Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your mashed potato game, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes. These creamy, dreamy potatoes are not just a side dish; they are the star of the show! Picture this: fluffy red potatoes whipped together with a rich brown butter, a hint of horseradish for that delightful kick, and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan. Trust me, once you serve these at your next family gathering or cozy weeknight dinner, you’ll be declared the culinary hero.

What makes this recipe so special is how simple it is. You can whip it up in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or festive occasions like Thanksgiving. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit into any meal rotation. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The nutty aroma of brown butter combined with the creamy potatoes creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can make this delicious side dish without any stress.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these mashed potatoes—it’s comfort food at its finest!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a unique twist every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. Gather them all up, and let’s create something magical!

• 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 Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and tailor it to your taste preferences.

• Add some greens: Stir in some cooked spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Cheesy goodness: Mix in different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for an extra cheesy version.
• Herb infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives for a fresh flavor boost.
• Spicy kick: If you love heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or use spicy horseradish sauce.

How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Scrub the potatoes clean and chop them into even pieces. The smaller they are, the faster they’ll cook! Once boiling, add the potatoes and simmer until fork-tender—this usually takes about 20-35 minutes depending on their size.

Step 2: Mash It Up!

After draining the water from your cooked potatoes, return them to the pot or place them in a large bowl. Now it’s time to add the magic! Include milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, parsley, and Parmesan. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to taste it as you go—you might want just a tad more horseradish sauce for that perfect kick!

Step 3: Brown the Butter

In another pot or skillet over medium heat, melt the butter while stirring frequently. Watch closely as it begins foaming—this means it’s almost there! As soon as it turns brown and gives off that delicious nutty aroma with tiny specks at the bottom, remove it from heat immediately. This step adds depth of flavor that makes these mashed potatoes truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Serve with Style

You can either mix all that lovely brown butter right into the mashed potatoes or offer it on the side so everyone can drizzle their own portion over each serving. I personally love letting guests drizzle their butter—it feels fancy and fun!

And there you have it—perfectly indulgent Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes ready for any occasion! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Making perfect brown butter mashed potatoes is all about technique and a little love. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time!

• Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes are great for their creamy texture and natural sweetness, but Yukon Golds also work beautifully if you prefer a richer flavor. They hold up well when mashed and give a silky finish.

• Don’t rush the browning process: Patience is key when browning butter. Stir it frequently and watch carefully; this step infuses your mashed potatoes with a nutty flavor that elevates the dish to new heights.

• Adjust the creaminess: Feel free to play with the quantities of milk and sour cream based on your preference for creaminess. Start with what’s suggested, then add more if you like your mashed potatoes extra dreamy!

• Taste as you go: Don’t be shy about adding more horseradish sauce or seasonings as you mix. A little extra kick can transform your mashed potatoes into something truly special!

• Let them rest: After mashing, let your potatoes sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully and makes them easier to serve.

How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to serving these delicious brown butter mashed potatoes, presentation matters! Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting side dish that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: Fresh chives add a lovely pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes.
• Extra grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top adds an enticing salty finish while enhancing the overall flavor.
• Toasted nuts: For an unexpected crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts over the top. They not only add texture but also a delightful nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with brown butter.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in garlic and olive oil offer a fresh contrast to creamy mashed potatoes, making them an excellent pairing.
• Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with honey bring a touch of sweetness that balances perfectly with savory mashed potatoes.
• Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with maple balsamic glaze provide a tangy-sweet addition that complements the richness of the potatoes.
• Grilled Lemon Chicken: Juicy lemon-infused grilled chicken makes for a fantastic protein option alongside these buttery mashed potatoes, ensuring a hearty meal.

These ideas will not only enhance your brown butter mashed potatoes but also create a harmonious dining experience that everyone will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are not only a crowd-pleaser but also an excellent choice for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance, making weeknight dinners or holiday feasts much easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the mashed potatoes cool completely.
• Spoon into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best quality, consume within one month.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For stovetop reheating, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess while reheating in the microwave until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes.

Can I use other types of potatoes for Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

Yes! While red potatoes create a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or white potatoes for similar results. Just note that different varieties may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I make my Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes extra creamy?

To achieve extra creaminess, ensure you add enough milk and sour cream when mashing. Additionally, using a hand mixer instead of a potato masher can help whip more air into the potatoes.

What can I substitute for horseradish sauce in Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

If you’re not keen on horseradish sauce, consider using Dijon mustard or prepared mustard for a tangy kick. Alternatively, you could simply omit it if you’d prefer classic mashed potatoes!

How do I know when my brown butter is ready?

Your brown butter is ready when it has turned golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Keep stirring to avoid burning; the tiny brown specks at the bottom indicate it’s done!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes brings joy and comfort to your dining table! It’s truly special with its rich flavors and creamy texture that everyone will adore. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations with me. Happy cooking!

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