These Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are smooth, creamy, and full of flavor! The nutty taste of brown butter mixed with garlic makes every bite a treat.
Honestly, I could eat these potatoes every day! They’re super easy to whip up and pair perfectly with any meal—trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and buttery, making them perfect for mashing. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Russet potatoes, but they may result in a fluffier texture.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you want, you can substitute with olive oil for a different flavor profile, but it won’t have the same richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a great depth of flavor. If you don’t have fresh cloves, use garlic powder, but start with a smaller amount as the flavor is more concentrated.
Whole Milk: Milk is great for creaminess, but feel free to substitute with heavy cream for a richer taste. For a lighter option, you could use almond milk or oat milk.
How Do I Make The Perfect Brown Butter?
Making brown butter is simple but requires attention! The goal is to get that nutty flavor without burning the butter. Here’s how:
- Start with a light-colored pan so you can see the color of the butter change.
- Heat the butter over medium heat until it begins to melt. Swirl the pan gently.
- Keep an eye on it as it begins to foam and then watch for it to turn a golden-brown color. You’ll notice a delicious nutty aroma!
- Once it’s browned, immediately take it off the heat to prevent burning.
This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Enjoy the aroma and remember, be patient!
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness), warmed
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme sprigs or chopped chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and cooking the potatoes, and another 10-15 minutes to mix everything together and get it just right. It’s quick and so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
Start by placing the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water until the water level is about an inch above the potatoes. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then bring everything to a boil over high heat.
2. Simmer Until Tender:
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer. You want them to cook until they’re fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You can test this by poking a potato chunk with a fork—if it slides right off, they’re ready!
3. Prepare the Brown Butter and Garlic:
While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the thinly sliced garlic. Cook it while stirring often until the butter turns brown and the garlic gets golden and fragrant—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Remove it from the heat and set aside.
4. Drain and Dry the Potatoes:
After the potatoes are done, drain them in a colander but don’t rinse! Return the hot potatoes to the pot and let them sit for a minute—this helps any leftover moisture evaporate.
5. Mash the Potatoes:
Now, grab your potato masher or ricer and mash the potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps. You want them to be creamy, so have fun with it!
6. Mix in the Milk:
Gradually add the warmed milk (or cream) to the mashed potatoes, stirring until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Remember, you can always add more milk if you like them a bit thinner!
7. Combine with Brown Butter:
Pour in the brown butter and garlic mixture, and gently stir everything together until well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
8. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a taste test, and adjust as necessary to make it just right for you.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your fluffy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. For an extra treat, drizzle any remaining brown butter over the top and sprinkle with fresh thyme or chopped chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
There you have it—rich, creamy, and full of flavor! These mashed potatoes are the perfect side to any meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but Yukon Golds or Russets are recommended for their creamy texture. If using red potatoes, you may need to adjust your cooking time as they may require a little less simmering time.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon and adjust based on your taste preference, as the flavor is more concentrated.
How Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if they seem too thick.
Can I Freeze Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.
