Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, Nutty & Perfect for the Holidays

The secret to truly unforgettable mashed potatoes? Brown butter.
That warm, nutty aroma adds depth and elegance to a classic dish, turning simple comfort into a little kitchen magic.

These Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes are creamy, smooth, and rich — perfect beside your holiday turkey or cozy weeknight roast. They come together easily, yet taste like a dish that took hours.

Once you swirl that golden butter through the potatoes, you’ll see why it’s worth every stir.

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, Nutty & Perfect for the Holidays

Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes infused with nutty brown butter for an elevated, comforting side dish.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Holiday, Holidays

Servings 6

Equipment

• Large pot
• Saucepan
• Potato masher or ricer
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs about 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
• ½ cup warm whole milk more as needed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

 

Boil Potatoes:

• Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until fork tender.

Brown the Butter:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma (about 4–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  

Mash Potatoes:

• Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash with a potato masher or ricer until smooth.

Add Dairy:

• Pour in warm milk, heavy cream, and half of the brown butter. Stir until creamy and fluffy. Adjust consistency with extra milk if desired.

Season & Serve:

• Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle remaining brown butter on top before serving. Garnish with herbs if desired.

Notes

💡 Quick Tip: Warm your milk and cream before adding — cold liquid can make mashed potatoes gluey.

🧊 Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Keyword brown butter mashed potatoes, buttery potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, easy mashed potatoes, holiday comfort food, Mashed Potatoes, mashed potatoes with brown butter, thanksgiving side dish

🌿 Tips & Variations

• Butter Boost: Add a few sage leaves to the butter as it browns for a subtle earthy note.
• Creamier Texture: Use half milk and half heavy cream, or mix in a dollop of sour cream.
• Garlic Lover’s Twist: Brown a clove of minced garlic in the butter for deeper flavor.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare up to a day early and reheat in a covered dish with a few pats of butter.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil and use oat milk for a lighter, plant-based version.

Simple tweaks, same comforting magic.

🍷 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Juicy Herb-Roasted Turkey for the perfect Thanksgiving main event.
• Serve alongside Garlic Butter Green Beans or Cranberry Orange Relish for a full, colorful plate.
• Drizzle with gravy or extra brown butter for a rich, golden finish.
• Top leftovers with shredded cheese and bake for a quick “mashed potato gratin.”

Perfect for gatherings, cozy dinners, and moments of gratitude.

💬 Love is the true secret ingredient on Thanksgiving.
— The Recipe Host