Golden Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Brown Butter Drizzle

 

Golden Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Few side dishes bring comfort the way mashed potatoes do—and when they’re infused with slow-roasted garlic and finished with a nutty brown butter drizzle, they become nothing short of irresistible. This recipe transforms a classic favorite into something deeply flavorful, silky, and truly unforgettable.

Golden Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Brown Butter Drizzle is the perfect blend of creamy, garlicky, buttery goodness, finished with the warm aroma and caramel-like depth of browned butter. It’s a dish that tastes luxurious yet remains wonderfully simple, making it ideal for holidays, family dinners, or any night you want to elevate your meal without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 6–8 cloves roasted garlic (or 4 raw cloves minced and sautéed)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup warm heavy cream (or whole milk)

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

For the Brown Butter Drizzle

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), optional for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by peeling and chopping the potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Uniform pieces ensure they cook at the same rate, resulting in a smoother mash.

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt—this seasons the potatoes from the inside as they cook.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily fall apart when pierced.

Step 2: Roast or Sauté the Garlic

For deeper, sweeter garlic flavor, roast the garlic. Wrap whole unpeeled cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes until soft and caramelized. Squeeze the garlic out of its skins and set aside.

If you prefer sautéed garlic, cook minced garlic in a teaspoon of butter over low heat for 2–3 minutes until softened but not browned.

Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes well and return them to the warm pot. Allow them to sit for 2–3 minutes to steam off excess moisture—this helps achieve fluffier mashed potatoes.

Use a potato masher, ricer, or electric mixer on low speed to break them down. Add the softened butter and mix gently until incorporated.

Pour in the warm heavy cream a little at a time, mixing just until the potatoes reach your desired level of creaminess. Fold in the roasted (or sautéed) garlic.

Season generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust until the flavors feel round, warm, and balanced.

Step 4: Make the Brown Butter Drizzle

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves. Allow the butter to bubble and foam; as the milk solids begin to toast, the butter will turn golden and release a nutty aroma.

Watch carefully—the moment the butter reaches a deep golden brown, remove it from heat to prevent burning.

The garlic slices should crisp slightly, adding texture and aroma to the final dish.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Use a spoon to create gentle swirls or a small well on top.

Drizzle the warm brown butter and crispy garlic evenly over the surface, allowing it to pool in the swirls for a beautiful visual effect.

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Serve immediately—warm, silky, and aromatic.

Final Thoughts

Golden Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Brown Butter Drizzle brings an elevated twist to a timeless comfort food. The buttery, velvety texture pairs beautifully with the sweetness of roasted garlic, while the nutty brown butter adds depth and complexity. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and refined—a flavor-packed side that can transform even a simple dinner into something special.

Whether you’re serving it next to roasted chicken, holiday turkey, steak, or a vegetable main, this version of mashed potatoes will always stand out. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be basic; with just a few thoughtful touches, it becomes extraordinary.

Helpful Tips

1. Use Yukon Gold potatoes

They produce naturally creamy, golden, buttery mashed potatoes.

2. Warm your cream

Cold dairy stiffens the potatoes; warm dairy keeps them silky.

3. Don’t overmix

Overworking mashed potatoes makes them gluey. Mix gently and minimally.

4. Make ahead

Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore smoothness.

5. Brown butter timing is key

Remove from heat the moment it turns golden—brown butter can burn fast.

6. Add extra flavor

Try mixing in parmesan, chives, roasted shallots, or herbs for variations.

7. Storage

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.