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Fluffy mashed potatoes scooped from a white bowl with melted brown butter drizzle — warm family dinner moment

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
Cook Time 25 minutes
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.
    butter bubbling in a small saucepan for creamy mashed potatoes

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