If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes! They are creamy, rich, and just downright delicious. This recipe has been a family favorite for years. The secret? It’s all about that nutty brown butter and a hint of horseradish that elevates the humble potato to something truly special. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, these mashed potatoes will steal the show.

I love serving them alongside roasted chicken or even as a centerpiece on the Thanksgiving table. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed mashed potatoes without the warm embrace of browned butter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at its best: With just a handful of ingredients, these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes come together quickly and easily.
Family-approved flavor: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the creamy goodness and rich taste!
Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare them in advance and reheat them right before serving—perfect for holiday meals!
Endless versatility: Dress them up with toppings or serve them plain; they pair perfectly with any main dish.
Comfort food classic: There’s nothing quite like a warm scoop of mashed potatoes to make you feel cozy inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking so enjoyable! For these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, you won’t need anything fancy—just good-quality staples that will shine through in every bite.

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 my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand!

Add some greens: Toss in some cooked spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrition.
Change up the cheese: Swap out Parmesan for cheddar or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Spice it up: Add in some roasted garlic or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or chives to complement your main dish beautifully.

How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Scrub those potatoes clean and chop them into even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly and become tender quicker—about 20-35 minutes depending on their size.

Step 2: Drain and Mash

Once your potatoes are fork-tender, drain them well and return them to the pot—or transfer them to a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial because excess water can lead to watery mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Mix in Creamy Goodness

Add in your milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Now comes the fun part—mash everything together! Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or a hand mixer if you like them super smooth.

Step 4: Add Horseradish Sauce

Taste your potato mixture and add horseradish sauce as desired. This little kick adds great depth! Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 5: Make Brown Butter

In a separate pot or skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Stir it occasionally until it foams and begins to turn brown with tiny specks forming at the bottom. This nutty aroma is what makes brown butter magical!

Step 6: Combine and Serve

You can either mix all that glorious brown butter into your mashed potatoes or let everyone drizzle it over their servings—because who doesn’t love drizzled butter? Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!

And there you have it—your new go-to side dish that’s sure to impress!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Making the perfect Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll impress everyone at your table!

Use starchy potatoes: Opting for red potatoes or Yukon Gold will yield creamier mashed potatoes as they have a higher starch content, which creates that fluffy texture we all love.
Warm your dairy: Heating the milk and sour cream slightly before adding them to the potatoes helps maintain their warmth and ensures they incorporate smoothly, avoiding any cold spots in your dish.
Be gentle when mashing: Over-mixing can lead to gummy potatoes. Mash just until creamy and combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps for texture!
Taste as you go: Adjusting seasoning and the amount of horseradish sauce is essential. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so ensure it’s just right for you and your guests!
Keep an eye on the butter: Brown butter can swiftly move from perfect to burnt. Stir consistently and watch closely to catch that nutty aroma at just the right moment.

How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Presentation is key when serving Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes! Here are some fun ways to elevate your dish for any occasion.

Garnishes

Chopped chives or green onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color that brightens up the dish.
Extra Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top not only enhances flavor but also gives a lovely cheesy crust when served hot.
Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add richness and a beautiful sheen to your mashed potatoes.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: With their crispy edges and tender centers, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delicious contrast in texture while complementing the creamy potatoes.
Honey Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of honey-glazed carrots pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavor of brown butter, making for a harmonious side dish combination.
Herb-Crusted Chicken Thighs: Juicy chicken thighs seasoned with herbs make a great protein option that stands up well to the richness of mashed potatoes.
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a crunchy freshness that balances out the creaminess of the mashed potatoes perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes will not only taste divine but also look inviting on any table! Enjoy every warm, buttery bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are a fantastic option for meal prep! Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, you can make them ahead of time and enjoy the rich flavors without the last-minute rush.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing.
Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate.
They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Portion out the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Make sure to label them with the date for easy tracking.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw your frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Add extra milk or butter as needed to restore creaminess!

FAQs

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

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

Yes! While red potatoes provide a nice creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Golds or Russets for a different flavor profile. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly.

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

For extra creaminess, consider adding more milk or sour cream until you reach your desired consistency. Also, ensure that you mash the potatoes well to eliminate any lumps!

Can I make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.

What can I serve with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

These delicious mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or your favorite plant-based protein. They’re versatile enough for any meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes as much as I do! They’re not just another side dish; they’re a celebration of comfort and flavor that can elevate any meal. Enjoy every creamy bite, and feel free to experiment with flavors that make this dish your own. Here’s to cozy dinners and all the joy that comes with sharing good food—happy cooking!

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes! This rich and creamy side dish transforms humble potatoes into a gourmet experience through the nutty flavor of brown butter and a subtle kick of horseradish. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress family and friends alike. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can have a delicious side ready to complement any main dish. Whether served alongside roasted chicken or as a centerpiece on your holiday table, these mashed potatoes will quickly become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

5 pounds red potatoes
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup butter
Horseradish sauce (to taste)
Fresh parsley (optional)
1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 & 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

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Instructions

Boil the chopped red potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (20-35 minutes). Drain well.
In a mixing bowl, mash the cooked potatoes and mix in warm milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and parsley until creamy.
Prepare brown butter by melting it over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
Incorporate the brown butter into the mashed potatoes or drizzle over servings before enjoying.