Ranch Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and savory Ranch Mashed Potatoes complement any meal! These potatoes are loaded with real butter, cream, and ranch seasoning, leaving your mouth happy and your stomach full! Make this delicious recipe today!

Mashed potatoes are such a great comfort food! I love eating them with a Sunday Pot Roast or with Grandma’s Meatloaf. They’re the perfect side dish and make great leftovers for lunch too!

These flavors are perfect for potatoes, as they naturally are neutral in flavor. They showcase these herbs and spices beautifully.

What flavors are in Ranch Dressing?

Ranch dressing consistently tops the list of favorite salad dressings. But what is actually in ranch dressing? Well, ranch seasoning gets its flavor from some simple pantry ingredients: onion powder, onion flakes, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried chives.

These flavors are perfect for potatoes, as they naturally are neutral in flavor. They showcase these herbs and spices beautifully

Ingredients for Ranch Seasoned Mashed Potatoes

Gather together the following simple ingredients to make these savory potatoes:

• 3 lbs. Russet Potatoes
• 10 tablespoons butter (at room temperature and cut into small cubes)
• 1-ounce ranch dressing mix or ranch seasoning
• 4 ounces of cream cheese (at room temperature and cut into small cubes)
• 1 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives or green onions

How to make Ranch Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2-inch cubes. Place them into a large pot and fill the pot with fresh water to at least an inch above the potatoes.
2. Heat water over medium-high heat until boiling and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are very soft but not completely falling apart. Use a fork to gauge their tenderness.
3. Drain potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a potato masher, ricer, or hand mixer.
4. Add the butter, ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, Colby Jack cheese, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
5. Place into a serving dish and garnish with chives. Enjoy!

Flavor Variations

• Feel free to use Yukon gold potatoes for a denser, richer mashed potato dish. I don’t recommend red potatoes as they can get gluey easily.
• If you’re not a garlic fan, you can omit the minced garlic.
• Use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to lighten up your potatoes.
• Take your potatoes to the next level by topping them with extra cheddar cheese, Colby, or Monterey Jack cheese!

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

• Cut your potatoes into small, even chunks for even cooking.
• Generously salt the water before boiling it to keep your potatoes from tasting bland.
• Boil your potatoes until they are fork-tender. If you don’t cook them long enough, they will be lumpy!
• Make sure to drain all of the water from your potatoes before mashing them to avoid soggy potatoes.
• Mash the potatoes when they are still hot- they will become more gummy as they cool.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mashed potatoes can last 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. When reheating your potatoes, add a splash of milk and some butter, and reheat until the potatoes are warm, smooth, and creamy.

Can I freeze Ranch Mashed Potatoes?

This is one of the easiest potato dishes to freeze! Let your potatoes cool completely, then transfer the mashed potatoes to a freezer bag or food container.

You can also portion potatoes into 1-cup servings and flash freeze on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they are frozen, transfer the servings into a large freezer bag or container.

Mashed potatoes will last about 1 month in the freezer. Reheat frozen potatoes in a saucepan, in the oven, or even in a slow cooker. Stir in some milk and melted butter to help with any separation that might occur.

Do you love Potatoes? Try these recipes!

I’ve got all sorts of potato recipes on the blog. Here are some of my favorites:

• Vanilla Mashed Potatoes– creamy with just a hint of sweetness, these potatoes are delicious!
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes– you can’t go wrong with cheese and potatoes!
• Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes– these beautiful potatoes make a stunning side dish for special occasions.
• Twice Baked Potatoes– these have such a silky soft texture, everyone will rave over them!
• Oven Roasted Potatoes– fresh herbs make these potatoes a great side dish the whole family will love!
• READER FAVORITE – Easy Roasted Smashed Potatoes with CHEESE! – these potatoes are easy to make and have lots of flavor, and people are loving them.