Ranch Mashed Potatoes Recipe

When it comes to holiday meals, mashed potatoes are one of those must-have sides, but if you’re looking to switch things up, Ranch mashed potatoes are a great option.

If you’ve been making standard mashed potatoes with just butter, milk, and salt, you might be surprised at how much of a difference Ranch seasoning can make. It adds tangy and herby flavors without a lot of extra work.

They’re just as creamy as the classic version, but with a flavor boost from the dry powder seasoning. Ranch seasoning brings a blend of buttermilk, onion, garlic, and herbs to the dish, giving it more depth and flavor. It’s not overpowering, but it’s enough to make you notice the difference.

This specific recipe is designed for two people, so it’s perfect for a small Christmas dinner or gathering, however, it is easy to adapt the recipe to make it for a larger crowd as well.

The Best Potatoes to Use

The type of potato you use makes a big difference in the texture and flavor of your mashed potatoes. For this recipe, Yukon Gold potatoes are the best choice. They’re naturally buttery and have a creamy texture that works perfectly with the Ranch seasoning.

Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred over Russet potatoes for a variety of reasons, some of which I have listed below.

• Creamy Texture: They mash up smooth and don’t get that gross, gluey texture.
• Buttery Flavor: They have a richer taste compared to other potatoes, so you don’t need as much butter.
• Thin Skin: If you want to leave the skins on for a more rustic mash, the thin skin won’t be too noticeable.

If you don’t have Yukon Golds, Russet potatoes can be used as a backup. They’re starchier, so you’ll want to be careful not to over-mix them, but they’ll still taste great. Just be sure to peel the skins, as they don’t mix well into mashed potatoes.

How Much is Half a Packet of Ranch Seasoning?

Dry Ranch seasoning packets are usually 1 ounce, which equals about 2 tablespoons of mix. For this recipe, you’ll use half a packet, which is 1 tablespoon of seasoning. (Be sure to save the other half of the packet for my Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef Casserole).

This amount gives the potatoes a noticeable Ranch flavor without being too strong. If you want even more of that bold taste, you can always add a little extra, but start with 1 tablespoon and adjust from there.

If you cook for two often, it’s worth buying a larger container of Ranch seasoning. That way, you can measure out exactly what you need and save the rest for later, without the worry of a half of packet going bad.

Other Ingredients for Ranch Mashed Potatoes for Two

Now that you know what type of potatoes to use and how much dry Ranch seasoning that you need to make this mashed potatoes recipe for two, here are the other ingredients that you need:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3–4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Ranch Mashed Potatoes

1. Prep the Potatoes

Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes (if desired) and cut them into chunks about 1–1½ inches in size. Cutting them evenly helps them cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some pieces that are overcooked and others that are still firm.

2. Boil the Potatoes

Place the potato chunks in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.

3. Drain and Mash

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them well and return them to the pot. Let them sit for a minute or two over the burner that has been turned off, but is still warm, to allow any remaining water to evaporate.

Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes to your desired texture. If you like them smooth, mash them a little longer. If you prefer a chunkier texture, stop mashing when they still have a few lumps.

4. Add the Flavor

While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter and stir until it melts. Then, mix in the Ranch seasoning and 3 tablespoons of room temperature or warm milk.

Stir everything together until the potatoes are creamy. If they seem too thick, add a little more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you get the consistency you like.

5. Season and Serve

Taste the potatoes and add salt and pepper as needed. The Ranch seasoning already has some salt, so you might not need much extra.

Spoon the mashed potatoes into a serving dish or onto your plate and serve immediately while they’re warm.

Tips for the Best Ranch Mashed Potatoes

• Don’t Overwork the Potatoes: Mashing too much can make the potatoes gluey. Stop mashing as soon as they’re the texture you like.
• Warm the Milk: Adding cold milk can cool down the potatoes and make them harder to mix. Warm it up a bit before adding it in.
• Adjust the Ranch Flavor: If you’re a big Ranch fan, you can sprinkle in a little more seasoning. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much can overpower the dish.

Why Ranch Mashed Potatoes Are Perfect For Christmas Dinner

Ranch mashed potatoes are simple to make but taste special enough for a holiday meal. They’re a great way to add something unique to your Christmas dinner without straying too far from the comfort of traditional mashed potatoes.

This recipe also pairs well with just about any main dish, from roasted turkey to glazed ham to beef tenderloin. The Ranch seasoning adds flavor without clashing with other dishes, so it’s a versatile side that fits right in.

And since it’s designed for two people, you won’t end up with a ton of leftovers. That’s especially helpful if you’re planning a smaller Christmas celebration.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the potatoes in a saucepan with a splash of milk and warm them over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Ranch Mashed Potatoes Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 package dry Ranch seasoning (1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup milk, warm + more per texture preference (room temperature or warm)
• 1/4 tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Clean the potatoes and cut them into 1-2 inch sections. You can peel them or leave the skins on – based on your preference.

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.

Drain the potatoes and then return them back to the pot that is placed over the warm burner (that is turned off).

Then add in the garlic, ranch seasoning, butter, salt and milk. Use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer placed on low speed to blend the potatoes until they are light and fluffy. If you prefer, gradually add in the more milk until the mashed potatoes are the consistency that you prefer.

Serve warm, adjusting the seasoning as desired.

Enjoy! Mary

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