Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

There is no dish that is more quintessential to American cooking than mashed potatoes. Think: creamy, cheesy, smooth potatoes often topped with chives, fresh herbs, and a whole lot of butter. My version of mashed potatoes isn’t your typical recipe – after all, they aren’t called the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes for nothing! These potatoes are loaded with herbs and topped with buttery caramelized onions, making them perfect for serving on your Thanksgiving dinner table or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The caramelized onions add a deep sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Creamy Texture: Yukon Gold potatoes give a buttery and smooth mouthfeel that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays or casual dinners alike, these mashed potatoes complement any main course.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Herb-Infused Goodness: Fresh thyme, sage, and chives elevate the flavors beyond traditional mashed potatoes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes without interruptions.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Potato masher
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly until they’re fork-tender.
• Skillet: Perfect for caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat for that rich flavor.
• Potato masher: Helps achieve the desired creamy consistency without lumps.

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Ingredients

For these delicious Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes, you will need:

• 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)

How to Make Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by peeling the skin from the onions and thinly slicing them. It may look like a lot of onions, but this will enhance the flavor!

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add in the olive oil once the skillet is hot.
3. Add the sliced onions to the skillet.
4. Stir occasionally until browned and caramelized; this should take about 40-50 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

While your onions are cooking:
1. Wash the Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly.
2. Chop them into small pieces (no need to peel unless you prefer).
3. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add in the chopped potatoes.
4. Cook for about 20 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

1. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Begin mashing them until they’re smooth.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Add in salted butter, kosher salt, and half & half (or coconut milk).
2. Mash until fully combined.

Step 6: Mix in Caramelized Onions

1. Once your onions are caramelized, set half aside for topping later.
2. Add the remaining caramelized onions along with grated Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes.
3. Stir until well mixed.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer your creamy mashed potatoes to a large bowl and top with remaining caramelized onions, chopped chives, thyme, sage, and melted butter. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

These Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are a delightful dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this creamy, flavorful side.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• Juicy grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with the richness of the mashed potatoes. The savory flavors complement each other perfectly.

Serve alongside Roasted Vegetables

• A medley of roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition. The caramelized onions in the potatoes enhance the natural sweetness of the veggies.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top can brighten the dish and add a pop of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.

Accompany with Beef Tenderloin

• This dish goes well with a succulent beef tenderloin. The hearty flavors create a satisfying combination for special occasions.

Add a Side Salad

• A light side salad can balance out the richness of the mashed potatoes. Choose greens like spinach or arugula for a refreshing touch.

Include Gravy or Sauces

• Drizzling gravy, mushroom sauce, or even a balsamic reduction over the mashed potatoes can enhance their flavor profile and add moisture.

How to Perfect Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

To achieve the best results with your caramelized onion mashed potatoes, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes have a creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them ideal for mashing.

• Caramelize Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing onions; cooking them slowly allows their natural sugars to develop rich flavors without burning.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality butter to enhance the taste of your mashed potatoes significantly.

• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer creamier potatoes, gradually add more half & half or coconut milk until reaching your desired consistency.

• Season Well: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to ensure your mashed potatoes are well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

• Reheat Gently: If you need to reheat leftover mashed potatoes, do so slowly on low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with various side dishes that can round out your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears add a nice crunch and earthy flavor that complements the creaminess of the potatoes.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots roasted in honey provide a delightful contrast to savory flavors in the mashed potatoes.

3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa and vegetables offer a nutritious and visually appealing side.

4. Herbed Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with lemon juice and fresh herbs can lighten up your plate while adding texture.

5. Creamed Spinach: Rich, creamy spinach is another decadent side that pairs perfectly with the flavors in caramelized onion mashed potatoes.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted until golden brown provide a slightly bitter balance to the sweet onions in your dish.

7. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful vegetable stir-fry brings vibrancy and health benefits, creating an appealing contrast to buttery mash.

8. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters offer a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with smooth mashed potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mashed potatoes seems simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the caramelizing: Not taking the time to properly caramelize the onions can result in a bland flavor. Ensure you cook them low and slow for maximum sweetness.
• Boldly over-boil the potatoes: Cooking potatoes for too long can make them waterlogged and mushy. Aim for fork-tender potatoes, usually around 20 minutes of boiling.
• Boldly neglect seasoning: Forgetting to season the potatoes while mashing can make them taste flat. Use kosher salt before and after mashing for balanced flavor.
• Boldly rush the mashing process: Mashing too quickly can lead to gummy potatoes. Take your time and mash gently until smooth.
• Boldly skimp on butter: Reducing butter may save calories, but it also diminishes creaminess. Use enough butter or a non-dairy alternative for rich texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a pot with a splash of milk or broth over medium heat, stirring until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes.

How do I make the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes vegan?

You can easily make this dish vegan by using non-dairy butter and replacing half & half with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

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

Yes! You can prepare them ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

What type of potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them perfect for mashing.

Can I use other herbs in my mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with herbs like rosemary or parsley based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

These Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are not just a side dish; they elevate any meal with their rich flavors and creamy texture. With options to customize ingredients, you can create a version that suits your taste perfectly. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!