🎉 Introduction
Few dishes embody comfort quite like a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. They’re the ultimate side dish — warm, rich, and endlessly versatile. But when you elevate them with fresh herbs, golden butter, and a touch of crème fraîche, you transform them into something truly spectacular.
These Buttery Herbed Mashed Potatoes are velvety, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery texture, they’re infused with fresh garlic, sage, and thyme, creating a symphony of flavor in every bite. The addition of crème fraîche gives the mash a luxurious tang, balancing out the richness beautifully.
Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or a cozy Sunday roast, these mashed potatoes will steal the spotlight. They’re elegant enough for holidays but simple enough for any weeknight meal.
If you’ve only ever made traditional mashed potatoes with butter and milk, prepare to be amazed — this herbed version will make you wonder why you didn’t start making them this way sooner!
🧰 Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make the creamiest mashed potatoes ever:
- 1 large pot (for boiling potatoes)
- 1 colander (for draining)
- 1 medium saucepan (for warming milk and butter)
- 1 potato masher or hand mixer
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 knife and cutting board
🛒 Ingredients
🥔 Vegetables & Herbs
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 8 leaves fresh sage
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bunch chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
🧂 Seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🧈 Dairy
- 1 ½ sticks salted butter (¾ cup)
- ¾ cup crème fraîche
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
- Peel and quarter the Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch.
- Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and the smashed garlic cloves directly to the pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
💡 Tip: Starting with cold water ensures even cooking and prevents mushy edges.
Step 2: Infuse the Milk with Herbs
- While the potatoes cook, combine milk, butter, sage, and thyme in a small saucepan.
- Warm over low heat for 5–7 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavor.
- Do not boil — just gently warm until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and discard the herbs before using.
💡 Pro Tip: Infusing milk with herbs adds a subtle, aromatic flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
Step 3: Drain and Mash
- Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic in a colander.
- Return them to the warm pot and let sit for 2 minutes to allow steam to escape (this prevents watery mash).
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
💡 Tip: Avoid using a food processor or blender — it can overwork the starches, making the potatoes gummy.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Ingredients
- Slowly pour in the warm herbed milk mixture while continuing to mash.
- Stir in the crème fraîche and mix until creamy and well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
💡 Chef’s Secret: A touch of crème fraîche adds tangy richness that balances all that buttery goodness.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the top.
- Garnish with chopped chives and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the aroma of butter and herbs that fills your kitchen.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8–10
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday roasts, or any meal that deserves a touch of indulgence.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
These mashed potatoes store and reheat beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or holiday leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month (thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating).
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of milk and a knob of butter, stirring until creamy.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20 minutes.
💡 Tip: Add a dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of milk before reheating to keep them silky smooth.
🥄 Variations
Here are some delicious ways to customize your Buttery Herbed Mashed Potatoes:
- Garlic Parmesan Mash: Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan for cheesy richness.
- Roasted Garlic Twist: Replace boiled garlic with roasted garlic cloves for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Smoky Butter Version: Use smoked salt or smoked paprika for a subtle rustic flavor.
- Herb Lovers’ Mix: Add rosemary, parsley, or tarragon along with thyme and sage.
- Extra Creamy Mash: Use heavy cream instead of milk and increase butter by 2 tablespoons.
- Vegan Version: Substitute plant-based butter and oat milk — still rich and creamy!
- Truffle Mash: Add a drizzle of truffle oil for a decadent, restaurant-style side dish.
- Baked Mash: Spread into a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What’s the best potato for mashed potatoes?
Yukon Golds are ideal — buttery, creamy, and naturally flavorful.
2. Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, but they’re starchier — add a bit more butter and milk for creaminess.
3. Why infuse the milk with herbs?
It adds subtle, complex flavor without bits of herbs in the mash.
4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about ⅓ the amount — dried herbs are more concentrated.
5. Can I make this ahead for holidays?
Yes! Make the day before, store covered, and reheat gently with extra butter.
6. How can I make mashed potatoes fluffier?
Mash while the potatoes are hot and add warm milk — never cold ingredients!
7. Can I use sour cream instead of crème fraîche?
Yes, it will add a similar tangy richness.
8. Can I leave the skins on?
Absolutely, especially with Yukon Golds — they add texture and nutrients.
9. Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, just cool completely before freezing and thaw slowly before reheating.
10. What goes best with herbed mashed potatoes?
They’re perfect with roasted chicken, turkey, beef stew, grilled vegetables, or salmon.
🏁 Conclusion
These Buttery Herbed Mashed Potatoes are everything you want in a side dish — creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. The fresh herbs and garlic infuse every spoonful with earthy aroma, while the crème fraîche and butter give that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
It’s a recipe that feels both classic and elevated — simple enough for everyday dinners, yet special enough for your holiday table. Whether served beside a juicy roast or as the centerpiece of a vegetarian feast, these mashed potatoes are pure comfort in every bite.
Make a big batch — because everyone will be coming back for seconds.
Buttery Herbed Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, Fluffy & Full of Flavor
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Method
- Peel and quarter the Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 1 inch.
- Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and the smashed garlic cloves directly to the pot.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- 💡 Tip: Starting with cold water ensures even cooking and prevents mushy edges.
- While the potatoes cook, combine milk, butter, sage, and thyme in a small saucepan.
- Warm over low heat for 5–7 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavor.
- Do not boil — just gently warm until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and discard the herbs before using.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Infusing milk with herbs adds a subtle, aromatic flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic in a colander.
- Return them to the warm pot and let sit for 2 minutes to allow steam to escape (this prevents watery mash).
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- 💡 Tip: Avoid using a food processor or blender — it can overwork the starches, making the potatoes gummy.
- Slowly pour in the warm herbed milk mixture while continuing to mash.
- Stir in the crème fraîche and mix until creamy and well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- 💡 Chef’s Secret: A touch of crème fraîche adds tangy richness that balances all that buttery goodness.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the top.
- Garnish with chopped chives and a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the aroma of butter and herbs that fills your kitchen.
Notes
Yukon Golds are ideal — buttery, creamy, and naturally flavorful. 2. Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes, but they’re starchier — add a bit more butter and milk for creaminess. 3. Why infuse the milk with herbs?
It adds subtle, complex flavor without bits of herbs in the mash. 4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about ⅓ the amount — dried herbs are more concentrated. 5. Can I make this ahead for holidays?
Yes! Make the day before, store covered, and reheat gently with extra butter. 6. How can I make mashed potatoes fluffier?
Mash while the potatoes are hot and add warm milk — never cold ingredients! 7. Can I use sour cream instead of crème fraîche?
Yes, it will add a similar tangy richness. 8. Can I leave the skins on?
Absolutely, especially with Yukon Golds — they add texture and nutrients. 9. Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, just cool completely before freezing and thaw slowly before reheating. 10. What goes best with herbed mashed potatoes?
They’re perfect with roasted chicken, turkey, beef stew, grilled vegetables, or salmon. 🏁 Conclusion These Buttery Herbed Mashed Potatoes are everything you want in a side dish — creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. The fresh herbs and garlic infuse every spoonful with earthy aroma, while the crème fraîche and butter give that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth finish. It’s a recipe that feels both classic and elevated — simple enough for everyday dinners, yet special enough for your holiday table. Whether served beside a juicy roast or as the centerpiece of a vegetarian feast, these mashed potatoes are pure comfort in every bite. Make a big batch — because everyone will be coming back for seconds.
