If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show, look no further than these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes. This recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it combines the comforting creaminess of classic mashed potatoes with the nutty flavor of browned butter. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike.

These mashed potatoes are not just any side—they’re a celebration on your plate! The addition of parmesan and a hint of horseradish gives them an unexpected twist that will impress everyone at your table. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up something truly special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of brown butter and parmesan creates a rich, savory flavor that elevates ordinary mashed potatoes to extraordinary.
Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can make this dish without any fuss, perfect for those who are short on time.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will adore these creamy potatoes, making them ideal for any family dinner or holiday gathering.
Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these mashed potatoes in advance and reheat them before serving, saving you time on busy days.
Customizable Flavor: Feel free to adjust the amount of horseradish or even add other herbs to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delightful recipe, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

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!)
3/4 cup butter

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun ways to mix things up:

Add Some Greens: Stir in cooked spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost and vibrant color.
Cheesy Delight: Swap in different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Garlic Lovers Unite: Increase the garlic for a stronger punch—perfect for garlic enthusiasts!
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use plant-based sour cream for a delicious dairy-free version.

How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Scrub the potatoes clean and chop them into even pieces—about 1-2 inches works well. The smaller they are, the quicker they cook! Add the potatoes to the boiling water and lower the heat to medium. Let them simmer until fork-tender, which should take about 20-35 minutes depending on their size.

Step 2: Mash Those Potatoes

Once your potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them either to the pot or transfer them into a large bowl. Now comes the fun part! Add in your milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. It’s essential not just to throw everything in but also to mash everything together well. Use a potato masher or hand mixer until they reach your desired smoothness.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

In a separate pot or skillet over medium heat, add your butter. As it melts, stir every minute or two with a wooden spoon. Keep an eye on it—it will begin foaming at first but soon turn brown with tiny specks forming at the bottom. The nutty aroma is what you’re aiming for! Once it’s beautifully browned (but not burnt), pour it into a bowl immediately to halt cooking.

Step 4: Combine or Drizzle

Now that both components are ready, you have two choices! You can either mix all that luscious brown butter right into your mashed potatoes for full flavor integration or serve it on the side so everyone can drizzle their own portion over each serving—because let’s be honest; who doesn’t love drizzling butter?

And there you have it—deliciously creamy Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes ready to impress! Enjoy this dish as part of your next meal; I promise it will be loved by all!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Making the perfect Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes is all about technique and a few thoughtful tweaks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious!

Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes are great for a creamy texture, but Yukon Golds can also add a buttery richness that complements the brown butter beautifully.
Don’t rush the browning: Patience is key when browning butter. Cooking it too quickly can result in burnt butter instead of nutty, fragrant goodness. Stir frequently and keep an eye on the color—it’s worth the wait!
Adjust the consistency: If your mashed potatoes feel too thick, don’t hesitate to add more milk or melted butter until you reach your desired creaminess.
Season generously: Taste your potatoes before serving! A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference in flavor.
Get creative with horseradish: Start with a small amount of horseradish sauce and adjust to your taste. It adds a delightful kick that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the butter and cream!

How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Serving up your Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes is just as fun as making them! With a few simple ideas, you can elevate this classic side dish into a show-stopping addition to any meal.

Garnishes

Chopped chives: Fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy potatoes.
Extra Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top will enhance the cheesy element while adding visual appeal.
Crispy shallots: For a crunchy contrast, consider topping your mashed potatoes with crispy fried shallots for an added layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts: The caramelization from roasting brings out their natural sweetness, creating a lovely balance with the savory mashed potatoes.
Herb-crusted chicken: A simple herb crust on chicken provides protein without overpowering the flavors of the potatoes.
Glazed carrots: Sweet, tender glazed carrots are an excellent contrast to rich mashed potatoes, making for a well-rounded plate.
Green bean almondine: This dish adds crunch and freshness to your meal while complementing the buttery richness of the mashed potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress at dinner parties or family gatherings. Enjoy every creamy, buttery bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal side dish for busy weeks or festive gatherings. You can easily prepare them in advance and store them for future use, ensuring you always have a delicious option ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

Portion out the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes that might help you in your cooking journey!

Can I make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes without dairy?

Yes! You can substitute the milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut yogurt, to create a dairy-free version.

How do I make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare the mashed potatoes and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat them gently before serving!

What is the best way to achieve creamy Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

To ensure a creamy texture, use hot milk when mixing it into the potatoes, and avoid over-mashing to keep some of that fluffy consistency.

How does brown butter enhance my mashed potatoes?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates traditional mashed potatoes into something truly special—perfect for impressing your guests!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes! They are not only a comforting classic but also a delightful twist that sets them apart from your usual side dishes. Enjoy making this recipe and watch as it becomes a favorite at your table. Happy cooking!