Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show at any gathering, look no further than these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes. They’re creamy, flavorful, and have that nutty depth from the browned butter that takes everything up a notch. Trust me, once you serve these at dinner, your friends and family will be raving about them long after the meal is over. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

What makes these mashed potatoes special is the simplicity of the ingredients combined with the technique of browning the butter. The result? A dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to whip up! So grab your favorite pot and let’s get started on this delicious adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have mashed potatoes that taste like they came from a fancy restaurant.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves mashed potatoes! This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a holiday gathering, these potatoes are always a hit.
• Customizable Flavor: Add more horseradish if you like it spicy or switch up the cheese for different flavors.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare these ahead of time and warm them up before serving, making mealtime even easier!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes use simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5 pounds red potatoes (chopped into equal size pieces)
• 1/3 cup milk (more as needed)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2-3 tablespoons parsley (fresh, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 1/3 cup Parmesan (grated)
• 1 to 5 teaspoons horseradish sauce (taste it!)
• 3/4 cup butter

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with flavors and textures. Here are some fun variations:

• Add More Cheese: Swap out the Parmesan for cheddar or gouda for an extra cheesy twist.
• Herb It Up: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or thyme for an aromatic kick.
• Creamy Alternative: For a vegan option, use plant-based butter and sour cream alternatives.
• Spice It Up: Add roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic for a richer flavor profile.

How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Scrubbing the potatoes clean and chopping them into equal-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly. I usually cut mine into about 1-2 inch chunks. Once boiling, add the potatoes and let them simmer until fork-tender—this usually takes around 20-35 minutes depending on their size.

Step 2: Drain and Mix

Once your potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot or transfer them to a large bowl. This step is essential because residual heat helps keep the potatoes warm while you mix in all those delicious ingredients.

Step 3: Mash It All Together

Now comes the fun part! Add in your milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Using either a potato masher or hand mixer (depending on how creamy you want them), mash everything together until smooth. Don’t forget to add horseradish sauce gradually—taste as you go so you can customize it just right!

Step 4: Brown That Butter

In a separate pot or skillet over medium heat, melt your butter slowly while stirring every couple of minutes. Initially, it will foam; this is normal! Keep an eye on it as it turns brown with tiny specks forming at the bottom—this nutty aroma means it’s ready! Pour it into a bowl promptly to stop further cooking.

Step 5: Serve with Style

You can either mix all of that glorious browned butter directly into your mashed potatoes or serve it on the side so everyone can drizzle their own portion. Honestly, who doesn’t love drizzling butter over their food?

And there you have it—delicious Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes that are sure to impress! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect brown butter mashed potatoes is all about attention to detail and a little love. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose the right potatoes: Opt for red potatoes or Yukon Golds, as they have a creamy texture that holds up beautifully when mashed.

• Don’t rush the browning process: Allow the butter to brown slowly over medium heat, stirring regularly. This step is crucial for developing that rich, nutty flavor that makes these mashed potatoes truly special.

• Taste as you go: When mixing in the horseradish sauce and seasonings, take a moment to taste your potatoes. You can always adjust the flavors to suit your personal preference!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Let your milk and sour cream sit out for a bit before adding them. This helps them blend more smoothly into the warm potatoes.

• Make it ahead of time: These mashed potatoes can be prepared in advance! Just reheat them gently on the stove with a splash of milk to keep them creamy.

How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this delicious side dish! Here are some fun ideas to make your brown butter mashed potatoes shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle some additional chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Extra parmesan: A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of richness and an appealing look.
• Crispy shallots: For added crunch, consider topping with crispy fried shallots or onions for texture contrast.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts balances the creaminess of the mashed potatoes perfectly.
• Grilled chicken breast: Seasoned simply with herbs and spices, grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with these flavorful potatoes without overwhelming them.
• Garlic green beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a fresh, crunchy element that complements the softness of the mashed potatoes.
• Honey-glazed carrots: Sweet and tender honey-glazed carrots offer a delightful contrast to savory brown butter mashed potatoes, making every bite enjoyable.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress your guests (and perhaps earn yourself that Queen Thanksgiving title). Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy them whenever you want. Here’s how to keep your delicious creations fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you want to preserve the flavor, consider adding a bit more butter on top before sealing.

Freezing

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm them gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, covering them loosely and checking every minute until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes.

Can I make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes without sour cream?

Absolutely! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or simply use more milk for a lighter version. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying!

How do I achieve perfect Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

The key is in browning the butter slowly while stirring. Watch for that nutty aroma and tiny brown specks; that’s when you’ll know it’s ready to enhance your mashed potatoes!

What type of potatoes work best for Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

Red potatoes are wonderful due to their creamy texture. However, Yukon Golds also work beautifully if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.

How do I adjust the consistency of my Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

If your mashed potatoes are too thick, just add more milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it’s all about personal preference!

Final Thoughts

I hope these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes bring joy and comfort to your table! They’re not just a side dish; they’re an experience that elevates any meal. Enjoy making this recipe as much as I do—you’ll find that the rich, buttery flavor paired with hints of horseradish makes it truly special. Gather your friends and family around, try this out, and watch everyone fall in love with mashed potatoes all over again!