Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the show, look no further than these Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes! This recipe takes the classic comfort of mashed potatoes and elevates it with sweet, buttery caramelized onions and fresh herbs. It’s a dish that brings warmth to any gathering, be it a busy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

These potatoes are not only delicious but also easy to make. I love how they can fit right into any occasion—from cozy dinners to big family celebrations. So let’s dive into this recipe that promises to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions and fresh herbs creates a rich flavor that elevates traditional mashed potatoes.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves creamy mashed potatoes! This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the caramelized onions in advance, making this recipe perfect for busy days.
• Comfort Food Classic: These mashed potatoes offer that warm, comforting feeling we all crave, especially during cooler months.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for any main course, from roasted veggies to grilled chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items you might already have at home. They come together beautifully to create the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes.

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 Yellow Onions (sliced thin and evenly)
• 2 Pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes (washed)
• 4 Tablespoons Salted Butter (you can use non-dairy butter, if preferred)
• 3/4 Cup Half & Half or Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Dairy-Free Milk
• 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 Bunch Chives (thinly chopped)
• 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme (stems removed)
• 3 Leaves Fresh Sage (chopped)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients.

• Add More Veggies: Consider mixing in roasted garlic or steamed cauliflower for an extra veggie boost.
• Change Up the Cheese: Swap out Parmesan for your favorite cheese like cheddar or feta for a different twist.
• Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have thyme or sage on hand, fresh rosemary or parsley would work wonderfully too!
• Make it Vegan: Substitute dairy butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk for a completely dairy-free version.

How to Make Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

To make these mashed potatoes, start by peeling the skin from the onions and thinly slicing them. It may seem like a lot of onions, but they will shrink down beautifully as they caramelize. This step is crucial because caramelizing brings out their natural sweetness, adding depth to our dish.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

Once your onions are sliced, set them aside. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. When it’s hot, toss in those onions! Stir them occasionally until they turn golden brown and caramelized—a process that will take about 40-50 minutes. Take your time here; good things come to those who wait!

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

While your onions are cooking away, it’s time to prep the Yukon Gold potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and chop them into small pieces—there’s no need to peel them unless that’s your preference! Leaving the skin on gives extra texture and fiber.

Step 4: Boil the Potatoes

Next, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil on the stove. Once boiling, add in your chopped potatoes and let them cook for about 20 minutes until fork tender. This step ensures our mashed potatoes are fluffy and light!

Step 5: Mash Those Potatoes

After draining any excess water from the pot, grab your potato masher! Mash those cooked potatoes until smooth. This is where we’ll add our buttery goodness!

Step 6: Mix In Creamy Ingredients

To our mashed potatoes, add in salted butter, kosher salt, and half & half (or coconut milk). Mash again until everything is fully combined—this makes our mashed potatoes rich and creamy!

Step 7: Combine with Onions & Cheese

Once those onions are perfectly caramelized, remove them from heat and add half of them into your potato mixture along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well so every bite gets that delicious oniony flavor.

Step 8: Serve It Up!

Finally, transfer those gorgeous mashed potatoes into a large bowl. Top with the remaining caramelized onions along with chopped chives, thyme, sage, and melted butter for an extra touch of decadence. Serve warm and enjoy every mouthful!

Pro Tips for Making Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Making these mashed potatoes is a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can take them to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor profile and overall quality of your dish.
• Be patient with the onions: Allowing the onions to caramelize slowly over medium heat will develop their natural sweetness and deep flavor. Rushing this step can result in burnt onions rather than beautifully caramelized ones.
• Don’t skip the skin: Leaving the skin on your Yukon Gold potatoes adds texture and boosts dietary fiber. It also makes the prep work quicker since you won’t have to peel them!
• Adjust creaminess to taste: Feel free to customize the creaminess of your mashed potatoes by adjusting the amount of half & half or coconut milk. Start with less and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
• Mix it up with flavors: While this recipe is fantastic as-is, consider adding garlic or a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. These small additions can make a big impact!

How to Serve Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are not just delicious; they also make for an eye-catching dish when served well. Here’s how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color that brightens up the dish.
• Extra Parmesan: A light dusting of freshly grated parmesan on top creates an appealing finish and enhances cheesy goodness.
• Olive Oil Drizzle: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds richness and a glossy appearance.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, these crispy sprouts provide a delicious contrast to creamy mashed potatoes.
• Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic are not only colorful but also add a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the potatoes.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken: This flavorful chicken dish pairs beautifully with our mashed potatoes, making it a hearty meal that everyone will love.
• Simple Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette offers freshness and balances out the richness of the potatoes.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes! Whether it’s for an everyday meal or a special occasion, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are not only a delightful addition to any meal, but they also shine as a fantastic option for meal prep. Preparing them in advance can save you time during busy weeks, making it easy to enjoy comfort food without the fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Spoon the cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, try to remove excess air from bags before sealing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, place them in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk or non-dairy milk if needed.
• Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious mashed potatoes, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these mashed potatoes a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for half & half in Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes?

You can use full-fat coconut milk or any dairy-free milk of your choice for a creamy texture without dairy.

Can I add other flavors to my Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in roasted garlic, cheese alternatives, or even different herbs that suit your taste.

How do I keep my mashed potatoes from getting gummy?

To prevent gummy mashed potatoes, avoid over-mashing. Use a gentle hand when combining ingredients after boiling.

Are these mashed potatoes suitable for freezing?

Yes! These mashed potatoes freeze well; just make sure to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes! They are truly special with their rich flavor and comforting texture. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, they are sure to impress. Enjoy making this recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you!