Savory Herb Mashed Potatoes

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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These Savory Herb Mashed Potatoes are a game-changer at any dinner table. They combine creamy russet potatoes with aromatic herbs and a touch of Parmesan for a side dish that's both comforting and elegant. Perfect for holiday feasts or a cozy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients for Savory Herb Mashed Potatoes

The star of this dish is the humble russet potatoes, chosen for their high starch content which makes for fluffy, smooth mash. The unsalted butter adds richness, while the heavy cream ensures a luxurious texture. A touch of garlic infuses the potatoes with warm, savory notes. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. The rosemary and thyme bring a fresh, earthy aroma, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a subtle depth and umami flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer after boiling.
  • Warm your cream before adding it to prevent the potatoes from cooling too quickly.
  • If you prefer a tangy twist, substitute half of the cream with sour cream.
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; potatoes can handle a good amount of salt.

Serving Suggestions

These mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or beef, making them an excellent choice for holiday meals. For a comforting weeknight dinner, serve them alongside grilled chicken or a hearty vegetable stew. They also complement a simple green salad perfectly, balancing flavors and textures on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore their creamy texture.
What can I use if I don't have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be substituted, though use them sparingly as they are more concentrated. About a third of the amount of fresh herbs should suffice.
Can I freeze the mashed potatoes?
While possible, freezing can change the texture slightly. If you do freeze them, reheat with some extra cream or butter to help restore creaminess.

Savory Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and infuses them with flavor right from the start. Add your cubed russet potatoes and let them cook until they're tender — you should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, which usually takes about 15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the pot. This step is crucial as it helps evaporate any excess moisture, giving you a creamier mash. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook until it's fragrant, which takes about a minute. Be sure not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.

Add the heavy cream to the butter and garlic, warming it gently. This helps everything blend smoothly with the potatoes later on. Now, grab your potato masher or an electric mixer set on low speed and start mashing the potatoes. As you mash, gradually pour in the butter and cream mixture, stirring until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Finally, stir in the salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until well combined, and serve immediately for best results. You can garnish with a few extra herbs if you like — it makes for a lovely presentation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, buttery flavor with a hint of garlic and herbs.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, with ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Perfectly creamy texture without any lumps.
  • Pairs well with a variety of main dishes from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
  • Easily adaptable with your favorite herbs or cheeses.

Ingredients

3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the heavy cream to the butter and garlic mixture and heat until warm.
5. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer on low speed.
6. Gradually add the butter and cream mixture to the potatoes, stirring until smooth and creamy.
7. Stir in salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

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