These Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, savory, and indulgent take on the classic mashed potato dish. The rich brown butter with crispy sage and thyme elevates the flavor, while the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese adds a luscious, herby creaminess that makes every bite unforgettable. Topped with Parmesan cheese, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal, especially for holidays or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mashed potatoes are next-level delicious. The brown butter adds a nutty richness, perfectly complemented by the crispy sage leaves and the subtle earthiness of fresh thyme. The Boursin cheese takes the creaminess up a notch, making these potatoes luxurious and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a festive dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, they are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of textures and flavors will make these mashed potatoes the star of the table!

Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

4 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes
1 tablespoon salt (for cooking potatoes)
1 cup salted butter
10 fresh sage leaves
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
1 (5.3 oz) package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese
⅔ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about ⅓ cup finely grated, plus more for topping if desired)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot.
Cook the Potatoes:
Fill the pot with water to cover the potatoes by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon salt to season the water. Heat over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes.
Brown the Butter:
While the potatoes cook, melt 1 cup salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter begins to brown, add the sage leaves and fresh thyme to fry in the butter until it’s fully browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce:
Once the potatoes are done, drain them and leave them in the strainer. In the same pot, combine the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and about ⅔ of the browned butter (reserve the sage leaves for topping). Stir over medium heat until the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
Mash the Potatoes:
Add the drained potatoes back into the pot with the cream sauce. Mash with a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish the Mashed Potatoes:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and top with the remaining brown butter and sage leaves. Optionally, add more Parmesan cheese on top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, vegan Boursin-style cheese, and non-dairy cream to make these mashed potatoes vegan-friendly.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For extra garlic flavor, add roasted garlic cloves or sautéed minced garlic into the potatoes before mashing.
Additional Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or chives for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other varieties of potatoes like red potatoes or fingerling potatoes, but Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes.

2. Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these mashed potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them. Reheat them gently with a bit of cream or milk to restore the smooth texture.

3. Can I substitute Boursin cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with cream cheese, goat cheese, or another soft, creamy cheese, but the flavor and texture may vary.

4. Can I make these potatoes without the brown butter?

While brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, you can skip it if you prefer. You can use regular butter, though the taste won’t be as deep.

5. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme and sage?

Yes, you can use dried thyme and sage, but the flavor may be slightly different. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 tablespoon of dried sage.

6. Can I make these mashed potatoes without the Parmesan?

Yes, you can skip the Parmesan if you prefer a dairy-free version or if you want a lighter dish. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

7. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming too watery?

Be sure to drain the potatoes well after cooking. You can also return them to the pot over low heat for a minute or two to allow any excess moisture to evaporate before mashing.

8. How can I make these potatoes spicier?

To add heat, stir in some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced fresh chili peppers when making the cream sauce.

9. Can I freeze these mashed potatoes?

While mashed potatoes freeze well, they may lose some of their creamy texture. If freezing, store in an airtight container, and reheat with a bit of cream or milk.

10. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or even pureed cauliflower for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes are a luxurious, flavorful twist on the classic mashed potatoes. The combination of browned butter, fresh herbs, and creamy Boursin cheese creates a rich, savory dish that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dinner or a weeknight treat, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will leave everyone coming back for more!