If you’re craving mashed potatoes with a twist that stops everyone in their tracks, you’ve got to try my Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This isn’t your everyday spud side—it’s ultra-creamy, packed with fresh herbs, and infused with nutty browned butter and that luxuriously creamy Boursin cheese. When I first made this, my family went crazy, and I bet you’ll love how effortlessly it elevates any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The Boursin cheese melts into velvety mashed potatoes, giving an herby garlicky depth that’s irresistible.
- Nutty Brown Butter Boost: Browning the butter brings out a warm, toasty note that makes this mash feel extra fancy without fuss.
- Herbs Galore: Fresh sage and thyme infuse gentle earthiness and aroma, making every bite fragrant and fresh.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe steals the show every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The balance of starchy potatoes, creamy Boursin, and browned butter with fresh herbs is what makes this recipe shine. Picking quality ingredients really pays off, especially fresh herbs and good butter.
- Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: Russets make fluffier mash, Yukon Golds are creamier—use whichever you prefer!
- Salt: Don’t skip salting your cooking water; it seasons the potatoes from the inside out.
- Salted Butter: Salted butter browns beautifully and adds richness; don’t substitute with low-salt butter here.
- Fresh Sage Leaves: These bring a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with browned butter.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds subtle earthiness that really brightens the mash.
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese: The star ingredient—creamy, herby, and garlicky cheese that melts into the potatoes beautifully.
- Heavy Cream: Helps make the mash silky and indulgent.
- Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for seasoning depth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated, it adds a sharp, nutty backbone to the mash.
Variations
This Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe is pretty irresistible as is, but I love playing with it when hosting. Feel free to make it your own by tweaking herbs or adding extras to keep things fun and seasonal.
- Herb Swap: When fresh sage isn’t available, try rosemary or chives for a slightly different herbaceous vibe—I find rosemary pairs beautifully with the brown butter.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap Boursin for a dairy-free herbed cream cheese and use olive oil instead of butter browned with herbs for a creamy twist.
- Extra Garlic Kick: If you’re a garlic lover like me, add a few cloves of roasted garlic mashed right in with the potatoes—you’ll love the deep flavor.
- Spicy Upgrade: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the brown butter adds a sneaky warmth that’s my secret favorite.
How to Make Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook Your Potatoes Just Right
Start by washing, peeling, and dicing your potatoes into 1-inch cubes. I like to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot and cover with water, about an inch over the potatoes. Don’t forget to add a tablespoon of salt to the water—that’s key for flavor. Bring to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, which usually takes around 20 minutes. Stir gently now and then to prevent sticking, and test with a fork to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Make That Perfect Brown Butter With Herbs
While the potatoes cook, melt your salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it starts to foam and then gradually browns—this is where the magic happens! Once you start smelling a nutty aroma and see golden flecks at the bottom, toss in the fresh sage leaves and thyme to fry gently, infusing the butter with herbal goodness. Be careful not to burn it; once browned, take it off the heat and set aside to cool slightly. Reserve some whole sage leaves for garnishing later—it looks fancy and tastes amazing.
Step 3: Combine Boursin, Cream, and Seasonings
Drain the potatoes well and leave them in the colander while you prepare the cheese mixture. In your empty pot, add the Boursin cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and about two-thirds of the browned butter (including herbs, but not the whole leaves reserved). Heat this over medium heat gently, stirring until the cheese softens and melts into a rich, herby sauce. This step really helps infuse all the flavors before the potatoes dive in.
Step 4: Mash and Finish With Parmesan
Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them with a potato masher to your preferred consistency—some like ’em super smooth, others a bit chunky; do what suits you best! Once mashed, stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a lovely sharpness that balances the creamy Boursin and brown butter. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if you think it needs a little more love.
Step 5: Serve With a Gourmet Touch
Transfer your mashed potatoes to a serving dish and drizzle with the remaining browned butter and herbs. Those crispy sage leaves you saved? They give the finished dish a pop of color and a subtle crunch that always impresses guests. I promise these mashed potatoes will be the star of your table!
Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Don’t Rush the Brown Butter: Keep your eye on the butter while browning—it can switch from perfect to burnt quickly. I usually remove it as soon as the nutty aroma hits.
- Use Heavy Cream for Creaminess: I tried half-and-half once, and it wasn’t nearly as lush—heavy cream gives the silky smooth texture that makes this mash irresistible.
