Introduction
Indulge in a delicious side dish that’s sure to impress any family or guest – creamy ranch mashed potatoes! This recipe combines the rich flavors of butter, buttermilk, and sour cream with the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, creating the perfect accompaniment to your favorite meals. Prepared quickly in an Instant Pot®, these mashed potatoes are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
¾ cup water
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
½ cup buttermilk
¼ cup whole milk
½ cup sour cream
1 (1-ounce) package Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
This delightful dish is perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or a comforting weeknight dinner. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, ranch mashed potatoes will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Add ¾ cup of water and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to a 6-quart Instant Pot®. Place the metal trivet inside the pot. Gently add the quartered potatoes on top of the trivet.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot, adjust the pressure to high, and set the cooking time for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, quick-release the pressure following the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 3: Drain the Potatoes
Carefully remove the potatoes and the trivet from the Instant Pot. Drain any excess liquid that may remain in the pot. Return the drained potatoes back to the pot.
Step 4: Add Dairy and Seasoning
Stir in ½ cup of buttermilk, ¼ cup of whole milk, ½ cup of sour cream, and the entire contents of the Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix. Add 6 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter to the mixture.
Step 5: Mash the Potatoes
Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they reach a smooth consistency. If the potato mixture is too thick, gradually add more milk until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Fold in the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives. Season the mashed potatoes with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the mashed potatoes immediately while hot.
Notes
– You can adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning if desired.
– If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
– For a richer flavor, consider blending in grated cheese or additional herbs like parsley.
Cook techniques
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking in an Instant Pot® significantly reduces the cooking time for potatoes while ensuring they are perfectly tender. The high-pressure environment cooks food quickly and efficiently.
Mashing
Mash the cooked potatoes using a potato masher to achieve a smooth consistency. For fluffier mashed potatoes, avoid over-mashing which can lead to a gummy texture.
Incorporating Dairy
When adding buttermilk, whole milk, sour cream, and butter, combine them slowly into the mashed potatoes to control the creaminess. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Flavoring
Using Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix enhances the overall flavor of the mashed potatoes. It adds a rich and tangy finish that pairs well with the creaminess of the dairy ingredients.
Finishing Touches
Stir in chopped chives at the end for a fresh and vibrant contrast. Adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
FAQ
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, but russet potatoes are recommended for their fluffy texture when mashed.
How can I make the potatoes creamier?
To achieve creamier potatoes, increase the amount of buttermilk or whole milk, adjusting gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if necessary.
Is it possible to make this recipe without sour cream?
Yes, you can omit the sour cream or replace it with additional buttermilk or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
What can I serve with these mashed potatoes?
These creamy mashed potatoes complement a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, casseroles, or as part of a holiday meal.
Conclusion
This creamy Ranch mashed potato recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic side dish. The combination of buttermilk, sour cream, and ranch seasoning creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Enjoy it as a comforting accompaniment to your meals, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Add roasted garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to the potato mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Incorporate crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions for a loaded version that will impress any guest.
Sweet Potato and Buttermilk Mash
Mix sweet potatoes with buttermilk for a unique and flavorful twist that’s both sweet and savory.
Herbed Potato Mash
Add a variety of fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the flavor and aroma of the mashed potatoes.
Spicy Chipotle Mashed Potatoes
Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a kick of heat and smokiness in your creamy mashed potatoes.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Layer the mashed potatoes with cheese and toppings in a baking dish, bake until golden brown for a cozy casserole dish.
Cauliflower and Potato Blend
Substitute a portion of the potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb version of mashed potatoes.
