If there’s one side dish that deserves a permanent spot on every dinner table, it’s a bowl of Garlic Herb Butter Mashed Potatoes. They’re silky smooth, rich, and full of flavor — with the perfect balance of buttery comfort and savory herbs that make them downright irresistible.
This recipe is your go-to when you want mashed potatoes that taste extra special. The combination of roasted garlic, melted butter, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley creates an aromatic, restaurant-quality side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, steak, turkey, or fish.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a cozy weeknight meal, or an elegant dinner party, these mashed potatoes will steal the show. They’re the kind of comfort food that makes everyone go back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bursting with flavor: Roasted garlic and herb-infused butter make these potatoes incredibly rich and aromatic.
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Creamy and fluffy texture: Perfectly cooked potatoes whipped with butter and cream until silky smooth.
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Easy yet elegant: Simple ingredients, gourmet results.
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Versatile: Pairs with everything from grilled meats to vegetarian mains.
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Make-ahead friendly: Great for holidays or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery, herb-scented mashed potatoes:
For the Mashed Potatoes
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2½ to 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – Yukon Golds give creaminess, Russets are lighter and fluffier.
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1 cup heavy cream (or milk) – Warmed, for a smooth blend.
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½ cup unsalted butter – Divided; half for mashing, half for the herb butter topping.
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1½ teaspoons salt – To season both the water and potatoes.
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½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground for best flavor.
For the Garlic Herb Butter
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4 cloves garlic – Minced or roasted for mellow sweetness.
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2 tablespoons butter – For sautéing the garlic and herbs.
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1 tablespoon olive oil – Prevents the butter from burning and adds extra richness.
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley – Finely chopped.
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves – Adds earthy aroma.
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1 teaspoon rosemary – Optional, for deeper herbal flavor.
The Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes
For the creamiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes, choose your potato variety wisely:
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Yukon Gold Potatoes: Buttery, rich, and naturally creamy — ideal for smooth mash.
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Russet Potatoes: Fluffy and light, perfect for those who prefer airy mashed potatoes.
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Combination: Many cooks mix both varieties for the best of both worlds — creamy texture with a soft, fluffy finish.
Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling varieties; they tend to produce gummy mashed potatoes when mashed.
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are easy to make with simple steps that guarantee rich, flavorful results.
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
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Peel the potatoes and cut them into even chunks (about 1½ inches each).
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Place them in a large pot, then cover with cold water by one inch.
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Add 1 teaspoon of salt to season the water.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Drain and Dry
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the warm pot. Let them sit uncovered for 1–2 minutes to evaporate any excess moisture — this helps keep the mash light and fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
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In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1–2 minutes (don’t let it burn!).
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Stir in chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary, then remove from heat.
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Set aside half of this garlic herb butter to drizzle over the finished mashed potatoes later.
Step 4: Mash the Potatoes
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Use a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer on low speed to mash the potatoes until they’re mostly smooth.
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Warm the cream and the remaining butter together until melted and steamy (not boiling).
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Slowly add the warm cream mixture to the potatoes, stirring gently to combine.
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Fold in the other half of the garlic herb butter (from Step 3).
Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the reserved garlic herb butter for a glossy finish. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Serve warm and watch these disappear before your main dish hits the table!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
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Start with cold water: Helps potatoes cook evenly and prevents a gluey texture.
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Warm your butter and cream: Cold liquids cause the mash to seize up.
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Mash gently: Overmixing releases starch and makes potatoes sticky.
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Don’t skip the drying step: Steam = water, and water makes mushy potatoes.
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Use fresh herbs: They bring brightness and freshness to the dish.
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Make it ahead: Reheats beautifully for holidays or meal prep.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, you can customize your garlic herb mashed potatoes for different occasions or flavor preferences:
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, more mellow flavor. Simply roast a whole garlic bulb, squeeze out the cloves, and mash them directly into the potatoes.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Add 4 oz of cream cheese while mashing for a tangy, ultra-creamy twist.
Parmesan Herb Mashed Potatoes
Mix in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired variation.
Dairy-Free Version
Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute and swap cream for oat milk or almond milk.
