These creamy ranch mashed potatoes with real butter and fresh herbs are just what you’ve been looking for. With minimal ingredients and prep time, this side dish comes together quickly and leaves you reaching for more.
This post first appeared on Savory Experiments where I’m a contributor.
Mashed potatoes are a staple dish that are often served with meals like roast beef or turkey. They seem to be the one dish that is on the table at any family gathering, at least they always have been at mine.
The problem with mashed potatoes is that unless you have a rich, savory gravy to top them with they can be boring.
These creamy ranch mashed potatoes, however, have so much flavour that they are fantastic just the way they are. There is no need for extra gravy or sauce, making them a great side dish for any meal.
Honestly, I love these mashed potatoes so much that I could eat them as a meal all on their own. I haven’t, but thought has crossed my mind.
The secret to these homemade creamy ranch mashed potatoes is in the ingredients. The potatoes are made extra creamy by using real butter and sour cream. Not only does the sour cream make these potatoes extra fluffy, but it adds a tangy flavor that helps balance the richness of the butter and ranch.
Then, to finish these potatoes off, we add fresh dill and chives which help bring out the flavors of the ranch seasoning. A generous drizzle of melted butter doesn’t hurt either.
HOT TIP: Rinsing the potatoes before you boil them will make them creamier. By rinsing the potatoes before you boil them you are washing away some of the starch which will help the mashed potatoes retain their fluffy texture. Simply cut your potatoes into 1 inch cubes and place them in a pot of cold water, then drain that water and fill with fresh water before boiling.
How to make creamy ranch mashed potatoes
- Peel, cube and rinse the potatoes, then boil for approximately 10 minutes until fork tender
- Drain the potatoes and add the butter, sour cream and ranch
- Using a potato masher, mash just until smooth. A few lumps are ok!
- Stir in the fresh chopped herbs
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with additional herbs and serve!
HOT TIP: Be careful not to over mash the potatoes. When you mash potatoes the starches are released. As you mix the potatoes the starch molecules start to bond. The more you work them, the stronger that bond becomes. This results in sticky, grey potatoes. Mash your potatoes just until they are soft and fluffy and then put the masher down.
Can I reheat mashed potatoes?
Yes! My favourite way to reheat these ranch mashed potatoes is in the oven. Place them in an oven safe dish, dot the top with some fresh butter, and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
What kind of potatoes should I use for mashed potatoes?
My favourite potato for mashing is the russet potato. When cooked, russet potatoes have soft texture that breaks apart easily and makes them perfect for mashing without having to overwork them.
My second choice would be Yukon gold potatoes. Sometimes I will use a 50/50 mixture of the two for a richer flavor.
Other recipes you might like
Bacon parmesan pasta salad
Creamy mushroom and bacon gnocchi
Easy flaky buttermilk biscuits
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3.5 Pounds Potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold
- 12 Tbsp Butter divided
- 1 Cup Sour cream
- 3 Tbsp Ranch dressing mix or 1 envelope store bought
- 2 Tbsp Fresh chives, chopped plus more for garnish
- 2 Tbsp Fresh dill, chopped plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1 inch cubes.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water and drain. Next add fresh water to approximately 2 inches above the potatoes.
- Place the pot on high heat and bring to a boil. Boil for approximately 10 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add 10 tablespoons of the butter, the sour cream and ranch seasoning.
- With a potato masher, mash the potatoes just until they are creamy and smooth. (A few lumps are ok!)
- Stir in the fresh dill and chives
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave safe dish or in a small pot on the stove.
- Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and drizzle with melted butter and garnish with additional herbs, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Tried this recipe? Please leave me a comment or rating to let me know!
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Beth
Thursday 9th of April 2020
I had never thought of using ranch dressing in mashed potatoes. But these were amazing. My kids told me never to make mashed potatoes any other way again.
Lisa Killian
Friday 3rd of April 2020
Looks so delicious! So creamy!
Bhawana
Friday 3rd of April 2020
these creamy mashed potatoes looking so delicious and make a perfect dip for me. My most loved part is it does not need milk. Loved your process shots.
Bob
Friday 3rd of April 2020
Awesome, mashed potatoes with Ranch! I actually never thought of it but ranch goes great with everything.
Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes
Thursday 2nd of April 2020
What a delicious side dish - I love the flavours in this! Creamy potatoes just can't be beaten!