These Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are one of my all-time favorite side dishes, and I’m so excited to share them with you! The sweet and savory flavor from the caramelized onions takes the classic mashed potatoes to the next level. Plus, they’re gluten-free and can easily be made vegan just follow the tips below. These potatoes are guaranteed to impress your friends and family, making you the most popular person at any party! Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just having a cozy dinner, this dish will be the star of the meal.
Method
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. It might look like a lot of onions, but don’t worry, they will shrink down a lot as they cook! Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add all the sliced onions to the pan. Stir occasionally and let the onions cook for about 45-50 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This step takes patience, so keep an eye on the onions and stir now and then to prevent burning. The onions should become sweet and tender as they cook.
While the onions are caramelizing, take your Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into small pieces. There’s no need to peel them keeping the skin adds a delicious texture and flavor. Put the chopped potatoes into a pot of boiling water and cook for about 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Once they’re cooked, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
Next, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. Add the cream (or coconut milk), butter, and salt to the potatoes, then mash again until everything is well combined and creamy.
Now, check on your caramelized onions. Once they’re ready, add half of the onions to the mashed potatoes along with parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and taste the potatoes to make sure they’re perfectly seasoned. If needed, add a bit more salt or pepper to balance the flavors.Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, and top with the remaining caramelized onions. Garnish with fresh chives
Necessary Tools
- Large pan or skillet
- Knife and cutting board
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- Potato masher
- Spoon for stirring
- Serving bowl
- Grater for parmesan cheese
Best Ever Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings10
minutes1
hour50
minutes2
hoursIngredients
2 tbsp olive oil
4 yellow onions, sliced thin
2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, washed
4 tbsp salted butter (or vegan butter)
3/4 cup half & half or dairy-free milk or full-fat coconut milk
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
1 bunch chives, thinly chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed
3 leaves fresh sage, chopped
Directions
- Start by peeling and thinly slicing the onions. It may look like a lot, but trust me, these onions will shrink down as they caramelize! Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add all of the sliced onions to the pan. Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook until they turn a golden brown and become sweet and caramelized. This process will take about 45–50 minutes, so be patient and keep stirring now and then.
While the onions are caramelizing, chop your Yukon Gold potatoes into small pieces. There’s no need to peel the skin it adds texture and flavor! Place the chopped potatoes in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
Next, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. Add the cream (or coconut milk), butter, and salt to the mashed potatoes, and mash again until everything is well combined. Now, check on your caramelized onions once they’re done, add half of them to the potatoes, along with the parmesan cheese. Stir it all together and taste. If needed, add a little more salt or pepper to balance the flavors.
Once everything is mixed, transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, fresh chives, sage, and a drizzle of melted butter. Serve and enjoy this rich, creamy, and flavor-packed side dish!
Notes
- Caramelizing the Onions: Be patient when caramelizing the onions. It takes time, but the result is worth it. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and let them cook until they’re golden and soft.
- Watch the Potatoes: When boiling the potatoes, make sure not to overcook them, or they may become waterlogged and difficult to mash. Cook until fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Vegan Option: If you want to make this recipe vegan, simply use vegan butter and substitute the half & half with a dairy-free milk of your choice, like almond or coconut milk.
Serving Suggestions
These Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes make a perfect side dish for almost any meal! Serve them alongside roast chicken, steak, or grilled vegetables for a comforting and hearty meal. You can also pair them with a fresh salad to balance the richness. If you’re planning a holiday dinner, these mashed potatoes will steal the show at the table!
Fun Fact
Did you know that Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor? They make mashed potatoes extra smooth and delicious. Plus, they hold their shape well, making them perfect for mashing!
Conclusion
And there you have it Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes that will wow everyone! This recipe is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, thanks to the caramelized onions and melted parmesan. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or a holiday gathering, these mashed potatoes will be a hit. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to play around with different toppings and seasonings to make them your own.