Spicy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Mashed potatoes are one of the easiest sides to prepare ahead of time, which makes this recipe perfect for holiday dinners or big family gatherings.
To Make Ahead:
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Prepare the mashed potatoes completely, minus the final garlic herb butter drizzle.
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Cool them to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 300°F (150°C), adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
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Reheat the reserved garlic herb butter separately and drizzle over the top just before serving.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat:
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On the stove: Warm over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
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In the microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
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In the oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 300°F for about 15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Add a little butter or broth when reheating to bring back that fresh, creamy texture.
What to Serve with Garlic Herb Butter Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile — they go with just about any meal. Here are some great pairing ideas:
Classic Comfort Pairings
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Roasted or grilled chicken
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Baked salmon or white fish
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Meatloaf or turkey
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Sautéed vegetables or green beans
Holiday Feast Ideas
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Thanksgiving turkey or chicken
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Herb-roasted beef or lamb
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Cranberry sauce and roasted carrots
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Creamy mushroom gravy
Weeknight Dinner Favorites
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Garlic butter shrimp
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BBQ grilled chicken
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Stuffed bell peppers
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Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
They’re also a perfect side for vegetarian main dishes like lentil loaf, stuffed squash, or veggie patties.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
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Calories: 275
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Fat: 13g
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Protein: 5g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 370mg
These mashed potatoes provide the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition — rich, yet made from whole, simple ingredients.
Troubleshooting Tips
Mashed potatoes too watery?
Let them sit uncovered for a few minutes to release excess moisture, or mash in another cooked potato.
Too thick?
Add a bit more warm cream or milk and stir until the texture is smooth.
Gluey or gummy?
Overmixing is the culprit. Use a hand masher or ricer instead of a blender or food processor.
Not flavorful enough?
Season the water generously when boiling potatoes and finish with plenty of butter and herbs.
Common FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy-free butter and plant-based milk or broth.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes. Whole milk works well and keeps the texture creamy without being heavy.
Can I make them in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Cook peeled and cubed potatoes with 1 cup water for 10 minutes on high pressure, then mash as usual.
What’s the best butter for mashed potatoes?
Unsalted butter gives you full control over salt levels. For extra flavor, use European-style butter.
Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Technically yes, but the texture may change slightly. For best results, refrigerate and enjoy within 3–4 days.
How do I prevent mashed potatoes from drying out?
Store with a thin layer of butter on top or add a splash of cream when reheating.
The Secret to the Best Garlic Herb Butter
The star of this recipe is the garlic herb butter. It’s what transforms plain mashed potatoes into something spectacular.
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Roast your garlic for a nutty sweetness.
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Use fresh herbs — their aroma is irreplaceable.
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Balance butter and olive oil to keep it golden and aromatic without burning.
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Drizzle it hot over the mashed potatoes right before serving for that perfect glossy finish.
The scent alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen!
Presentation Ideas
Make your mashed potatoes look as good as they taste with these serving suggestions:
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Swirl the surface with the back of a spoon, drizzle garlic herb butter over the ridges, and sprinkle with herbs.
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Serve in a cast-iron skillet or rustic ceramic bowl for a farmhouse-style presentation.
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Add roasted garlic cloves on top for an elegant touch.
A Note on Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs elevate this dish from comforting to gourmet. The key is to chop them finely and stir them in right before serving — this preserves their vibrant color and aroma.
Best herbs for mashed potatoes:
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Parsley – fresh, bright, and classic
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Thyme – earthy and slightly lemony
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Rosemary – piney and aromatic (use sparingly)
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Chives – mild onion flavor and a pop of green
Mix and match your favorites to make this recipe your own!
Final Thoughts
Garlic Herb Butter Mashed Potatoes are proof that comfort food can also be full of fresh, vibrant flavor. With a creamy base and a golden drizzle of garlic-infused butter and herbs, this dish brings warmth, aroma, and pure satisfaction to every bite.
It’s the perfect side for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any meal where you want to impress with minimal effort. Each forkful is buttery, smooth, and loaded with flavor — the kind of side dish that transforms an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.
So the next time you want to elevate your mashed potatoes, skip the plain version and make these Garlic Herb Butter Mashed Potatoes. They’re comfort food done right — classic, cozy, and downright irresistible.
