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Kid-Approved Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Easy Brown Butter Recipe

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These garlic herb mashed potatoes with brown butter are a quick and easy side dish that turns simple ingredients into something special. Perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings, this forgiving recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (about 900g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for cooking water)
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk or half-and-half, warmed
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (60ml) reserved potato cooking water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, snipped into small pieces
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Additional salt to taste (about ½ teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes: Peel potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Start boiling: Place potato chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water by about an inch. Add smashed garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Brown the butter: While potatoes boil, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until butter turns golden-brown and smells nutty, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Drain and reserve: When potatoes are done, reserve ¼ cup cooking water, then drain potatoes and garlic in a colander. Let sit for a minute to steam off excess moisture.
  5. Mash the potatoes: Return drained potatoes and garlic to the pot. Mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth with a few small lumps.
  6. Add the good stuff: Pour in warm milk, brown butter (scrape every last bit), and about half the reserved potato water. Mash and stir until combined. Add more potato water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency. Season with black pepper and additional salt to taste.
  7. Finish with herbs: Fold in fresh parsley, chives, and dried thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with a pat of butter if desired.

Notes

Don’t overwork the potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Warm milk before adding. Watch brown butter carefully as it can burn quickly. Salt the cooking water generously. Can be made ahead and stored in fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potatoes, garlic herb mashed potatoes, brown butter mashed potatoes, easy side dish, kid-friendly, potluck recipe, family dinner

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/kid-approved-garlic-herb-mashed-potatoes-easy-brown-butter-recipe/