Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and Rich Potatoes with a Perfectly Nutty Twist

These Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes will be your new favorite side dish. Imagine the creamy texture of mashed potatoes infused with the deep, nutty flavor of brown butter and the warm sweetness of roasted garlic. Whether served alongside a holiday roast or as part of a comforting weeknight dinner, these potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The brown butter adds a layer of richness, while the roasted garlic gives a mellow sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.

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Using cream cheese and hot milk ensures that these mashed potatoes are as creamy and smooth as possible. The secret to their flavor, however, is the combination of roasted garlic and browned butter, both of which add complexity and depth that you won't find in your typical mashed potatoes.

The Secret to Perfectly Browned Butter and Roasted Garlic

Browning butter is an easy technique that gives the butter a rich, nutty flavor. The key is to keep an eye on the butter as it cooks, stirring constantly, so that it doesn't burn. You'll know it's done when the color changes from golden to amber, and it starts to smell toasty. Roasting the garlic brings out its sweetness and mellows its sharpness, making it the perfect addition to these creamy mashed potatoes.

The Role of Cream Cheese and Hot Milk in Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Cream cheese adds a tangy richness to these mashed potatoes, while the hot milk helps make them fluffy and smooth. The trick is to heat the milk before adding it to the potatoes, which helps it incorporate more easily and prevents the potatoes from becoming gummy. The combination of cream cheese and hot milk makes these mashed potatoes luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 270 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg

Cooking Tips

When browning butter, stir continuously and watch it closely to avoid burning. Once it reaches the desired color and nutty aroma, immediately remove it from the heat.

For the best consistency, mash the potatoes by hand rather than using an electric mixer, which can overwork the potatoes and make them gummy.

If you don’t have cream cheese, sour cream can be substituted for a slightly tangier flavor. Similarly, any plant-based milk can be used for a dairy-free version, though the flavor may vary slightly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store any leftover mashed potatoes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or butter to restore their creamy texture.

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Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 head garlic
• 2-2½ lbs potatoes (about 2-3 potatoes, russet or Yukon gold)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese
• ½ cup hot milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F. Peel away excess skin from the garlic head and cut off the top third to expose the cloves. Drizzle the exposed garlic with a little olive oil, place the top back on, and tightly wrap in foil. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and soft. Let the garlic cool slightly, then squeeze out the cloves. Discard any burnt or hard pieces.
2. Peel the potatoes (or leave the skin on for a more rustic texture), cut into 2-3 inch chunks, and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold water and season heavily with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 25-30 minutes.
3. While the potatoes are cooking, brown the butter. Place cubed butter into a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat. Once the butter starts to foam, continuously stir in tight circles until it turns a deep amber color and gives off a nutty aroma. Immediately take it off the heat to prevent burning.
4. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the empty pot. Turn the heat to low and let them sit for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
5. Add the roasted garlic, browned butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mash them to your desired consistency, making sure not to overwork the potatoes.
6. Stir in the cream cheese and hot milk until just incorporated. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, optionally topped with chives, parsley, or additional melted butter.

Enjoy these creamy, savory mashed potatoes as a perfect accompaniment to any meal!