If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show, let me introduce you to Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes. These creamy, dreamy potatoes are elevated by the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter and a hint of horseradish that adds just the right kick. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes these mashed potatoes so special is that they combine simplicity with elegance. They are perfect for those cozy dinners at home or when you’re trying to wow your guests during the holidays. Trust me; once you serve these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, you’ll be getting requests for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, these mashed potatoes come together quickly.
Flavorful twist: The browned butter adds a unique depth of flavor that takes traditional mashed potatoes to another level.
Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and delicious taste—perfect for any meal!
Make-ahead option: You can prepare these potatoes in advance and reheat them, making dinner planning a breeze.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the horseradish or add your favorite herbs for a personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! These items are likely already in your kitchen or easy to find at your local grocery store.

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! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you enjoy most.

Add veggies: Stir in some steamed broccoli or roasted garlic for added nutrition and flavor.
Herb it up: Swap out parsley for chives or thyme to give your mashed potatoes a fresh twist.
Creamy alternatives: For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of regular milk and plant-based sour cream.
Cheesy goodness: Mix in additional cheeses like cheddar or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.

How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil. While that’s heating up, scrub your red potatoes clean and chop them into equal-sized pieces. The smaller they are, the quicker they’ll cook—aim for about 1-2 inch pieces. Once boiling, add the potatoes and simmer them until they are fork-tender. This usually takes around 20-35 minutes depending on their size.

Step 2: Mash It Up

When your potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them back to the pot or place them in a large bowl. Now it’s time to add all those tasty ingredients: milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Grab your potato masher (or hand mixer) and mash everything together until creamy. This step is crucial because it blends all those lovely flavors into one delicious mixture!

Step 3: Brown the Butter

Now comes my favorite part—browning the butter! In a skillet over medium heat, melt your butter while stirring every minute or two. Keep an eye on it as it foams up; you’re looking for that beautiful brown color with tiny specks forming at the bottom. The nutty aroma will tell you when it’s ready! Once browned, pour it into a bowl to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Combine Everything

You have two options here: either mix all that gorgeous browned butter directly into your mashed potatoes or let everyone drizzle it over their own servings. I personally love drizzling—it feels indulgent and special!

Now you’re ready to serve up these incredible Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes! Enjoy every bite as you bask in being crowned Queen Thanksgiving—or King!

Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Making the perfect Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes is a delightful journey, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to a whole new level!

Choose the Right Potatoes: Using red potatoes gives your mash a creamy texture and buttery flavor. Their waxy consistency holds up beautifully when mashed, ensuring every bite is smooth and rich.
Don’t Skip the Horseradish: A little horseradish adds a zing that cuts through the richness of the butter and cream. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste; it can transform your mashed potatoes from ordinary to extraordinary!
Watch the Butter Carefully: When browning butter, it’s crucial to keep an eye on it as it cooks. The nutty aroma signals that it’s ready, but if you leave it unattended, it can quickly go from brown to burnt. Stirring frequently helps achieve that perfect golden brown color.
Use Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings freshness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried ones work too—just remember to use less since they’re more concentrated in flavor!
Masher vs. Mixer: For fluffy mashed potatoes, use a potato masher instead of an electric mixer. Mixing too much can lead to gummy potatoes; mashing by hand allows for better texture control.

How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are versatile and can be presented in various delightful ways! Here are some ideas to make your serving even more special.

Garnishes

Chopped Chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds color and mild onion flavor that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Crumbled Feta Cheese: For a tangy twist, crumbled feta cheese offers both creaminess and an extra layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with brown butter.
Toasted Nuts: Try sprinkling some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the mash.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts add a savory element that balances the richness of the mashed potatoes. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting them until they’re golden brown.
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide a fresh and vibrant side that pairs well with any hearty main course. The garlic enhances their flavor while keeping them crunchy.
Herb-Crusted Chicken: A simple herb-crusted chicken breast is not only delicious but also brings protein to your meal without overshadowing the star of the show—the mashed potatoes!
Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables stir-fried with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce offers a light side that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.

Enjoy serving up this comforting dish at your next gathering or family dinner! With these tips and pairing suggestions, you’re sure to impress everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. You can easily prepare them ahead of time and enjoy the delightful flavors later.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

Portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers.
Leave some space at the top, as they will expand when frozen.
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if needed.
For a quicker option, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

FAQs

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

Can I make Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these mashed potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat before serving, and they will taste delicious!

What makes Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes unique?

The combination of brown butter adds a nutty flavor that elevates traditional mashed potatoes. This recipe also includes parmesan and horseradish for a delightful twist!

Can I substitute ingredients in Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

Yes! Feel free to use non-dairy milk or vegan sour cream if you prefer a dairy-free version. The recipe remains equally delicious with these substitutions.

How do I achieve the best texture for my Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes?

For creamy mashed potatoes, ensure you mash them while warm and add the butter gradually. Using a hand mixer can also help achieve that fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes as much as I do! They are sure to impress family and friends alike with their rich flavor and smooth texture. Take your time, savor every step, and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!