Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Pan Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich mashed potatoes made with nutty browned butter and served with a savory pan gravy that captures classic Thanksgiving flavors. This american-inspired thanksgiving ready in about 40 minutes pairs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed, unsalted butter, warmed whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash with a potato masher until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the browned butter, 1/2 cup warmed whole milk, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Mix until creamy and fluffy.
  5. Step 5: For the gravy, heat 2 tbsp pan drippings or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Gradually whisk 2 cups chicken broth into the flour mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking frequently, for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  7. Step 7: Serve mashed potatoes hot with generous spoonfuls of pan gravy.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Pan Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Pan Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Pan Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Pan Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Pan Gravy?

American thanksgiving like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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