Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Heavenly Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Creamy browned butter mashed potatoes sparkle with an unexpected richness that will make everyone at the table lean forward in anticipation.

Nutty aromas drift from the pan as golden-edged butter caramelizes into liquid gold.

Garlic adds a subtle warmth while parmesan cheese brings sharp, salty complexity to these classic comfort spuds.

Whisking together these ingredients creates a side dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Each forkful promises a silky, indulgent experience that transforms an ordinary potato into something spectacular.

When you serve these mashed potatoes, people will suddenly forget about everything else on their plate.

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes With Garlic Flavor

  • Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic mashed potatoes into a gourmet side dish with browned butter, garlic, and parmesan for a luxurious twist.
  • Master Simple Cooking Technique: Learn the art of browning butter, adding depth and nutty richness to your potato recipe with minimal extra effort.
  • Customize Your Creamy Delight: Adjust milk quantity to achieve your perfect potato texture, making this recipe adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Impress with Minimal Ingredients: Create a restaurant-quality side dish using just a few simple pantry staples that deliver maximum flavor and sophistication.

Ingredients For Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the creamy base for this comforting side dish.
  • Butter: Rich dairy product that adds depth and creates a nutty flavor when browned.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, aged cheese that brings a sharp and savory taste to the mashed potatoes.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the browned butter with a rich, pungent flavor.
  • Milk: Creamy liquid that helps achieve a smooth and soft potato texture.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Parsley, Crispy Garlic Pieces: Fresh herb and toasted garlic bits that add visual appeal and extra crunch to the final presentation.

Stepwise Guide To Garlic Browned Butter Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

Wash potatoes thoroughly.

Peel and chop into large, uniform chunks.

Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water.

Boil for approximately 20 minutes until they’re fork-tender but not disintegrating.

Step 2: Craft Nutty Browned Butter

Grab a small saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

Watch closely as butter begins to foam and bubble.

Ingredients for browning:
  • Butter
  • Crushed garlic

Add crushed garlic and reduce heat.

Continuously stir and swirl the pan.

Look for a golden-brown color and detect a rich, nutty aroma.

Small brown bits will develop at the bottom – this is perfect.

Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

Step 3: Transform Potatoes

Drain potatoes completely and return them to the original pot.

Strain most of the browned butter over potatoes through a fine-mesh sieve.

Set aside crispy garlic pieces for garnishing.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Add parmesan cheese and milk to potatoes.

Use a hand mixer or potato masher to blend until smooth and creamy.

Mix for 1-2 minutes.

If the consistency feels too thick, incorporate additional milk.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust salt levels as needed.

The goal is a balanced, rich flavor.

Step 6: Elegant Serving

Transfer potatoes to a serving dish.

Drizzle remaining browned butter on top.

Sprinkle with:
  • Extra parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Reserved crispy garlic pieces

Pro Tip: When using a hand mixer, mix gently to avoid turning potatoes gummy or overly starchy.

Tips For Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • Mix potatoes gently to avoid overworking, which can break down starches and create a sticky, gluey consistency.
  • Watch butter closely while browning to achieve a golden, nutty flavor without burning – remove from heat the moment it turns amber.
  • Grate parmesan freshly and add while potatoes are still hot to help cheese melt smoothly and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
  • Adjust milk gradually to reach desired creaminess, adding small amounts until you achieve the perfect smooth texture.
  • Reserve crispy garlic bits from browned butter and sprinkle on top for an extra layer of crunchy, aromatic garnish.

Ways To Enhance Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • Vegan Butter Bliss: Replace butter with coconut oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with steamed cauliflower florets. Brown cauliflower with garlic and butter, then mash with parmesan for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Roasted Herb Infusion: Add roasted rosemary and thyme to the browned butter. Mix in some roasted garlic cloves for an intensified herbal flavor profile.
  • Greek Yogurt Lightness: Use Greek yogurt instead of milk for extra protein and tanginess. Reduce butter quantity and incorporate light cream cheese for a smoother texture.

Perfect Sides For Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • Comforting Family Feast: Serve these luxurious mashed potatoes as a hearty side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for a complete meal that warms the soul.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Plate the potatoes in a beautiful serving bowl, garnish with extra parmesan and parsley, creating a stunning presentation that will impress guests with its golden-brown elegance.
  • Cozy Weekend Comfort: Top the mashed potatoes with extra crispy garlic pieces and a drizzle of browned butter for an ultimate comfort food experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
  • Gourmet Meal Enhancer: Pair with a crisp white wine or a light red to complement the rich, nutty flavors of the browned butter and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storing Garlic Mashed Potatoes Correctly

  • Store cooled mashed potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Potatoes can be frozen up to 2 months. Leave 1/2 inch space at top for expansion.
  • Place potatoes in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Stir well to redistribute moisture.
  • Warm in a saucepan over low heat. Add extra milk or butter to prevent drying. Stir frequently to maintain smooth texture. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

FAQs

  • Why brown the butter?

Browning butter creates a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the traditional mashed potato recipe. The process caramelizes milk solids, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate additional salt in the recipe. Salted butter will change the overall seasoning profile slightly.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal. They break down easily and create a creamy, smooth texture when mashed.

  • How do I prevent gluey mashed potatoes?

Avoid over-beating with a hand mixer. Mix just until smooth, and use a potato masher as an alternative method to maintain the right texture.

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Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Browned butter mashed potatoes with garlic and parmesan elevate comfort food to gourmet heights with rich, nutty flavors. Creamy potatoes blended with aromatic garlic and sharp parmesan cheese promise a luxurious side dish you’ll crave at every meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes, peeled)
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Aromatics and Liquids:

  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk, more if needed

Seasonings:

(None specified in original recipe)


Instructions

  1. Wash and peel potatoes, chopping into uniform large chunks to ensure even cooking.
  2. Submerge potato pieces in heavily salted water, boiling for approximately 20 minutes until easily pierced with a fork without disintegrating.
  3. While potatoes simmer, create browned butter by melting butter in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  4. Once butter begins foaming, introduce crushed garlic and reduce heat, continuously swirling pan until butter transforms into a golden-brown shade with a rich, nutty fragrance.
  5. Watch for delicate brown sediment forming, which indicates perfect caramelization; immediately remove from heat to prevent burning.
  6. Drain potatoes thoroughly, returning them to the original cooking pot.
  7. Carefully strain most of the aromatic browned butter through a fine mesh sieve directly onto potatoes, preserving crispy garlic fragments.
  8. Incorporate parmesan cheese and milk, using a hand mixer or potato masher to blend until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
  9. Adjust texture by adding extra milk if desired, ensuring potatoes remain light and fluffy.
  10. Conduct a flavor assessment, seasoning with additional salt as needed.
  11. Plate the mashed potatoes, garnishing with reserved browned butter, extra parmesan, chopped parsley, and crispy garlic pieces.
  12. Caution: Avoid over-mixing with electric beaters to prevent a gummy texture.

Notes

  • Prevent Gluey Texture by avoiding overbeating potatoes, which releases too much starch and creates a sticky, unpleasant consistency.
  • Achieve Golden Butter Perfection by watching the color closely and removing from heat immediately when it turns nutty brown with crispy bits, ensuring rich flavor without burning.
  • Customize Consistency by adjusting milk quantity – less milk for thicker potatoes, more for a silkier texture that suits individual preferences.
  • Enhance Dietary Adaptations by using lactose-free milk or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for those with dairy restrictions, maintaining the recipe’s creamy essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 247 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 102 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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