- Keep Potato Cubes Uniform: Cutting potatoes into consistent 1-inch pieces ensures perfectly even cooking without mushy bits.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper bit by bit and taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning—this makes a big difference in flavor balance.
How to Serve Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I always top these mashed potatoes with a few of the crispy browned sage leaves—the texture contrast is fantastic. A little sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds an inviting golden brown crust if you decide to grill or broil it for a minute. Fresh thyme sprigs also add a nice visual touch and subtle aroma at the table.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like herb-crusted prime rib or garlic butter chicken. I also love serving it alongside steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced, hearty meal. The herby richness in the potatoes complements simply prepared veggies perfectly—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve spooned this mash into individual ramekins and topped each with browned butter and herbs for a pretty personal touch. You can also pipe the potatoes onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with Parmesan, and broil until golden for an elegant and crispy side that guests never forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, they retain their creaminess wonderfully if warmed gently. Leftovers are a win in my book because the flavors deepen overnight.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these mashed potatoes once or twice with success—just freeze them in a sturdy container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture might be a touch denser but still delicious when warmed gently with a splash of cream or butter stirred in.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of potatoes in the Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Yes, you can use either Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russets will give you a fluffier, lighter mash, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier, buttery texture. Both work beautifully with the brown butter and Boursin flavors—choose based on your texture preference.
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What can I substitute for Boursin cheese if I can’t find it?
If Boursin isn’t available, you can try a soft herb and garlic cream cheese or even a mixture of cream cheese with garlic powder and dried herbs as a quick workaround. Keep in mind the flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still add creaminess and a herby kick.
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How do I avoid greasy mashed potatoes with all that brown butter?
Using brown butter adds richness but balance is key. I usually reserve some butter for garnish and mix in just about two-thirds with the cheese and cream. Adding salted butter also helps control the flavor so it doesn’t feel overly greasy but instead delightfully indulgent.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a crowd?
Absolutely! You can prepare this recipe a day ahead and refrigerate. Before serving, gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the mash’s creaminess. It’s a perfect make-ahead side for holiday dinners or large gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s comfort food with a touch of gourmet flair—and the best part is how easy it is to make. I love sharing this with friends when I want to impress without breaking a sweat. Give it a try next time you want mashed potatoes that everyone raves about; I promise you’ll be making it again and again.
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Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes recipe combines creamy Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes with rich browned butter infused with fresh sage and thyme. The addition of garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese creates a luxurious, flavorful mash perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. Topped with Parmesan cheese and aromatic brown butter herbs, these mashed potatoes elevate a classic side dish into a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 4 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste (for seasoning mashed potatoes)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more to taste
Brown Butter and Herbs
- 1 cup salted butter
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
Cheese and Cream
- 1 (5.3 oz.) package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, about ⅓ cup finely grated, plus more for topping if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes and place them into a large pot for boiling.
- Boil the Potatoes: Fill the pot with water so it covers the potatoes by about an inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to season the water and stir. Heat over medium-high and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, approximately 20 minutes.
- Brown the Butter: While the potatoes cook, melt 1 cup of salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter starts browning, developing a nutty aroma, taking care not to burn it.
- Infuse Herbs: Once the butter begins to brown, add the fresh sage leaves and fresh thyme to the pan. Fry the herbs gently in the browned butter until fragrant, then remove from heat and set aside. Reserve about two-thirds of the brown butter for mixing with the potatoes and save the herbs for topping.
- Drain the Potatoes: Once tender, drain the potatoes thoroughly using a strainer and return them to the large pot.
- Mix Cheese and Cream: Add the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and about two-thirds of the brown butter (leaving herbs out for topping) to the pot. Over medium heat, stir this mixture until the cheese has melted smoothly.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add the drained potatoes back into the pot with the cheese and butter mixture. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes to your preferred consistency, making sure everything is well combined.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Drizzle with the remaining browned butter infused with sage and thyme leaves for an aromatic and visually appealing finish. Add extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture, though Russets work perfectly as well.
- Browning the butter adds a deeper, nuttier flavor compared to regular melted butter.
- Fresh herbs infuse the butter with additional aroma and flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- If you prefer a thinner mashed potato consistency, add extra heavy cream gradually when mashing.
- The Boursin cheese already contains herbs and garlic, so season the mashed potatoes carefully to avoid over-salting.
- These mashed potatoes can be made ahead and gently reheated with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg