There’s something downright magical about the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with the creamy, herby kick of Boursin cheese in mashed potatoes. This Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe is my go-to when I want to impress guests or just elevate a simple comfort food to something extraordinary.

A thick creamy yellow dip fills a white bowl, with visible swirls and soft peaks that add texture to the top layer. Dark green fried sage leaves rest on the creamy surface, slightly curled and scattered evenly. A shiny brown oil pools in the swirled dips, creating a contrast against the yellow base. Small white shreds of cheese are lightly sprinkled over the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with fresh green sage and thyme sprigs nearby, adding a natural touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made a lot of mashed potatoes in my day, but this particular version stands out because it layers so many beautiful flavors in one bowl. It’s more than just potatoes — it’s a creamy, velvety, herb-infused celebration of buttery goodness that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

Depth of Flavor: The brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized richness you won’t get from just melted butter.
Herby & Creamy: Boursin cheese brings fresh garlic and herbs that brighten every bite without overpowering the potatoes.
Comfort Food Elevated: It’s familiar mashed potatoes, but with a gourmet twist that feels special for any occasion.
Reliable & Easy: Follow my step-by-step method and you’ll get smooth, luscious mashed potatoes every time.

A creamy yellow mashed dish fills a white bowl, swirled smoothly to create soft waves that form a rounded spiral pattern. On top, there are several dark green crispy leaves scattered evenly, with a light dusting of finely grated white cheese over both the leaves and the mash. A warm brown sauce is drizzled in a loose spiral around the center, slightly soaking into the mash and adding contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, complemented by a subtle hint of fresh herbs visible near the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe plays a key role in creating those layers of flavor and creamy texture. I love choosing quality ingredients because they make a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of fresh whole Russet potatoes with golden-brown skin, a neat stack of vibrant green fresh sage leaves, a small bundle of fresh thyme sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with salted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl containing heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl holding crumbled creamy white Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: These varieties give you fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes perfect for soaking up butter and cream.
Salt: Seasoning the cooking water flavors the potatoes evenly from the inside out.
Salted Butter: The base for your brown butter; adds richness and saltiness to balance the dish.
Fresh Sage Leaves: Frying these in brown butter releases a delicate earthy note that’s iconic with Fall flavors.
Fresh Thyme: Adds subtle brightness and complexity to the brown butter without overwhelming the palate.
Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese: This creamy cheese brings an aromatic garlic and herb punch that makes these mashed potatoes unforgettable.
Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a silky, luscious texture that keeps the potatoes smooth and dreamy.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds just enough warmth and spice.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, umami boost that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe is flexible! You can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs without losing that irresistible creamy-herby essence.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cream and vegan butter, then add nutritional yeast to mimic Parmesan's umami flavor.
Herb Swap: Try rosemary or oregano in place of thyme for a slightly different herbal note.
Extra Garlic: For a bolder garlic punch, add roasted garlic cloves mixed into the mash — it’s heavenly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Potatoes

Start by washing, peeling, and dicing your potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. This size evenly cooks without turning to mush. Then place them in a large pot, cover with water about an inch above the potatoes, and add a tablespoon of salt to season. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then simmer until tender — about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily but they’re not falling apart.

Step 2: Brown the Butter with Herbs

While your potatoes cook, melt the salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep watching closely — when the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (usually 4-5 minutes), add your fresh sage leaves and thyme. The herbs will fry gently in the butter, infusing it with amazing aroma. Remove from heat and set aside, reserving the sage leaves after cooking for topping.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Drain the potatoes well, then in the empty pot (off heat), combine the Boursin cheese, heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and about two-thirds of your brown butter mixture. Stir gently over low heat until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Mash and Combine

Add your potatoes back into the pot with the cream sauce and mash to your preferred texture. I like mine a bit rustic with small lumps, but you can get silky smooth if that’s your thing. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and taste for seasoning — add salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Serve with a Herbal Finish

Transfer the mashed potatoes to your serving dish and drizzle the reserved brown butter with herbs on top. This finishing touch adds extra warmth and a pop of green from the sage leaves — simple but visually stunning!

Top Tip

Mastering this Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe is about embracing the little details that make a big flavor difference. My tips come from plenty of kitchen testing to help you nail it every time.

Perfect Potato Texture: Don’t overboil—firm but fork-tender potatoes mash better and absorb the creamy mix without turning gluey.
Keep Herb Timing Right: Add herbs only as the butter browns to avoid bitter or burnt flavors.
Mash Gently: Use a potato masher or ricer—avoid overmixing or using a blender to keep fluffy texture.
Taste As You Go: Season in stages and adjust at the end since the cheeses add saltiness too.

How to Serve Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

brown butter mashed potatoes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I swear by topping these mashed potatoes with the crispy brown butter sage leaves — they add texture and a punch of herbal flavor. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan right before serving really elevates the look and taste, too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, garlic butter steak, or a simple glazed ham. I’ve also served it alongside sautéed green beans or honey-roasted carrots for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like scooping the mashed potatoes into a pretty ramekin, topping with the brown butter herb mix, then broiling briefly to get a golden crust on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser and looks gourmet without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for 3-4 days. Before serving, let them come to room temperature for easier reheating.

Freezing

Freezing works, but the texture changes a bit. I recommend freezing before adding the Parmesan and brown butter garnish. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of cream or milk to revive creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the potatoes slowly on the stovetop over low heat with a little extra cream or butter, stirring frequently. This helps keep them soft and luscious without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Boursin?

While Boursin is special for its garlic and herb flavor, you can substitute cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic powder for a similar creamy element. Just adjust seasoning to taste.

How do I prevent mashed potatoes from being gluey?

Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold; avoid overcooking and over-mixing. Mashing gently with a hand masher rather than a blender helps maintain fluffy texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute vegan butter and a plant-based cream (like coconut or cashew cream). Use a vegan herb cheese spread or create your own with blended tofu and herbs.

Why add Parmesan cheese to mashed potatoes?

Parmesan adds a savory, umami depth and a slightly nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness and rounds out the mashed potatoes perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s familiar yet feels luxurious — perfect for family dinners or special occasions. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it turns your meal into a cozy, flavorful celebration. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!