These Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy and rich, packed with delicious garlic flavor. The brown butter adds a nutty twist that takes them to another level!
Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table! I love serving these with roasted chicken or steak; they make any meal feel like a special occasion. 🥔🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and buttery, perfect for mashing. If you can’t find them, Russet potatoes work as a substitute, although they might give a fluffier texture.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness. If you’re using salted butter, adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly. For a dairy-free version, try using olive oil or vegan butter instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds amazing flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—although it won’t be quite as robust. Roasted garlic is also a lovely alternative for a sweeter taste.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich texture. To lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond milk, but the texture will differ slightly.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Mashed?
Mashing potatoes seems simple, but technique can make all the difference! To get that creamy texture, follow these steps:
- Start with cold water and salt when boiling your potatoes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t over-mash! This can turn your potatoes gummy. Use a gentle hand if using a masher, or a ricer for extra fluffiness.
- Add the warmed milk and cream gradually. This helps incorporate them smoothly without cooling your mash.
Remember, the key to great mashed potatoes is to taste as you go. Adjust seasoning and creamy level to your liking!
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
For the Brown Butter and Garlic:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Mixture:
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (warmed)
For Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30-40 minutes in total. This includes roughly 20 minutes for cooking the potatoes and about 10-15 minutes for mashing and mixing everything together. It’s quick enough to whip up for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and chopped Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until they are very tender—this should take about 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Brown Butter:
While your potatoes are cooking, add the unsalted butter to a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and swirl the pan occasionally. Cook the butter until it turns golden brown and develops a lovely nutty aroma, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
3. Add Garlic to the Butter:
Once your butter is perfectly browned, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Mash the Potatoes:
After the potatoes are done cooking, drain them well and return them to the pot or transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
5. Incorporate Cream:
Slowly add the warmed milk and heavy cream to the mashed potatoes, stirring as you go. Keep mixing until you achieve your desired creamy consistency. Taste as you add to ensure they are just the way you like.
6. Combine with Brown Butter and Garlic:
Now, pour in your browned butter and garlic mixture and mix everything together thoroughly. This is where all that delicious flavor gets infused into the mashed potatoes!
7. Season to Perfection:
Finally, it’s time to season! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If you’d like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and drizzle a little extra browned butter over the dish for a beautiful finish. Serve warm and enjoy your scrumptious Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy texture, you can also use Russet potatoes for a fluffier mash. Just remember that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
What Should I Do If My Mashed Potatoes Are Too Thick?
If your mashed potatoes turn out too thick, simply stir in a little more warmed milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Mix gently to avoid overworking them.
Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to help reconstitute them.
What Other Seasonings Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
Feel free to customize your mashed potatoes by adding grated cheese like Parmesan or cheddar, or even fresh herbs like chives or thyme for extra flavor. Just mix them in after combining the butter and cream!