If you’re looking for a side dish that brings joy and comfort to your table, you’ve landed in the right place! The Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are not just any mashed potatoes—they’re a delightful twist that makes them a star in any meal. Imagine creamy, buttery potatoes enriched with sweet, golden caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. Trust me; once you taste these, they’ll become your new favorite!

These mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served alongside everything from roasted vegetables to your favorite plant-based protein. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a grand holiday feast, these mashed potatoes will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Sweet Flavor: The caramelized onions add a rich sweetness that elevates the classic mashed potato experience.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip up this dish without breaking a sweat.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves mashed potatoes! This version is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these ahead of time and reheat them for easy serving, making meal prep a breeze.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh herbs and wholesome elements, these mashed potatoes are as nourishing as they are tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes. Each one plays an essential role in building flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
4 Yellow Onions (sliced thin and evenly)
2 Pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (washed)
4 Tablespoons Salted Butter (you can use non-dairy butter, if preferred)
3/4 Cup Half & Half or Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Dairy-Free Milk
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt

For the Toppings

1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
1 Bunch Chives (thinly chopped)
2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme (stems removed)
3 Leaves Fresh Sage (chopped)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Here are some fun ideas to make this dish your own:

Add Garlic: Toss in some minced garlic while cooking the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Mix in Other Veggies: Consider folding in some steamed cauliflower or roasted garlic for added nutrition and taste.
Experiment with Cheeses: Swap out Parmesan for another cheese like sharp cheddar or vegan cheese for a different flavor profile.
Herb Infusion: Try using different herbs like rosemary or parsley to give it a fresh twist.

How to Make Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

To make these mashed potatoes, start by peeling the skin from the onions and thinly slicing them. It may seem like a lot of onions, but trust me—they will shrink down beautifully as they caramelize!

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add in the sliced onions. Stir occasionally until they turn golden brown and sweet-smelling—this should take about 40-50 minutes. This slow process is key to developing their rich flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

While your onions are happily caramelizing away, wash your Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. Chop them into small pieces—there’s no need to peel unless you prefer it that way! Leaving the skin on adds lovely texture.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add your chopped potatoes. Let them cook for around 20 minutes until fork-tender. This step ensures that your mashed potatoes will be smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Mash Away!

Once cooked, drain those beautiful potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Begin mashing them until smooth—your arms may feel like they’re getting quite the workout!

Step 6: Mix in Flavors

Add in the butter, kosher salt, and half & half (or coconut milk). Mash again until all ingredients blend together nicely. The warmth from the potatoes will help melt everything together perfectly.

Step 7: Combine with Onions

Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, remove half of them from the skillet and fold them into your mashed potato mixture along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well so all those delicious flavors combine.

Step 8: Serve with Style

Transfer your dreamy mashed potatoes into a large serving bowl. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, chopped chives, thyme, sage, and melted butter if desired. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in with delight! Enjoy every bite of these Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes!

Pro Tips for Making Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Creating the perfect mashed potatoes is all about technique and patience, so here are some pro tips to guide you along the way!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality parmesan cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor. They elevate your dish and provide that homemade touch that everyone loves.
Caramelize slowly: Patience is key when caramelizing onions. Cooking them over medium heat allows the sugars to develop without burning, resulting in rich, sweet flavors that complement the creamy potatoes.
Mash with care: Avoid over-mashing your potatoes, as this can lead to a gluey texture. Instead, gently mash until smooth for the best creamy consistency.
Adjust liquid to taste: Depending on your preference for creaminess, feel free to adjust the amount of half & half or coconut milk. Adding more liquid gradually lets you achieve your desired consistency without making it too runny.
Season well: Don’t skimp on the kosher salt! Proper seasoning enhances the flavors of all ingredients and ensures your mashed potatoes are anything but bland.

How to Serve Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

These caramelized onion mashed potatoes are not just a side dish; they can be a show-stopping centerpiece on your dinner table. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or more chives adds a pop of color and freshness.
Cracked Black Pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal.
Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving gives an elegant finish and enriches flavor.

Side Dishes

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans roasted with olive oil and herbs bring balance and vibrant colors to your plate.
Grilled Chicken or Tofu: Marinated grilled chicken or tofu offers a protein option that pairs well with the creamy richness of the mashed potatoes.
Garden Salad: A refreshing garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the smoothness of the potatoes.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa and vegetables create a hearty addition that complements the mashed potatoes wonderfully.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only make delicious Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes but also create an inviting meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep! Not only do they save you time during busy weekdays, but they also taste just as delicious when reheated. Here’s how to store and preserve their flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
Transfer them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Place the cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
Label with the date and type of dish.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You can add a splash of half & half or coconut milk to help regain creaminess.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes.

Can I make these Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve!

What kind of potatoes work best for caramelized onion mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them perfect for achieving that luscious consistency.

Can I substitute non-dairy options in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to use non-dairy butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. They work beautifully without compromising taste.

How do I ensure my onions are perfectly caramelized?

Cook your onions slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Patience is key! This process usually takes about 40-50 minutes.

Is there a way to enhance the flavor of these mashed potatoes?

Definitely! Adding fresh herbs like chives, thyme, and sage really elevates the flavors. You can even experiment with different cheeses if you’d like!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes as much as I do! They’re not just a side dish; they’re comfort food that brings warmth to any table. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes will surely impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this delightful recipe!

Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling and Sautéing
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re in search of a side dish that elevates your dining experience, look no further than these Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes. This creamy delight combines the rich sweetness of caramelized onions with perfectly mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With fresh herbs and simple preparation steps, you’ll find these mashed potatoes complement everything from roasted vegetables to grilled proteins. Once you serve them, they will become the star of your meal and your favorite go-to recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 yellow onions (thinly sliced)
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (washed and chopped)
4 tablespoons salted butter (or non-dairy butter)
3/4 cup half & half or full-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, fresh thyme, fresh sage

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add sliced onions. Cook for 40-50 minutes until golden brown.
While onions are cooking, boil chopped Yukon Gold potatoes in salted water for about 20 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain potatoes and transfer to a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth.
Mix in butter, kosher salt, and half & half (or coconut milk) until well combined.
Fold in half of the caramelized onions and grated Parmesan cheese until mixed.
Serve warm, garnished with remaining onions and fresh herbs.