Looking to add some flair to your mashed potatoes? Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are the perfect solution. The rich, nutty flavor of it swirled through creamy mashed potatoes takes this classic side dish to new heights. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Jump to
- Why You’ll Love it
- Essential Ingredients for Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Creative Variations to Customize Your Brown Butter Mashed Potatoe
- Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoe
- FAQs
- Why Brown Butter is the Secret Ingredient for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Related recipes
- Final thoughts
Why You’ll Love it
Irresistible Nutty Flavor
Toasty, nutty butter infuses the mashed potatoes with a flavor everyone will love.
Simple Ingredients
With just a few basic ingredients like butter, potatoes, and cream, you can create a luxurious side dish that tastes gourmet.
Perfect for Any Meal
Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, brown butter mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to any main course.
Essential Ingredients for Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
To make your own Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 lbs of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work best for creamy mashed potatoes)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (to brown and infuse that nutty flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Add the potatoes to a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a separate pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty fragrance (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to let it burn!
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Return the cooked potatoes to the pot or a large bowl and mash them until smooth. You can use a potato masher, a ricer, or an electric mixer, depending on your preference. Add the heavy cream, salt, and pepper to taste as you mash.
Step 4: Combine the Brown Butter
Once the potatoes are mashed to your desired consistency, pour the browned butter over them and stir until fully combined. For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or fresh herbs.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, drizzle with the remaining butter, and garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Brown Butter Mashed Potatoe
While these mashed potatoes are delightful on their own, here are a few variations to customize them:
Garlic Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
For an extra savory kick, add roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes. The garlic will complement the nutty flavor of the brown butter perfectly.
Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage can be added to the brown butter before pouring it over the potatoes. These herbs will bring an aromatic touch to the dish.
Cheesy Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy version of this recipe.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoe
These mashed potatoes are highly versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:
With Roast Chicken or Turkey
These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roast chicken or turkey, especially for holiday meals like Thanksgiving.
With Beef or Pork
The rich flavor of these mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with hearty meats like roast beef or grilled pork chops.
As a Standalone Dish
If you want to make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes the star of the meal, serve them as a side to simple salads or roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Yes, you can make this dish a day in advance! Prepare the mashed potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat with a splash of cream or milk. You can also microwave or heat them on the stovetop until warm.
Absolutely! Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stovetop.
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy and buttery, making them perfect for this dish.
Why Brown Butter is the Secret Ingredient for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Brown butter is a game-changer when it comes to mashed potatoes. While regular butter is delicious, brown butter adds a rich, toasted flavor that enhances the creamy texture of the potatoes. The process of browning the butter caramelizes the milk solids, creating a nutty, sweet flavor that’s complex and satisfying. This simple step takes your mashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary.
Related recipes
Here are some internal linking opportunities that can fit seamlessly into your content:
- Pair these brown butter mashed potatoes with Crispy Breakfast Potatoes Recipe for a complete meal.
- These mashed potatoes can also be served with Easy Breakfast Pizza Recipe for a unique twist.
- For more breakfast ideas, try these Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes to complement your brown butter mashed potatoes.

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes bring a nutty, rich twist to the classic dish. The creamy texture combined with the nutty flavor of brown butter makes this side dish irresistible for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Peel and chop potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until tender (15-20 minutes), then drain.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Cook until golden brown and nutty (3-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth, adding cream, salt, and pepper as you go.
- Pour the browned butter over the mashed potatoes and mix until well combined.
- Serve in a bowl, drizzle with remaining brown butter, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
For extra flavor, add roasted garlic or herbs to the brown butter before combining with potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Browning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg

Final thoughts
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are an elevated version of a beloved classic, offering a rich, nutty twist that will leave everyone at the table impressed. The combination of creamy potatoes and the deep flavor of brown butter makes this side dish a must-try. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the delicious results!
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