Description
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes take the classic comfort food to a whole new level. This dish combines fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes with rich, nutty brown butter, creating a luxurious side that complements any meal. The browning process enhances the butter’s flavor, adding a toasty, caramel-like richness that perfectly balances the potatoes’ natural creaminess. With a smooth texture and a hint of elegance, these mashed potatoes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a standout addition to your holiday spread. They’re the perfect pairing for roasted meats, gravies, or even a light drizzle of olive oil, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes: The ideal choice for creamy mashed potatoes due to their high starch content.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and helps achieve that creamy texture.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds decadence and richness to the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning; use generously to enhance the flavors.
- Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish: Such as chives or parsley, to add a pop of color and freshness to your presentation.
For the Brown Butter:
- ½ cup unsalted butter: This will be browned to bring out its nutty flavor and aroma.
Instructions
STEP 1: PREPARE THE POTATOES
Start by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized chunks (about 1-2 inches). This ensures that they cook uniformly and can be easily mashed. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Adding the potatoes to cold water allows for even cooking, preventing the outside from becoming mushy while the inside remains firm.
STEP 2: BOIL THE POTATOES
Add a generous pinch of salt to the pot of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through the potato.
STEP 3: DRAIN AND STEAM
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them sit for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture; too much moisture can lead to watery mashed potatoes.
STEP 4: BROWN THE BUTTER
While the potatoes are steaming, it’s time to prepare the brown butter. In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams and turns a golden brown color, with a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn; the color should be a deep golden brown, similar to caramel.
STEP 5: MASH THE POTATOES
Transfer the drained potatoes back to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-mashing, as this can lead to a gummy texture.
STEP 6: ADD CREAM AND SEASONINGS
Once the potatoes are mashed to your desired consistency, pour in the heavy cream and half of the brown butter (reserve the other half for drizzling later). Mix gently to combine, adding salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed; the potatoes should be flavorful but not overly salty.
STEP 7: SERVE
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and drizzle the remaining brown butter on top for an elegant finish. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like chives or parsley for added color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the compliments from your guests!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g