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Ranch Mashed Potatoes Herbs

Featured in Savory Side Dishes.

These mashed potatoes combine creamy buttermilk and soft Yukon Gold and russet potatoes, finished with a trio of fresh chives, dill, and parsley. Mashing in butter, cream cheese, and a savory touch of garlic gives a rich, fluffy texture. Gentle folding ensures that each spoonful is tender but never gummy, while extra buttermilk creates your preferred creaminess. The fresh herbs scattered throughout and on top add bright and tangy notes to every bite, making them a standout dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners. This is homey comfort with a flavorful ranch twist.

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Ranah
Updated on Fri, 30 May 2025 18:13:55 GMT
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Ranch Mashed Potatoes Pin it
Ranch Mashed Potatoes | lifesugar.co

These ranch mashed potatoes deliver everything you crave in a comfort food side dish. Fluffy and creamy with fresh herbs and the tang of buttermilk they come together easily for gatherings or weeknight dinners. The first time I served them at Thanksgiving my family scraped the bowl clean and now they are forever on our table.

I was skeptical about adding fresh dill but now it is what makes this mash extra special. My kids love the pop of color from the herbs and always ask for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Yukon Gold potatoes: give a buttery base that mashes smooth and have thin skins so they are perfect peeled or not
  • Russet potatoes: add fluffiness and absorb all the creamy goodness
  • Large garlic cloves: infuse warmth and depth be sure to mince fresh for best flavor
  • Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: season at each stage and bring out the fullest taste of all ingredients
  • Butter: is essential for richness choose a good-quality unsalted variety
  • Buttermilk: gives signature ranch tang use whole buttermilk and warm gently before adding for the creamiest finish
  • Chopped fresh chives, dill, and parsley: each lend a layer of green flavor go for perky vibrant bunches and chop right before adding
  • Cream cheese: at room temp blends in seamlessly for extra silkiness opt for a plain full-fat block because whipped does not have the same body

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cut the Potatoes:
Chop the potatoes into even chunks about an inch thick for even cooking. You can peel them for ultra-smooth mash or leave the skins for rustic texture and fiber. Put these pieces into a large pot and cover with cold water for even cooking from the inside out.
Boil the Potatoes:
Make sure the water line sits about an inch above your potatoes for steady boiling. Add the garlic and a big pinch of sea salt then crank the heat to high. When it boils reduce to keep a gentle simmer and cook for ten to twelve minutes. Check doneness with a paring knife which should slide in easily with little resistance. Drain immediately.
Prepare the Melted Butter Mixture:
While potatoes cook heat butter buttermilk salt and pepper together in a small pan or microwave. Warm only until the butter just melts so the buttermilk does not curdle. Set aside and later stir in your fresh herbs so their flavors stay lively.
Pan-Dry the Potatoes:
After draining return potatoes to the hot pan set back on low heat. Shake gently for about a minute to let extra steam evaporate. This keeps the mash fluffy instead of watery.
Mash the Potatoes:
Use a potato masher for classic fluff or a ricer if you love them ultra-smooth. Work just until you reach your preferred consistency to avoid gluey potatoes.
Combine and Mix:
Fold your herby butter mixture into the potatoes in two stages using a wooden spoon. This ensures the liquid absorbs evenly. Finally add cream cheese and stir gently until just combined so the potatoes stay light and creamy. Add a splash more warm buttermilk if needed for perfect texture.
Final Seasoning:
Taste for salt and pepper and adjust as needed. This last step is what makes homemade potatoes shine.
Serve:
Spoon into a warm bowl add a scatter of extra herbs if you like and bring right to the table
A bowl of Ranch Mashed Potatoes. Pin it
A bowl of Ranch Mashed Potatoes. | lifesugar.co

My absolute favorite part is stirring in the fresh herbs just before serving because the green flecks make the potatoes gorgeous and fill the kitchen with their garden scent. Every time we make these it reminds me of my kids helping to chop chives and feeling so proud.

