These Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes are made with homemade ranch seasoning and dressing, garlic, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Make these cheesy by sprinkling in some parmesan and cheddar cheese.
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What Type of Potatoes to Use
The type you use will depend on the texture you are going for. Russet potatoes are really starchy and they are fluffy. Yukon gold potatoes have smooth, waxy flesh, that is also moist. Red potatoes are similar to Yukon and are really creamy. If you want super smooth potatoes you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
I like to use a mix of both russet and Yukon gold because you get the best of both worlds: smooth, moist, and fluffy.
Ranch Dressing
Always use your favorite ranch dressing. I like to use my Homemade Ranch recipe or the Ranch Dressing from Primal Kitchen.
How to Season the Potatoes
In addition to using ranch dressing, I like to use my Homemade Ranch Seasoning. The store-bought packets include ingredients like maltodextrin, artificial flavor, and carboxymethyl cellulose (used to thicken and create creamy texture).
I feel like I’m better off simply making my own. It’s pretty easy.
Do You Leave the Skin on the Potatoes
This is up to you. The skin has lots of nutrients, so it’s beneficial. You can remove the skin if you wish.
The Best Way to Cook the Potatoes
You can boil the potatoes on the stove or use the Instant Pot. Both methods will yield soft potatoes that are easy to mash.
How to Make Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Boil the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
- Add in Greek yogurt or sour cream, butter, ranch dressing, and homemade ranch seasoning.
- Stir until creamy.
Don’t Over-Boil the Potatoes
When you boil the potatoes for too long it will result in potatoes that are overcooked and absorb a lot of water. When you go to mash them, they will be soupy. Instead of having fluffy mashed potatoes, you will have a watery blob. If you are cooking your potatoes on the stovetop, keep a watchful eye.
If using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, be sure not to use too much water.
Other Add-ins and Substitutions
- Crumbled Bacon
- Cream Cheese
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Parsley
- Green Onions
How to Store/How Long Will They Last in the Fridge
You can store leftovers tightly sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze these tightly sealed and they are best when used within a month. After that, they will start to get freezer burned and form ice crystals. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Pair With These Main Dish Recipes
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Smothered Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Steak
Air Fryer Scallops
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Crab Legs
Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Air Fryer Ravioli
More Potato and Side Dish Recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Au Gratin Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese
Broccoli Au Gratin
Slow Cooker Crockpot Glazed Carrots
Roasted Okra
Pair this with Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
More Ranch Recipes
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Keto Low-Carb Ranch Dressing
Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
Pair this with my KFC Famous Bowls recipe.
Ranch Mashed Potatoes With Seasoning and Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 pound russet potatoes Peeled or leave the skin on if you wish. See notes.
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes Peeled or leave the skin on if you wish. See notes.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup Ranch Dressing
Homemade Ranch Seasoning (You can use an equal amount of store-bought seasoning if you wish)
- 1 teaspoon chives
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into chunks about an inch thick.
Stovetop Boil
- Add the potatoes to a large pot along with cold water. Use enough water to completely cover 1 inch above the potatoes.
- Place the pot on the stove on high and allow the water to come to a boil. When the water reaches boiling, reduce to medium-high. Cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Pierce with a fork to check.
- Drain the excess water from the pot.
Instant Pot Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in the Instant Pot with enough water to completely cover the potatoes. (No need to go an inch above).
- Cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- When the Instant Pot beeps that it is complete, quick release the steam.
- Open the lid and drain the excess water from the pot.
Ranch Mashed Potatoes
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
- Add in the Greek yogurt or sour cream, butter, ranch dressing, and homemade ranch seasoning.
- Stir until creamy.
Notes
- The type of potatoes you use will depend on the texture you are going for. Russet potatoes are really starchy and they are fluffy. Yukon gold potatoes have smooth, waxy flesh, that is also moist. Red potatoes are similar to Yukon and are really creamy. If you want super smooth potatoes you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
- I like to use a mix of both russet and Yukon gold because you get the best of both worlds: smooth, moist, and fluffy.
- You can use 1 tablespoon of butter or omit if preferred.
- For really creamy potatoes add a couple of ounces of softened cream cheese.
- When you boil the potatoes for too long it will result in potatoes that are overcooked and absorb a lot of water. When you go to mash them, they will be soupy. Instead of having fluffy mashed potatoes, you will have a watery blob. If you are cooking your potatoes on the stovetop, keep a watchful eye.
- If using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, be sure not to use too much water.
LaKenya
Friday 4th of March 2022
By far the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever made!! I’ve added ranch to my baked potatoes before but it was something about the ranch seasoning, sour cream, butter and dressing that made it the best! Thanks Brandi! You always come with the best!
staysnatched
Friday 4th of March 2022
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Robin
Monday 17th of January 2022
This was my first time making mashed potatoes. My son ate two plates of mashed potatoes! I am feeling myself fixing your meals. So easy and flavorful.
staysnatched
Wednesday 19th of January 2022
Glad your first time was a success!
Lauren
Friday 24th of December 2021
Made these for Thanksgiving and they were such a hit making them again for Christmas. The potatoes are so creamy and flavorful.
staysnatched
Tuesday 28th of December 2021
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Jennifer
Thursday 9th of December 2021
Delicious and easy! Can't go wrong with this recipe. The whole family loved it on Thanksgiving!
staysnatched
Friday 17th of December 2021
I'm glad everyone loved it!
Chelsea
Friday 26th of November 2021
Made these for Thanksgiving 2021. My first year hosting and cooking, the potatoes were one of the stars of the show. Easy and delicious.
staysnatched
Friday 26th of November 2021
I'm glad to hear they were a star!