Description
This Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes recipe elevates the classic comfort food with rich, nutty browned butter and fragrant garlic and thyme. Creamy Yukon gold potatoes are boiled to perfection, then mashed with warm milk and aromatic seasonings for a smooth, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Butter and Seasoning
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Milk
- ¾-1 cup milk, warmed
Optional Garnish
- Fresh thyme for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Add the peeled and chopped Yukon gold potatoes to a large pot and cover with water by 1 inch. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, then bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and set aside.
- Brown the Butter: Return the empty pot to medium heat and add 8 tablespoons of butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Watch carefully as it can brown quickly. Remove from heat immediately and reserve 2 tablespoons of the browned butter for serving.
- Make the Sauce: Add the finely minced garlic to the remaining browned butter in the pot, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in the dried thyme, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Pour in ¾ cup of the warmed milk and begin mashing with a potato masher or a large fork until the potatoes are smooth. Add more milk as needed to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Serve the mashed potatoes immediately, drizzling the reserved 2 tablespoons of brown butter on top. Garnish with fresh thyme, additional salt, and black pepper if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for creamy texture and buttery flavor.
- Be careful when browning butter to avoid burning.
- Adjust milk quantity to reach your desired mashed potato consistency.
- Fresh thyme adds a pretty visual and fresh herbal note but is optional.
- These mashed potatoes are best served fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
