Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

There is nothing quite like the comfort of Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes. This dish elevates traditional mashed potatoes by incorporating rich, buttery caramelized onions, making it a standout side for any occasion—from family dinners to holiday feasts. Creamy and flavorful, these mashed potatoes promise to impress your guests and become a cherished favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: These mashed potatoes are creamy and indulgent, perfect for satisfying any craving.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The caramelized onions add a sweet and savory depth that typical mashed potatoes lack.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for holidays, potlucks, or casual dinners; they pair well with a variety of main dishes.
• Easily Customizable: You can adjust the herbs or cheese to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, making this dish is easy and enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed skillet
• Large pot
• Potato masher or ricer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed skillet: Ensures even heat distribution for perfectly caramelized onions without burning.
• Potato masher or ricer: Achieves the desired creamy texture for your mashed potatoes with ease.

Ingredients

• 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

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 that’s what gives this dish its fantastic flavor!

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Once you’ve sliced the onions, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add in the olive oil.
1. Once the oil is hot, add in the onions.
2. Stir occasionally until the onions are browned and caramelized, taking about 40-50 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

While the onions are cooking, wash the potatoes thoroughly. Chop them into small pieces; there’s no need to peel unless you prefer it that way!
1. Heat a pot of water on high until it reaches a rolling boil.
2. Add in the chopped potatoes and cook for about 20 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Once cooked, drain water from the pot.
1. Mash the potatoes using your potato masher or ricer until smooth.
2. Add in butter, kosher salt, and half & half (or chosen dairy-free alternative) while mashing again until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

With your onions nicely caramelized:
1. Remove them from heat and mix half into the mashed potatoes along with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Transfer your mashed potatoes into a large serving bowl.
1. Top with remaining caramelized onions, chopped chives, thyme, sage, and melted butter.
2. Serve warm and enjoy this rich side dish!

These Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes will soon become a beloved staple in your home!

How to Serve Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are rich and flavorful, making them a fantastic addition to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• Juicy grilled chicken complements the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes perfectly, creating a delightful balance on your plate.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• A medley of roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition, pairing well with the savory flavors of the caramelized onion mashed potatoes.

Accompany with Beef Stew

• The hearty nature of beef stew makes it an ideal match for these mashed potatoes, soaking up the delicious gravy while providing a comforting meal.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling additional fresh herbs such as parsley or dill on top enhances both the flavor and presentation of the dish.

Add a Side Salad

• A crisp side salad brings freshness to your meal, contrasting nicely with the creamy richness of the mashed potatoes.

Include Dinner Rolls

• Soft dinner rolls can be used to scoop up the mashed potatoes, adding a fun and interactive element to your dining experience.

How to Perfect Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

To ensure your mashed potatoes turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: They have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that make for the best mashed potatoes.

• Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelizing onions slowly allows their natural sweetness to develop, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.

• Mash While Hot: Mashing the potatoes while they’re still warm helps achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.

• Adjust Creaminess: Customize the creaminess by adjusting the amount of half & half or non-dairy milk based on your preference.

• Taste for Seasoning: Always taste your mashed potatoes before serving; adjust salt and other seasonings to suit your palate.

• Keep Warm Before Serving: If not serving immediately, keep them in a warm pot covered with a lid to maintain their temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with various side dishes that can enhance your meal. Consider these options:

1. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with creamy mashed potatoes.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet honey glazed carrots bring a pop of color and sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors.

3. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp sautéed green beans provide freshness and vibrancy alongside rich mashed potatoes.

4. Baked Broccoli: Baked broccoli drizzled with olive oil offers a nutritious side that balances out the richness of mashed potatoes.

5. Creamed Spinach: Velvety creamed spinach is another creamy side that matches beautifully with these luxurious mashed potatoes.

6. Cauliflower Gratin: For an indulgent option, cauliflower gratin adds cheesy goodness that complements every bite of mashed potato delight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing mashed potatoes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes.

• Overcooking the Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time. If you rush, they may burn instead of caramelize. Cook them slowly over medium heat and stir occasionally for the best flavor.

• Not Using Enough Salt: Salt enhances flavor, so don’t skimp on it! Add kosher salt both to the boiling water for the potatoes and during mashing for balanced taste.

• Skipping the Skin: Leaving the potato skin on adds texture and fiber. If you prefer smoother mashed potatoes, peel them first, but consider keeping some skin for added nutrients.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or milk can lead to lumpy potatoes. Make sure these ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a creamy consistency.

• Mashing Too Aggressively: Over-mashing can make potatoes gummy. Mash gently until combined; this keeps them fluffy and light.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes that might help clarify your cooking process.

Can I use different types of onions?

Yes! While yellow onions provide sweetness when caramelized, you can experiment with red or sweet onions for different flavors.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can easily substitute salted butter with non-dairy butter and half & half with full-fat coconut milk or another dairy-free option for creamy mashed potatoes.

What can I serve with Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes?

These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled beef, or even as a filling side for a vegetarian meal with sautéed vegetables.

Can I add more herbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding other herbs like rosemary or parsley to enhance flavor according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

The Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are not just any side dish; they bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Their rich flavor from caramelized onions and fresh herbs makes them a standout choice. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting seasonings!