Elevate your mashed potato game with this irresistible Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes recipe! This creamy, flavorful side dish combines the rich nuttiness of brown butter with the smooth, garlicky taste of Boursin cheese. It’s a simple yet sophisticated twist on classic mashed potatoes that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of brown butter, Boursin cheese, and fresh herbs creates a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched.
- Creamy Texture: These potatoes are velvety smooth and luxuriously creamy.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for achieving that creamy texture.
- Butter: The star of the show, it’s browned to perfection for a nutty flavor.
- Boursin Cheese: This garlic and herb cheese adds incredible flavor and creaminess.
- Fresh Herbs: Sage and thyme elevate the dish with their aromatic qualities.
- Heavy Cream: For ultimate richness and smooth consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth and slight tang.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Cheese Swap: Try using Gorgonzola or goat cheese instead of Boursin for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Mix-up: Experiment with rosemary or chives for a new twist.
- Roasted Garlic: Add some roasted garlic cloves for extra depth.
- Loaded Version: Top with crispy bacon bits and green onions for a loaded potato experience.
How to Make Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add salt. Boil until tender, about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, add sage leaves and thyme. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In the empty potato pot, combine Boursin cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and most of the brown butter (reserve some for topping). Heat gently until the cheese melts.
Step 4: Mash and Mix
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them into the cream mixture until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and transfer to a serving dish. Top with the remaining brown butter and fried herbs.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overwork: Mash the potatoes just until smooth to avoid a gluey texture.
- Brown Butter Carefully: Watch the butter closely as it browns – it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Warm Ingredients: Use room temperature Boursin and warm cream for easier mixing.
How to Serve
These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled steaks, or as part of a holiday spread. They’re rich enough to stand on their own, but also complement other sides like roasted vegetables or fresh salads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While possible, freezing may affect the texture. If freezing, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the potatoes won’t be as rich and creamy. If you’re looking to reduce calories, try using half-and-half as a compromise.
What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
A mixture of cream cheese, garlic powder, and dried herbs can work as a substitute. Alternatively, any soft herb cheese will do.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the potatoes up to 2 days ahead, store in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving. You might need to add a bit more cream when reheating.
How do I prevent my potatoes from being lumpy?
Ensure your potatoes are fully cooked before mashing, and use a ricer or food mill for the smoothest texture.
These Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes are a game-changer in the world of side dishes. The combination of nutty brown butter, creamy Boursin cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
PrintBrown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulgent and creamy mashed potatoes elevated with brown butter, aromatic herbs, and rich Boursin cheese. A perfect side dish for special occasions or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling)
- 1 cup salted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 1 (5.3 oz.) package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about 1/3 cup finely grated, plus more for topping if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into 1″ cubes. Place them in a large pot and cover with water about 1″ above the potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon salt and stir.
- Cook the potatoes: Heat the pot over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
- Brown the butter: In a saucepan, brown 1 cup salted butter over medium heat. Once it begins to brown, add the sage leaves and thyme to fry. Remove from heat when browned.
- Drain and prepare the cream mixture: Drain the potatoes and leave them in the strainer. In the empty pot, combine Boursin cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and about ⅔ of the brown butter (reserve sage leaves for topping). Stir over medium heat until cheese melts.
- Mash the potatoes: Add the potatoes back to the pot and mash until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining brown butter and herbs.
Notes
- For extra fluffy potatoes, consider using a potato ricer instead of a masher.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75