Storage Tips

Leftover mashed potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or buttermilk to revive the creaminess. For longer storage they freeze pretty well portioned in freezer bags though the texture softens slightly once thawed.

Ingredient Substitutions

No buttermilk on hand Add a splash of lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes. Sour cream makes a nice substitute too. For dairy-free use a rich unsweetened plant milk and vegan butter with extra herbs for flavor. If you are missing one of the herbs use what you have on hand or stir in a pinch of good dried herbs.

Serving Suggestions

These ranch mashed potatoes are incredible topped with a drizzle of gravy or a sprinkle of extra chives. Pair them with roast chicken pot roast meatloaf or use as a bed for your favorite stews. Small bites of leftovers crisped in a skillet make brilliant potato cakes the next morning.

A bowl of mashed potatoes with green herbs. Pin it
A bowl of mashed potatoes with green herbs. | lifesugar.co

A Bit of Context

Ranch flavor was born in the American West combining buttermilk herbs and zesty seasonings to liven up simple dishes. Bringing that classic flavor to mashed potatoes makes the dish taste both familiar and fresh. It is a modern comfort dish that feels nostalgic and new at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use only one type of potato?

Yes, you can use either Yukon Gold or russet potatoes exclusively, but combining both enhances texture and flavor.

→ Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

No, peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, while peeled potatoes yield a smoother finish.

→ What herbs work best for this dish?

Fresh chives, dill, and parsley deliver the classic ranch flavor. You can also use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity slightly.

→ How do I prevent gummy mashed potatoes?

Pan-drying after boiling and gently folding in liquids helps preserve fluffiness. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a light texture.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra buttermilk if needed to restore creaminess.

Ranch Mashed Potatoes Herbs

Buttermilk mashed potatoes with fresh herbs deliver creamy texture and bold, tangy flavor in every bite.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Perfect Sides

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (10–12 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Potatoes

01 2.5 kilograms Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 2.5 cm chunks
02 2.5 kilograms russet potatoes, cut into 2.5 cm chunks

→ Aromatics and Seasoning

03 4 large garlic cloves, minced
04 Fine sea salt, to taste
05 Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

→ Dairy

06 85 grams butter
07 360 milliliters buttermilk
08 115 grams cream cheese, at room temperature

→ Fresh Herbs

09 80 milliliters chopped fresh chives
10 80 milliliters chopped fresh dill
11 80 milliliters chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Peel potatoes as desired, then cut into uniform 2.5 cm chunks. Transfer to a large stockpot filled with cold water.

Step 02

Ensure the water covers the potatoes by about 2.5 cm. Stir in the minced garlic and approximately 15 ml sea salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a steady boil over medium-high. Cook for 10–12 minutes, until a knife slides easily into the potatoes. Drain thoroughly.

Step 03

While potatoes boil, gently heat the butter, buttermilk, and an additional 10 ml sea salt with 2.5 ml black pepper in a small saucepan or microwave until the butter just melts. Do not allow the buttermilk to boil. Reserve until needed.

Step 04

Return the drained potatoes to the hot stockpot. Place back on low heat and shake the pot gently for about 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture. Remove from the heat.

Step 05

Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes to your preferred texture, from rustic to smooth.

Step 06

Stir the chopped chives, dill, and parsley into the melted butter mixture until well combined.

Step 07

Pour half the herbed butter mixture over the mashed potatoes and fold in with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the remaining butter mixture and cream cheese, folding gently until just combined. Adjust with additional warm buttermilk if a looser consistency is desired.

Step 08

Taste, then season further with more salt and black pepper according to preference.

Step 09

Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra chopped herbs.

Notes

  1. Herbs can be increased or decreased to suit your preference. For a lighter texture, add additional buttermilk in small increments.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large stockpot
  • Colander
  • Potato masher
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, buttermilk, cream cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 218
  • Total Fat: 7.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g