Creamy Ranch Flavored Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with these Creamy Ranch Flavored Mashed Potatoes! This delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes combines the richness of cream cheese with tangy ranch dressing to create a creamy, savory dish that’s sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, these potatoes are easy to whip up and customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy them hot and watch them disappear from the table!
8
Servings
180
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
4-5 lbs (peeled and cubed)
Cream Cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
Ranch Dressing Mix
1 package (dry)
Half-and-Half or Milk
4-6 tablespoons (as needed to achieve desired consistency)
Salt
to taste (as desired)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.
2
Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
5
Gradually add the softened cream cheese to the mashed potatoes, blending it in until fully incorporated and smooth.
6
Stir in the ranch dressing mix and half-and-half (or milk) gradually, mixing until you reach your desired creaminess and flavor.
7
Taste and adjust with additional salt if necessary.
8
Serve the mashed potatoes hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
23g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of these mashed potatoes?
These mashed potatoes feature a creamy and savory flavor profile with a tangy twist from ranch dressing mix and rich cream cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4-5 lbs of potatoes, which should be peeled and cubed before boiling.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
What is the secret to making these potatoes extra creamy?
The combination of an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese and half-and-half or milk creates a very creamy texture.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use either half-and-half or milk, depending on your preference for richness and desired consistency.
Is the ranch dressing liquid or dry?
This recipe uses one package of dry ranch dressing mix.
Should I start the potatoes in cold or hot water?
You should place the cubed potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water before bringing them to a boil.
How much cream cheese do I need?
You will need one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, and it should be softened for easier blending.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 23 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there protein in this side dish?
Yes, there are 3 grams of protein per serving.
How much liquid should I add to the potatoes?
Add 4-6 tablespoons of half-and-half or milk, or as much as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Should I peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify peeling the potatoes before cubing them.
How should I cut the potatoes for boiling?
Cube them into uniform chunks to ensure that they cook evenly.
Can I use an electric mixer to mash the potatoes?
Yes, you can use either a potato masher or an electric mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
When should I add the salt?
Add a pinch of salt to the water when boiling, and then taste and adjust with additional salt after mashing.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a great option for Thanksgiving sides and holiday cooking.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe that is quick to whip up for weeknight dinners.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is peeling and cubing the potatoes into uniform chunks.
How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, which usually takes 15-20 minutes of boiling.
Should I drain the potatoes before mashing?
Yes, ensure the potatoes are drained well before returning them to the pot to mash.
When do I add the cream cheese?
Gradually add the softened cream cheese after the potatoes have been mashed, blending until smooth.
Can I adjust the flavor of the ranch?
Yes, you can mix in the ranch dressing mix gradually and taste as you go to reach your desired flavor level.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 5 main ingredients: potatoes, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, half-and-half or milk, and salt.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich and creamy nature.
Can I make these for a large group?
Yes, the recipe uses 4-5 lbs of potatoes and serves 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings.
Should the cream cheese be cold?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it incorporates fully and smoothly into the hot potatoes.