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Easy Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling + Caramelizing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Easy Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food upgrade. With a creamy, buttery potato base and sweet golden onions folded in, every bite is a rich and savory dream. Whether you’re planning an easy dinner, searching for holiday side dish ideas, or need a quick make-ahead recipe for meal prep, this dish checks every box. It’s a classic mashed potato recipe, made even better with slow-cooked caramelized onions and fresh chives. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, hearty food ideas, or elegant dinner ideas.


Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup heavy cream (warmed)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)


Instructions

1. Peel and chop potatoes into even chunks. Place in a pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 teaspoon of salt.

2. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.

3. While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt.

4. Cook onions for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown.

5. Drain the potatoes and return to the hot pot to remove excess moisture.

6. Mash the potatoes until smooth using a masher or ricer.

7. Stir in the butter and warmed heavy cream until creamy.

8. Season with remaining salt and pepper.

9. Fold in most of the caramelized onions, reserving some for topping.

10. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with reserved onions and chives. Serve warm.


Notes

For best flavor, caramelize the onions slowly on low heat—don’t rush this step.

Warm the cream before adding it to prevent the potatoes from seizing.

You can make this dish up to 2 days in advance and reheat with a splash of milk.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, mashed potatoes, comfort food, holiday sides