Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a dish that will steal the show at your next gathering, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are not just any mashed potatoes; they are creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and I love making it for both busy weeknights and special occasions like Thanksgiving. The sweet caramelized onions mixed in with the buttery potatoes create a comfort food experience that feels both indulgent and heartwarming.

What makes this dish truly special is how simple it is to prepare. You’ll use wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully, transforming humble potatoes into something extraordinary. Trust me, once you make these mashed potatoes, they’ll likely become your go-to side dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions and herbs creates a depth of flavor that takes traditional mashed potatoes to a new level.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: These mashed potatoes are loved by both kids and adults alike—perfect for any family meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these ahead of time and simply reheat them before serving.
• Versatile Pairing: They pair wonderfully with just about any main dish, from roasted vegetables to hearty casseroles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, we’re keeping it simple with wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a vital role in creating the most delicious mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted!

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 Yellow Onions (sliced thin and evenly)
• 2 Pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (washed)
• 4 Tablespoons Salted Butter (you can use non-dairy butter, if preferred)
• 3/4 Cup Half & Half or Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Dairy-Free Milk
• 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

For Garnishing

• 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 Bunch Chives (thinly chopped)
• 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme (stems removed)
• 3 Leaves Fresh Sage (chopped)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up!

• Add More Vegetables: Consider mixing in roasted garlic or cauliflower for an extra layer of flavor.
• Swap the Cheese: Try using feta or nutritional yeast for a different cheesy experience.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for unique flavors.
• Creamy Alternatives: Replace half & half with sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tanginess.

How to Make Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

To make these mashed potatoes, start by peeling the skin off the onions and slicing them thinly. It may seem like a lot of onions at first, but they will shrink down as they caramelize into sweet goodness!

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the sliced onions. Stir them occasionally until they turn golden brown and caramelized—this process typically takes about 40-50 minutes. The slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness, which elevates your mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

While those onions are transforming beautifully, wash your Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly and chop them into small pieces. There’s no need to peel them unless you prefer them without skin! After chopping, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the potato chunks. Boil until fork-tender—about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Mash It Up

Once your potatoes are cooked, drain the water and begin mashing them in the pot. Add in the salted butter, kosher salt, and half & half—or your chosen dairy-free alternative—and mash again until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Flavors

When your onions are fully caramelized, remove them from heat and stir half of them into your creamy potato mixture along with the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is incorporated well.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Transfer your fluffy mashed potatoes into a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, sprinkle on chopped chives, fresh thyme, sage leaves, and drizzle melted butter if desired. Serve hot and watch everyone fall in love with this comforting side dish! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect mashed potatoes takes a little patience and love, but trust me, the results are worth every minute!

• Slice onions evenly: Cutting your onions into uniform slices ensures they cook at the same rate, resulting in beautifully caramelized pieces without any burnt bits.

• Be patient with caramelization: Allowing the onions to cook slowly over medium heat gives them time to develop their natural sweetness and deep flavor. Rushing this step can lead to less flavorful onions.

• Use a potato masher: For the best texture, I recommend using a traditional potato masher instead of an electric mixer. This helps keep some of that lovely rustic feel and prevents over-mixing, which can make potatoes gluey.

• Adjust creaminess to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of half & half or coconut milk based on your preferred consistency. If you like creamier mash, add a little more; if you prefer it thicker, use less.

• Experiment with herbs: While this recipe includes thyme and sage, don’t hesitate to mix in other herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fresh twist that suits your taste buds.

How to Serve Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them beautifully will make your meal even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Fresh chives: A sprinkle of chopped chives adds a vibrant color and mild onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
• Extra parmesan: Grate some fresh parmesan on top right before serving for an added touch of richness and umami.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the dish’s flavor while adding a glossy finish that makes it look irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings a colorful and healthy contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes.

• Grilled Chicken Thighs: Marinated grilled chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, providing a satisfying protein option alongside your mashed potatoes.

• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add a lovely crunch and vibrant color, balancing out the richness of the mashed potatoes beautifully.

• Simple Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette offers brightness and acidity, making it a perfect accompaniment to round out your meal.

Enjoy bringing this delightful dish to your table! It’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their creamy goodness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the mashed potatoes completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries about these creamy mashed potatoes.

Can I use other types of potatoes for Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes?

Yes! While Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can experiment with other varieties such as Russet or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that they may yield slightly different textures.

How can I make these Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the salted butter with non-dairy butter and use full-fat coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based milk instead of half & half. The results will still be deliciously creamy!

Can I add more flavors to my Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in roasted garlic, shredded cheese blends, or additional herbs like rosemary or parsley for added flavor. Get creative and customize according to your taste preferences!

How do I ensure my onions are perfectly caramelized for my mashed potatoes?

Cook the onions slowly over low to medium heat while stirring occasionally. Patience is key—allow them ample time (about 40-50 minutes) to develop that rich, deep flavor without burning.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give these Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes a try! They bring a comforting twist to a classic favorite, making any meal feel special. With their rich flavor and creamy texture topped with caramelized onions, they are bound to impress your family and friends at dinner or during festive gatherings. Enjoy making them and let me know how they turn out—I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures!

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