Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving Dinner
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving Dinner are a classic comfort food with a little extra something special. The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter blends perfectly with creamy mashed…
Tip: save now, cook later.Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving Dinner are a classic comfort food with a little extra something special. The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter blends perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, making each bite smooth, flavorful, and satisfying. These mashed potatoes have that familiar, cozy texture that everyone loves, but the brown butter kicks them up a notch.
I love making these when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Browning the butter is simple but adds such a warm, deep flavor that makes the mashed potatoes feel homemade and extra thoughtful. I always remind myself not to rush this step because that golden shade and aroma are what make this dish stand out.
Whenever I serve these at Thanksgiving, I like to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness. They’re perfect alongside turkey and stuffing, soaking up all the gravy in the best way. Honestly, these brown butter mashed potatoes are always one of the first dishes to disappear from the table, which makes me feel like I nailed it every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best. Yukon Golds are creamy and buttery, while Russets mash up fluffy. I prefer Yukon Golds because they need less butter and cream for smoothness.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control salt levels. Browning it unlocks a nutty, warm flavor that takes these mashed potatoes up a notch. You can substitute with ghee for a similar taste if you need dairy-free options.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk or heavy cream adds richness and softness. For lighter mashed potatoes, use milk, or swap with plant-based milks like oat or almond for dairy-free versions.
Sage: Fresh sage leaves add an earthy aroma as garnish. If you don’t have sage, fresh parsley or thyme can work well, too.
How Do You Get Perfect Brown Butter Without Burning It?
Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor but can burn quickly if you’re not careful. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use a light-colored pan so you can watch the butter’s color change easily.
- Heat butter over medium heat and stir or swirl gently to cook evenly.
- Watch closely—the butter will foam, then the milk solids start turning golden brown. When it smells nutty, remove immediately from the heat.
- If you burn it, start over since burnt butter tastes bitter.
This step adds a cozy, rich flavor your mashed potatoes will thank you for.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling potatoes evenly without crowding them.
- Potato masher or ricer – makes fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes without lumps.
- Small saucepan – to brown the butter gently and watch closely for that perfect nuttiness.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – to stir the butter and potatoes without scratching your pans.
- Serving bowl – ideal for presenting the mashed potatoes with butter and sage on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix in roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow garlic flavor that pairs wonderfully with brown butter.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, rich twist that melts into creamy potatoes.
- Add chopped fresh chives or green onions for a fresh, mild onion note and pretty color.
- Swap brown butter with browned sage butter by adding fresh sage leaves while browning for extra herbal aroma.
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes for Thanksgiving Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh sage leaves
- Extra butter for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25–30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15–20 minutes boiling the potatoes and about 5–10 minutes preparing the brown butter and mashing everything together. It’s a quick, easy side dish perfect for busy holiday cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot, and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Brown the Butter:
While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep swirling or stirring gently until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a warm, nutty aroma—this usually takes 4–6 minutes. Watch closely to make sure it doesn’t burn, then remove from heat.
3. Mash and Combine:
Drain the cooked potatoes well, then return them to the pot or place in a large bowl. Mash them until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the warmed milk or cream, stirring to reach your preferred texture. Pour in the browned butter and mix everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Add a pat of butter on top if you like, and garnish with fresh sage leaves for a lovely aroma and flavor. Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and gravy for a delicious, comforting side.
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh potatoes for the creamiest texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water that can make the mash watery.
How Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of warm milk or cream to refresh the texture if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly to avoid drying out, adding butter or cream as needed to maintain creaminess.
Can I Substitute Brown Butter with Regular Butter?
Yes, regular melted butter works well, but browning the butter adds a richer, nuttier flavor that really enhances the potatoes. If you skip browning, consider adding herbs or garlic to boost flavor.
