Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Mashed potatoes are a timeless classic, and when you add brown butter and roasted garlic, you elevate them to a whole new level. This Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe irresistible!

Why Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes Are So Special

Brown butter is liquid gold. Its nutty, caramelized flavor takes mashed potatoes to an entirely new level of decadence. Roasted garlic adds a smooth, mellow sweetness that enhances the savory flavors in the dish. Combined with the creaminess of cream cheese and whole milk, these mashed potatoes are irresistibly flavorful and perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, but taste like something you’d serve at a gourmet dinner party.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

To create this indulgent dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal for creating a creamy, fluffy texture. Their high starch content absorbs the butter and cream well, making them perfect for mashed potatoes.

• Garlic: A whole head of garlic is roasted to mellow out its sharpness and bring out a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery potatoes.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you complete control over the seasoning. The butter is browned for an extra layer of flavor that complements the mashed potatoes.

• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the richness of the butter.

• Whole Milk: Warm milk helps achieve the perfect creamy texture. You can substitute with non-dairy milk or heavy cream if you prefer.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to modify the recipe, here are a few ideas:

• Non-dairy milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Garlic powder: If you don’t want to roast garlic, you can add garlic powder directly into the butter for a quicker version.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic

Start by roasting the garlic. Slice the top off a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. The garlic should turn golden brown and soft. Once roasted, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and set aside.

2. Boil the Potatoes

Peel and chop your potatoes into large chunks. Place them into a pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 20–30 minutes or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

3. Brown the Butter

While the potatoes are boiling, melt your butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir constantly as the butter foams and begins to turn golden amber. Continue to cook until the butter smells nutty and has a rich brown color, then remove it from the heat.

4. Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are done, drain them and return them to the pot. Let them sit over low heat for 1 minute to remove excess water. Add the browned butter, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or use a hand mixer for a smoother texture.

5. Add Cream Cheese and Milk

For the creamiest mashed potatoes, add cream cheese and warm milk. Stir gently until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the potatoes, as this can make them gummy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Start with cold water: Boil your potatoes in cold water to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t overwork the potatoes: Mash gently and avoid overmixing to prevent a gummy texture.
• Dry the potatoes: After boiling and draining, let the potatoes sit in the pot for a minute to let excess water evaporate.
• Warm all ingredients: Ensure your butter, milk, and cream cheese are warm before mixing them into the potatoes to achieve a smooth texture.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Try them with:

• Roast chicken: The richness of the mashed potatoes complements the savory flavors of roasted chicken.
• Grilled steak: The creamy texture of the potatoes balances the smoky flavor of a grilled steak.
• Vegetarian dishes: Serve these mashed potatoes with roasted vegetables for a hearty, comforting vegetarian meal.

Variations:

• Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme to give these potatoes a fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Spicy Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brown butter for a subtle kick.

Storing and Freezing Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze these mashed potatoes for up to a month. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk to bring them back to their creamy texture.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prep the potatoes: You can peel and cut the potatoes ahead of time and store them in cold water in the fridge.
• Complete the recipe early: Make the mashed potatoes in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are not only rich and creamy but also bursting with incredible flavor from the roasted garlic and browned butter. Whether you’re preparing a festive dinner or just want a comforting side dish, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress. Try them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear from the dinner table!

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