure not to overmix to keep the potatoes light and airy.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to the mashed potatoes according to your preference, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using a potato ricer ensures the mashed potatoes are light and lump-free.
- Infusing the half & half with rosemary adds a subtle herbal flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Adjust salt and pepper gradually to suit your taste preferences.
- Yellow potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their creamy texture; Yukon Gold is a common variety.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute all or part of the half & half with heavy cream.
