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Mashed Potatoes with Herbed Browned Butter

Mashed Potatoes with Herbed Browned Butter

By Kevin ClarkNovember 14, 2024

  • Makes
    6 servings
  • Cook Time
    35 minutes

In search of a twist on this holiday season essential, we looked to nutty browned butter. Infusing it with hearty herbs added a layer of unexpected yet familiar flavor. For an elevated finishing touch, we pour a portion of the fragrant butter directly over the mashed potatoes. In addition to thyme sprigs, use either sage or rosemary or, better yet, both. Buttery Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice.

Tip

Don’t forget to heat the half-and-half so it doesn’t lower the temperature of the potatoes when added. Mashing the potatoes directly in the pot in which they were simmered, instead of in a bowl, also helps with heat retention.

Ingredients
  • 3

    pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into rough 1-inch chunks

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 3

    bay leaves

  • 6

    tablespoons salted butter, cut into a few chunks

  • 3

    large thyme sprigs

  • 2

    large sage leaves or one 5-inch rosemary sprig or both

  • 1¼

    cups half-and-half, warmed

  • 2

    tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives (optional)

Step 1

In a large pot, combine the potatoes, 1 tablespoon salt and bay. Add enough water to cover by 2 inches, then boil over high. Reduce to medium, then simmer until a skewer inserted into the potatoes meets no resistance, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium, melt the butter. Once melted, cook, swirling the pan often, until the milk solids at the bottom are deeply browned and the butter has a rich, nutty aroma, 2 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and immediately add the thyme, sage and/or rosemary. Swirl to coat in butter, then set aside.

Step 3

When the potatoes are done, drain them in a colander. Remove and discard the bay, then return the potatoes to the pot. Remove and discard the herbs from the browned butter, then add 3 tablespoons of it to the potatoes. Mash until smooth. Stir in the half-and-half, then taste and season with salt.

Step 4

Transfer to a serving dish and, using the back of a spoon, create swirls across the surface. Pour the remaining browned butter over the top, allowing it to pool. Sprinkle with the chives (if using) and pepper.

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