If you have a soft spot for classic comfort food with a twist, this Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe will surely steal your heart. Imagine creamy Yukon gold potatoes elevated by the rich, nutty flavor of butter browned to perfection, fused with just the right hint of garlic and thyme. It’s an irresistibly cozy dish that transforms simple mashed potatoes into a star worthy of your dinner table every time you make it. Whether for a family meal or a holiday feast, these mashed potatoes are unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to whip up, making them a new favorite to turn to whenever you crave something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Setting out the right ingredients is the first step toward nailing this recipe. Each component plays a vital role in bringing out the rich flavor and velvety texture you want in your mashed potatoes, and the simplicity of this list is part of what makes this dish so approachable.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them perfect for mashing without becoming gluey.
- Salted butter: Divided to brown and enrich the potatoes, adding layers of nutty goodness.
- Garlic: Finely minced to infuse the butter with a subtle, aromatic bite that complements the richness.
- Dried thyme: Offers a mild earthiness that balances the dish beautifully.
- Milk: Warmed for creamy smoothness and easy mixing without cooling your potatoes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh thyme (optional): Adds a pop of color and flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your Yukon gold potatoes into uniform 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Place them in a large pot, cover with water by about an inch, and sprinkle in 1 ½ teaspoons of salt to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium simmer. Let the potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. After draining them, set them aside to dry slightly, which helps prevent watery mash.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and deepens the flavor profile. Return your pot to medium heat, add all 8 tablespoons of butter, and let it slowly melt. Keep a close eye and stir occasionally, because once the butter starts to turn golden, it can brown quickly. After 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll notice a fragrant, nutty scent and a rich amber color – that’s when you remove it from the heat. Reserve about 2 tablespoons for drizzling on the finished dish to add extra richness at serving.
Step 3: Infuse the Butter with Garlic and Thyme
Add the finely minced garlic to the remaining browned butter in the pot, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. This releases an intoxicating garlic fragrance without burning it. Then stir in the dried thyme, the remaining teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These simple additions really sharpen the flavor, giving the mashed potatoes a subtle savory complexity.
Step 4: Mash the Potatoes
Return your perfectly cooked potatoes to the pot with the seasoned brown butter. Pour in ¾ cup of the warmed milk to make mashing smoother and creamier. Use a potato masher or a large fork to mash the potatoes until smooth and fluffy. If you prefer your mashed potatoes a bit creamier, add more milk gradually until you reach that perfect consistency.
Step 5: Serve with Extra Brown Butter and Thyme
Serve the mashed potatoes hot, spooning the reserved brown butter over the top for an extra buttery finish. Garnish with fresh thyme if you like, and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste. This final touch elevates the dish and makes it look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs or finely chopped parsley add a bright, fresh contrast to the deep, nutty flavors of brown butter. You can also sprinkle a little cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for an earthy kick. If you love a little indulgence, a light drizzle of additional browned butter right before serving is simply divine.
Side Dishes
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roast chicken, seared steak, or glazed ham. They also complement roasted vegetables perfectly, absorbing savory sauces and gravies like a dream. For a hearty vegetarian meal, serve them alongside sautéed mushrooms and steamed greens for an utterly satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, top the mashed potatoes with crispy fried onions or garlic chips for added texture. You can also pipe them onto plates using a piping bag fitted with a star tip for an elegant presentation that wows dinner guests. Another idea is to create mini potato cakes using the mashed potatoes, then pan-fry them until golden and crisp on the outside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your mashed potatoes cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will keep well for up to 4 days while maintaining their creamy texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save your Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. When properly frozen, the potatoes maintain their quality for up to 2 months, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftover mashed potatoes gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. You can also microwave them covered, stirring midway to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
While Yukon gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture, you can substitute with russet potatoes for a fluffier mash. Just keep in mind the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Why is browning the butter important in this recipe?
Browning the butter creates a rich, nutty flavor that transforms the mashed potatoes from simple to unforgettable. It adds depth and complexity you won’t get with regular melted butter.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The flavor will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is it better to peel the potatoes or leave the skins on?
For this recipe, peeling the potatoes gives you a smoother, creamier mash that shows off the brown butter’s flavor. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave the skins on, just be sure to scrub them well.
How thick or creamy should the mashed potatoes be?
That’s totally up to you! The recipe uses about ¾ cup of milk, but feel free to add more or less depending on whether you like them thick and hearty or silky and smooth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe that turns humble spuds into a standout dish worthy of any occasion. It’s simple but special, straightforward but packed with flavor, and always brings smiles around the table. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to elevate your mashed potato game with a touch of buttery, garlicky love. Give it a try – once you do, it’s sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods for years to come.
Print
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes recipe elevates classic mashed potatoes with a rich and nutty twist. Yukon gold potatoes are simmered until tender, then mashed with warm milk and perfectly browned butter infused with garlic and thyme. The result is a creamy, flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Brown Butter Mixture
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- ¾–1 cup milk, warmed
- Fresh thyme for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Add the peeled and chopped potatoes to a large pot and cover with water by about 1 inch. Sprinkle in 1 ½ teaspoons of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside.
- Brown the Butter: Return the empty pot to medium heat and add all 8 tablespoons of butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Be attentive as it can brown quickly. Remove from heat and reserve 2 tablespoons of this brown butter for serving.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir the finely minced garlic into the remaining brown butter in the pot, cooking and stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix in the dried thyme, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot with the brown butter mixture. Pour in ¾ cup of warmed milk and mash together using a potato masher or large fork until smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates and drizzle with the reserved 2 tablespoons of brown butter. Garnish with fresh thyme and additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns to avoid burning.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for the creamiest and most flavorful results.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve your desired mashed potato consistency.
- Fresh thyme garnish is optional but adds a lovely herbaceous aroma.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily to accommodate different serving sizes.
