Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that makes your heart sing, then you’ve just found it! Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe transforms the classic mashed potatoes into something truly extraordinary with the nutty richness of brown butter, a hint of horseradish for a little kick, and the creamy goodness of sour cream and parmesan. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, special celebrations, or even just a busy weeknight when you need something hearty and fulfilling.

Imagine serving these indulgent mashed potatoes at your next gathering—your friends and family will be raving about them long after the last bite. They’re not just a side dish; they’re the star of the meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are sure to impress everyone at your table!
• Versatile Flavor: The addition of horseradish adds a unique twist that elevates the classic flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and reheat before serving for stress-free hosting.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious—these potatoes are pure comfort on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these heavenly Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Potatoes

• 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!)

For the Brown Butter

• 3/4 cup butter

Variations

One of the best things about Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes is how flexible they are! You can easily make this recipe your own with some fun variations.

• Add Some Greens: Stir in some steamed spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Cheesy Goodness: Swap out Parmesan for sharp cheddar or Gruyère for an extra cheesy version.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh flavor twist.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños or chili flakes if you love heat!

How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Scrub those red potatoes clean and chop them into equal-sized pieces. I usually go for about 1-2 inch chunks; smaller pieces mean faster cooking! Add them to the boiling water and let them simmer until fork-tender—about 20-35 minutes. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked potatoes will make all the difference in achieving that creamy texture!

Step 2: Prepare Your Mixture

Once your potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot or place them in a large mixing bowl. Now it’s time to add all those delicious ingredients: milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, parsley, and parmesan. Mash everything together until smooth using either a potato masher or a hand mixer. Don’t forget to add some horseradish sauce and mix it in—this is where you can adjust according to your taste!

Step 3: Make That Brown Butter

In a separate pot or skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Keep stirring every minute or so as it cooks. After just a few minutes, it will start foaming up—don’t panic! This is normal. As you continue stirring, watch closely as it turns golden brown with tiny specks forming at the bottom. The wonderful nutty aroma will fill your kitchen! Once it’s ready, pour it into a bowl to stop cooking.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Now comes the fun part! You can either pour all that luscious brown butter into your mashed potatoes and mix well or serve it on the side so everyone can drizzle it over their portion. Personally, I love letting people drizzle their own—it makes each bite feel even more special!

And there you have it—your amazing Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are ready to shine on your dining table! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes is a delightful journey, and I’m here to guide you with some handy tips!

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for red potatoes or Yukon Golds for a creamy texture. They have a naturally buttery flavor that complements the brown butter beautifully.

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Allow the butter to brown slowly to develop that rich, nutty flavor. If you cook it too quickly, you might miss out on all those delicious notes!

• Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Everyone has different preferences, so taste your mash before serving to ensure it’s just right.

• Use a Potato Ricer: For an ultra-smooth texture, consider using a potato ricer instead of a masher. This will help eliminate lumps and create velvety mashed potatoes.

• Serve Fresh: Mashed potatoes are best served immediately after making them. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a bowl over simmering water until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes can be presented in various delightful ways! Here are some ideas to make your dish not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Garnishes

• Chopped Chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a vibrant color and mild onion flavor that enhances your creamy mash.

• Extra Parmesan: A light dusting of grated Parmesan on top creates an inviting look and boosts that cheesy goodness.

• Crispy Onions: Adding crispy onions provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the potatoes.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Green Beans: These tender green beans tossed with garlic and olive oil provide a fresh contrast to the richness of mashed potatoes.

• Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory honey-glazed carrots add bright color and complement the earthy flavors of your potatoes perfectly.

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Juicy, herb-crusted chicken makes for a classic pairing that rounds out the meal beautifully. The herbs echo the flavors in your mashed potatoes!

• Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Serve this savory sauce over your mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist. The umami from mushrooms pairs wonderfully with the nuttiness of brown butter.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes will not only be tasty but also a highlight at any gathering! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious mashed potatoes even on the busiest days. You can prepare them ahead of time, store leftovers, or freeze portions for later use.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely at room temperature.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Press out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

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

Can I make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes without sour cream?

Absolutely! You can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or additional milk for a lighter option while still achieving creamy results.

How do I ensure my Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are fluffy?

To achieve fluffy mashed potatoes, avoid over-mixing when mashing. Use a potato masher or hand mixer just until combined.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While red potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or even russet potatoes. Just remember that different potatoes may alter the final texture slightly.

How do I add flavor variations to my Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

Feel free to experiment by adding roasted garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a sprinkle of cheese varieties beyond parmesan for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are not just any side dish; they elevate your meal with their rich flavors and creamy texture. They are perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. I hope you find joy in preparing this recipe and indulge in each delightful bite. Can’t wait for you to try it!

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