![Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]](https://i0.wp.com/yesyumgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3499-1-scaled.jpeg?resize=800%2C840&ssl=1)
Mashed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that never fails to please. Creamy, buttery, and rich, they’re the perfect side dish for any occasion. But if you’re looking to take your mashed potatoes to the next level and add an extra layer of flavor, caramelized onions are the way to go. I’m sharing a delightful recipe for mashed potatoes with caramelized onions that will elevate your next meal to a whole new level. Thanksgiving side dish ideas anyone?? You’ve found one!
Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions are a delightful twist on a classic side dish. They don’t add much time or difficulty; it takes the same amount of time as your regular mashed potato recipe, but with the added flavor and wow-factor. All you do is sauté/caramelize an onion in a separate frying pan as the potatoes are cooking. The sweet and savory notes of the caramelized onions perfectly complement the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it with roast chicken, grilled steak, *ahem* turkey, or as a comforting side on its own, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
![Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]](https://i0.wp.com/yesyumgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3506-scaled.jpeg?fit=768%2C1024&ssl=1)
How to achieve delightful mashed potatoes with caramelized onions
![Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]](https://yesyumgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3479-768x1024.jpeg)
Begin with diced potatoes in a pot of boiling salted water, just as you would regular (boring) mashed potatoes
Next, thinly slice an onion and cook it in a separate frying pan with a bit of butter.
Don’t crowd the pan, as you can see in picture two, I have added the remaining additional onions. Continue to sauté and keep stirring at this time, while keeping an eye on your potatoes.
When you notice your potatoes are nearly ready to be drained, begin adding water FROM the pot of boiling potatoes, usually around the 10-12 minute mark, one teaspoon at a time to deglaze the pan. This is seen in photos 5 and 6. You can tell the color difference almost immediately, as the water helps spread the natural sugars around and coat all the onions. Use as much water as you want until you get a uniform color.
![Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]](https://yesyumgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3480-768x1024.jpeg)
![Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]](https://yesyumgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3482-768x1024.jpeg)
![Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]](https://yesyumgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3483-768x1024.jpeg)
![Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]](https://yesyumgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3484-768x1024.jpeg)
![Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]](https://yesyumgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_3487-768x1024.jpeg)
Carry on like you would with normal mashed potatoes. Drain and mash in butter, milk, cheese if you want (gruyere would be great to tie in the French onion style here, but not necessary.) Then stir in the showstopper, aka caramelized onions and enjoy!
Things that helped in the kitchen for this recipe, and can help you too:
Pyrex 2 cup measuring cup – an absolute staple in the kitchen
Potato masher– amazon
Stainless steel pan/skillet (3.5 quart)
Stainless steel saucepan with cover (2.0 quart)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no cost to you, just like a free Disney travel agent. I’m only here to make suggestions that hopefully help you 😉
Mashed potatoes with caramelized onions [dairy free option]
Ingredients
- 5-7 Yukon/gold potatoes
- 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced, then halved
- 2 tbsp butter for pan
- salt, as needed for potatoes
- milk, as needed for potatoes
- butter, as needed for potatoes
- optional cheese as needed
Instructions
- Thinly slice a yellow onion around the diameter, then cut straight down the middle to make it halved. Peel and dice potatoes. Fill water (enough to cover potatoes) in large pot and add a pinch of salt. Add potatoes and bring to boil.
- In a separate frying pan, heat the butter over medium-low heat, and add onions, staggering them if the pan is too crowded. Once onions have decreased in size add remaining onions if necessary. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently but allowing to sauté.
- Continue to sauté onions for 10-12 minutes then begin to take a teaspoon of boiling water at a time from the potato pot, and deglaze the pan of caramelizing onions. It will noticeably spread the natural sugars and therefore the look will become browner and more even. Use as much as you need to achieve the preferred look of caramelized onions.
- Once potatoes are cooked, drain and set aside and add salt, milk, butter and optional cheese. Mash well. Stir in the caramelized onions and serve warm.
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