Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for any meal. It’s smooth and creamy with a rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter and just the right amount of seasoning. Not to mention, the looks of it are just as gorgeous and appetizing as the flavor!

Whether you’re looking for something unique to serve at a holiday meal or just want to add some gourmet flair to your weeknight dinner, this mashed potatoes recipe takes the humble spud to a whole new level. The addition of brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that you won’t find in your regular mashed potatoes. Plus, mashed potatoes with brown butter can be paired with almost any protein, from Stuffed Chicken Breasts and Parmesan Crusted Chicken to Roast Beef and Creamy Garlic Salmon.

Why You'll Love this Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe

• That brown butter. The moment you add brown butter to your mashed potatoes, you might wonder why you haven’t been doing this all along! It’s amazing how much flavor it adds that you probably won't be able to go back to regular mashed potatoes.
• Super simple to make. This brown butter potato recipe is so easy to follow yet it still adds a gourmet touch to your meal. It takes about 30 minutes to make and all you need are potatoes, butter, cream, cheese, and seasonings.
• Perfect for entertaining. Everyone loves mashed potatoes, and these brown butter ones will probably become a new favorite. It doesn't take long to make, so you can easily whip it up for last-minute guests. You can even make it ahead of time if you’re serving a large crowd.
• Incredibly creamy. If you’ve ever been disappointed by dry, lumpy mashed potatoes, making this mashed potato with brown butter recipe will turn that around. The combination of butter, sour cream, and whole milk makes the creamiest and fluffiest mashed potatoes ever!

Ingredient Notes

To make easy and delicious Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• potatoes - I use Russets in this recipe, which are starchy and perfect for mashing. But Yukon Gold works great as well!
• butter - use unsalted butter to make the brown butter. Browning the butter is an extremely easy process yet it adds tons of amazing flavors to the mashed potatoes.
• garlic - fresh garlic is always best!
• sour cream - this adds a slightly tangy flavor and makes the mashed potatoes extra creamy. You can also use Greek yogurt if that’s all you have.
• whole milk - use whole milk to get the perfect consistency without thinning the flavors. You can also use heavy cream — especially if you’re using Greek yogurt which is thinner and lower in fat.
• Parmesan cheese - I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
• salt and black pepper - season to taste.
• fresh parsley - optional, for serving.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large pot, a saucepan or skillet, and potato masher (or fork).

How to Make the Best Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

1. Cook potatoes. Add the potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until fork tender, about 10-15 minutes. If you can easily insert a fork into the potatoes, then they are ready.

2. Brown the butter. While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Use a rubber spatula, and begin stirring as soon as the butter melts. Continuously stir throughout the entire process to prevent burning. The butter will start to foam and sizzle after a few minutes. Add garlic and continue to sauté. You will start to see the milk solids on the bottom of the pan. Keep cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and gives off a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Once the milk solids turn a toasty brown colour, immediately remove from heat and set aside.

3. Mash potatoes. Drain the water from the potatoes and mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork.

4. Combine ingredients. Add half of the garlic brown butter mixture, sour cream, milk, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth. Add more milk if needed until desired creamy texture is reached.

5. Serve. Transfer to the mashed potatoes to a round serving dish and use the back of a spoon to swirl it on the serving dish. Drizzle the remaining garlic brown butter mixture on top. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve these delicious Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes with proteins, salads, vegetables, and other side dishes. Some of our favorites to pair with it are:

• Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites
• Roast Turkey
• Garlic Rosemary Rack of Lamb
• Ribeye Steak
• Lemon Parmesan Green Beans

How to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Sick of leftover mashed potatoes? No problem! Repurpose them into something new! These are some of our favorite ways to use up leftover brown butter mashed potatoes:

• Mashed Potato Balls
• Mashed Potato Soup
• Potato Dinner Rolls
• Mashed Potato Cakes
• Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Keep the leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk, and cover with a lid or foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Put the brown butter mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

More Mashed Potato Recipes

• The Best and Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
• Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Mashed Red Potatoes
• Healthy Mashed Potatoes

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