Name: Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients: Potatoes: 5 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered – The foundation of our dish, providing the perfect starchy base for creamy mashed potatoes. Russets are known for their fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly creamier and buttery taste.; Butter: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes – Adds richness and enhances the creamy texture of the potatoes. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.; Milk or Cream: 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (or a combination) – Contributes to the smooth and luxurious consistency. Heavy cream will result in richer, more decadent potatoes, while milk offers a lighter option.; Cream Cheese: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – This secret ingredient adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle tang that complements the ranch flavor beautifully. Ensure it’s softened for easy incorporation.; Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix – The star of the show, infusing the potatoes with that classic zesty, herby ranch flavor. Use your favorite brand, or even homemade ranch seasoning for a personalized touch.; Fresh Chives or Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor profile.; Salt and Black Pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors. Adjust the amount according to your preference, keeping in mind that ranch seasoning mix also contains salt.

Ingredients

Potatoes: 5 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered – The foundation of our dish, providing the perfect starchy base for creamy mashed potatoes. Russets are known for their fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly creamier and buttery taste.
Butter: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes – Adds richness and enhances the creamy texture of the potatoes. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Milk or Cream: 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (or a combination) – Contributes to the smooth and luxurious consistency. Heavy cream will result in richer, more decadent potatoes, while milk offers a lighter option.
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – This secret ingredient adds an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle tang that complements the ranch flavor beautifully. Ensure it’s softened for easy incorporation.
Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix – The star of the show, infusing the potatoes with that classic zesty, herby ranch flavor. Use your favorite brand, or even homemade ranch seasoning for a personalized touch.
Fresh Chives or Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor profile.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors. Adjust the amount according to your preference, keeping in mind that ranch seasoning mix also contains salt.

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Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes. Peel them completely and then cut them into roughly equal-sized quarters. This ensures even cooking. Place the quartered potatoes into a large pot.
Boil the Potatoes: Cover the potatoes with cold water. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. This should take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potato pieces. You should be able to easily pierce a potato piece with a fork or knife when they are ready.
Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked through and tender, carefully drain them in a colander. Return the drained potatoes back to the empty pot.
Dry the Potatoes (Optional but Recommended): For extra fluffy mashed potatoes, return the pot with the drained potatoes to the stovetop over low heat for a minute or two. Gently shake the pot to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. This step is optional but helps to prevent watery mashed potatoes. Be careful not to let the potatoes burn or stick to the bottom of the pot.
Mash the Potatoes: Add the cubed butter and softened cream cheese to the hot potatoes. Allow them to melt slightly from the heat of the potatoes for a minute or two. Using a potato masher, hand mixer, or potato ricer, begin to mash the potatoes. If using a hand mixer, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to gummy potatoes. A potato ricer will create the smoothest, lump-free mashed potatoes, while a masher will result in a slightly chunkier, more rustic texture.
Add Milk and Ranch Seasoning: Gradually pour in the milk or cream (start with ¾ cup and add more if needed to reach desired consistency) while continuing to mash or mix. Stir in the dry ranch seasoning mix and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that ranch seasoning already contains salt, so taste before adding more.
Achieve Desired Consistency: Continue mashing or mixing until the mashed potatoes are smooth, creamy, and reach your desired consistency. If you prefer thinner mashed potatoes, add more milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect texture. For thicker mashed potatoes, mash a bit longer and avoid adding extra liquid.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the mashed potatoes a final taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning to your preference.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy ranch mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 380
Fat: 25g