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Brown Butter Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.4 from 77 reviews

These Brown Butter Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes are a rich, flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. The potatoes are infused with roasted garlic, creamy whole-milk Greek yogurt, and fragrant fresh sage, all brought together with nutty brown butter for a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and aromatic notes. Ideal for holiday dinners or any special occasion where you want a deliciously elevated side dish.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the garlic:

  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the potatoes:

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the mix-ins:

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
  • ½ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 1 ½ to 2 cups whole milk (or 2%), at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for about 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized. Let cool.
  2. Prepare the potatoes: While the garlic roasts, peel and quarter the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes well and return to the warm pot. Mash roughly with a potato masher.
  4. Make the brown butter herb mix: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons salted butter. Continue cooking the butter, stirring frequently, until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the finely chopped fresh sage.
  5. Combine all ingredients: Squeeze the softened cloves from the roasted garlic head and add them to the mashed potatoes. Pour in the browned sage butter mixture, Greek yogurt, and 1 ½ cups of room temperature whole milk. Stir well to combine, adding more milk if needed to reach desired creaminess. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Final adjustments and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm as a luxurious side dish that brings deep garlic and herb flavor with creamy texture.

Notes

  • Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and adds sweetness, which elevates the mashed potatoes.
  • Using Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes gives a naturally creamy texture without needing too much dairy.
  • Whole-milk Greek yogurt adds richness and a subtle tang while keeping the potatoes creamy and healthy.
  • Brown butter imparts a nutty depth that complements the fresh sage and garlic beautifully.
  • If you prefer, substitute fresh sage with thyme or rosemary for a different herb flavor.
  • Make sure to use room temperature milk to avoid cooling down the potatoes when mixing.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American