Why You Should Be Adding Browned Butter To Your Mashed Potatoes
We all love mashed potatoes. They are simple, yet decadent, and the perfect side dish for practically any meal. When mashed potatoes are placed on the table, you immediately feel at home. Creamy, buttery, and absolutely delicious, it's hard to find mashed potatoes we don't like. While there is something to be said for classic mashed potatoes, we're always here for some that are a little different or upgraded. Whether it's lobster mashed potatoes or herby garlic mashed potatoes, count us in.
But wait, could they be even better? Why yes, they can be. Enter, browned butter. Another thing we all thought was perfect the way it was, browning butter provides a depth of flavor you wouldn't expect. According to America's Test Kitchen, it is nutty and rich and versatile enough to use in dishes from savory to sweet.
Not only does browning butter make it that much better, but man, oh man, does it take mashed potatoes to a whole new level.
Browned butter or bust
As described by Kitchn, the process of making browned butter is an easy one: Simply melt butter slowly over a low heat until it foams. As this happens, the water is released from the butter, concentrating its flavor, and the milk solids will sink to the bottom and caramelize, creating that nutty element. The whole process should only take a few minutes, but be sure to include the bits that fall to the bottom of the pan. Land O Lakes notes that it is those very bits that are key to its flavor.
While mashed potatoes are a plain base that is easy to enhance, including browned butter adds tons of flavor without taking it over the top. If you're a fan of classic, simple mashed potatoes, we promise this quick change won't be anything that's too unfamiliar. And, once you try it, you'll run back for more.
If you want to take it a step further, we couldn't recommend these hazelnut-browned butter mashed potatoes more!