If you think mashed potatoes can’t get any better, wait until you try these Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes. This dish takes creamy, buttery mashed potatoes to a whole new level by introducing the tangy, bold flavor of blue cheese perfectly balanced with fresh rosemary. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist, ideal for elevating your weeknight dinners or stealing the show at holiday feasts. Every bite melts smoothly in your mouth, with just the right herby aroma and bursts of sharp, savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, familiar ingredients that come together in a harmonious way to create something truly special. Each component plays an important role in building texture, flavor, and that gorgeous golden color you expect from a perfect mash.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture makes them ideal for fluffy mashed potatoes without becoming gluey.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich, velvety smoothness and enhances the natural potato flavor.
- Whole milk: Brings gentle creaminess to the mash; warming it slightly helps it absorb better.
- Blue cheese: The star ingredient that introduces a pungent, tangy punch that melts luxuriously into the potatoes.
- Fresh rosemary: Offers an aromatic, piney freshness that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic powder: Provides gentle background warmth that lifts the dish without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors beautifully and balance the richness.
How to Make Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water to prevent uneven cooking. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and let the potatoes cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. This is the base of your creamy mash, so getting the texture right here is key.
Step 2: Mash and Add Butter
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add the unsalted butter right away and begin mashing the potatoes while they are still warm. The butter should melt into the potatoes, giving you a smooth and luscious start. Mashing while warm is essential to get that silky consistency without lumps.
Step 3: Incorporate Warm Milk
Warm the whole milk before adding it slowly to your mashed potatoes while continuing to mash. This gradual addition allows you to control the creaminess and ensures the mash remains light and fluffy rather than dense. The warm milk blends seamlessly, making the potatoes irresistibly smooth.
Step 4: Mix in Blue Cheese and Rosemary
Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese along with the finely chopped fresh rosemary. The heat from the mashed potatoes will melt the cheese, creating pockets of rich flavor throughout. The rosemary introduces a fresh, herbaceous lift that balances the tang of the blue cheese beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings accentuate the complex flavors of the cheese and herbs without overpowering them. Serve your Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
A small sprig of fresh rosemary on top instantly elevates the dish visually and enhances the herbal aroma with every bite. You can also sprinkle a bit more crumbled blue cheese or a light drizzle of melted butter for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats like beef, lamb, or chicken, thanks to their rich, tangy flavor profile. They also make a decadent complement to holiday staples such as turkey or ham, adding a layer of sophisticated comfort to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes in individual ramekins topped with crispy fried shallots or toasted walnuts for crunch. You can also pipe the mash onto serving plates with a piping bag for a visually stunning effect that’s perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing to keep the flavors fresh and the texture creamy.
Freezing
This mash freezes well, which is perfect for meal prepping or saving extra servings. Place the cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before freezing. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss in quality.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw the mash overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every minute for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy, buttery texture ideally suited for this recipe, you can use Russets for a fluffier texture. Just be mindful they may absorb liquids differently, so adjust your milk quantity accordingly.
Is it possible to use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, dried rosemary can be used but it’s more concentrated than fresh. Use about half the amount called for in the recipe to avoid overpowering the dish. Crush the dried rosemary slightly to release more aroma before mixing it in.
How strong is the blue cheese flavor? Can it be toned down?
The blue cheese adds a distinct tang, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference. Using a milder blue cheese like Gorgonzola Dolce will give a softer flavor, while stronger varieties will create a more pronounced tang.
Can I make Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes vegan?
While the classic recipe relies on butter and milk, you can substitute vegan butter and a plant-based milk (like oat or cashew) for a vegan version. Use a vegan blue cheese alternative or skip the cheese and add nutritional yeast for umami flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid lumpy mashed potatoes?
Cooking the potatoes evenly until fork-tender and draining them thoroughly is crucial. Mash them while still warm and add warm milk gradually. Using a potato ricer or masher instead of a blender prevents overworking the starches that cause gluey or lumpy texture.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — a truly irresistible side dish that brings comfort and a gourmet touch to your table. Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes are deceptively simple to make but deliver complex layers of flavor that will wow your family and guests every time. Give this recipe a go, and I promise it will become one of your new favorites to turn to for that extra special dinner.
Print
Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes combine creamy Yukon Gold potatoes with the sharp, tangy flavor of blue cheese and aromatic fresh rosemary. Perfect as a rich and flavorful side dish, they are easy to prepare on the stovetop and bring a gourmet touch to holiday meals or comforting dinner plates.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Dairy & Cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Add the butter and begin mashing until mostly smooth.
- Add Milk: Warm the milk slightly and gradually add it to the potatoes while continuing to mash to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Incorporate Cheese and Rosemary: Stir in the crumbled blue cheese and chopped rosemary, mixing gently until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the mash.
- Season and Serve: Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Serve the mashed potatoes warm, optionally garnished with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for an elegant touch.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute some or all of the milk with cream or sour cream.
- Experiment with different types of blue cheese to adjust the sharpness or mildness of the dish.
- If fresh rosemary is unavailable, use about half the amount of dried rosemary since it is more potent.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a decadent side to holiday meals.
