Indulge in the smooth and comforting flavors of country-style mashed potatoes. With the added tanginess of cream cheese, these potatoes stand out on their own, no gravy required. If you’re a fan of classic meat and potatoes, these mashed potatoes will be a new favorite. The creaminess is unmatched, making this recipe one to remember.
Grandma’s Creamy Secret
This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen. Her mashed potatoes were always the smoothest, creamiest, and most delicious I’ve ever tasted. When she finally revealed her secret, I couldn’t help but chuckle—it’s LAWRY’S Season Salt! That’s the secret ingredient that truly makes all the difference.
How to Prepare Country-Style Mashed Potatoes
Begin by filling a large pot or Dutch oven halfway with water. Add a tablespoon of salt and bring it to a rolling boil.
Place the cubed potatoes into the boiling water and cook them until they are fork-tender. This typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as we want to avoid runny mashed potatoes! Once cooked, drain the water and return the potatoes to the hot pot.
Add the cubed butter, half and half, and cream cheese to the potatoes. Use a hand mixer or potato masher to blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and reaches your desired consistency.
Season with salt, Lawry’s Season Salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a final mix to evenly distribute the flavors.
Choosing the Perfect Potatoes
For the best results, opt for starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold. While waxy potatoes such as red potatoes can still be used, they may not mash up as easily, resulting in a slightly different texture.
Determining Cooking Time
The cooking time will vary based on the size of the potato cubes. Smaller cubes tend to cook more quickly. Aim for 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size to achieve consistent cooking throughout.
Adjusting the Consistency
If your mashed potatoes turn out too thick, don’t worry. It’s always better to plan for this and have solutions at hand. In this recipe, the ingredients may vary depending on the amount of potatoes used. If your mashed potatoes are too thick, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter to achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, adding a little more cream can also help loosen them up.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup half and half
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Season Salt
- Pepper for seasoning
Instructions:
Fill a large pot halfway with water and add a tablespoon of salt. Bring it to a boil.
Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the hot pot.
To the potatoes, add the cubed butter, half and half, and cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or potato masher to blend until smooth or reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt, Lawry’s Season Salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Indulge in these creamy country-style mashed potatoes that bring a touch of nostalgia and a burst of flavor to any meal. Serve them alongside your favorite main course, and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness with every bite.
