Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that elevates any meal with their creamy texture and rich flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or holiday dinners, these mashed potatoes shine thanks to the unique cowboy butter blend. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll impress your guests with this comforting classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cowboy butter and heavy cream creates a rich and savory taste that pairs well with any main course.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these mashed potatoes in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether you’re serving chicken, beef, or lamb, these mashed potatoes complement various dishes, making them a go-to recipe for any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves eight people comfortably and is sure to be a hit at gatherings, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
- Customizable: Feel free to add herbs or spices to tailor the flavor to your preference – the possibilities are endless!
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need for Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large pot
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Why These Tools Matter
- Large pot: A sturdy pot allows you to boil a generous amount of potatoes without worrying about overflow.
- Potato masher: This tool helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without over-mashing the potatoes.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor in your cowboy butter and cream mixture.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes it easier to peel and chop the potatoes quickly.
Ingredients
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are tender potatoes mashed with my (original) flavorful, super-popular cowboy butter and rich heavy cream. The cowboy butter truly steals the show!
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 6 pounds red potatoes (washed, peeled, quartered)
- 2 recipes cowboy butter (a total of 1 cup butter, softened)
- 1 cup (120 g) heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Add the potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Ensure there is enough water to cover the potatoes completely.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, uncover and reduce the heat to medium-high. Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take about 25 minutes.
Step 3: Drain and Mash
Drain the potatoes carefully and return them to the pot. Remove from heat. Lightly mash the potatoes using a potato masher or fork until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 4: Add Cowboy Butter and Cream
Stir in most of the cowboy butter (reserving ¼ cup for topping) along with heavy cream. Continue mashing until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm topped with reserved cowboy butter for an extra burst of flavor!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are versatile and can complement a variety of dishes. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a festive gathering, these mashed potatoes will surely be a hit. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Pairing with Meats
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of cowboy butter mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Beef: The savory notes of roasted beef enhance the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes.
- Lamb Chops: Tender lamb chops and cowboy butter mashed potatoes create an indulgent meal.
Topping Ideas
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of color and mild flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Add cheddar or mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of creaminess.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Top with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth potatoes.
Serving Style
- Family-Style Platter: Serve in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves, adding a homey touch.
- Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve in small ramekins or bowls.
How to Perfect Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
To achieve the perfect Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes, follow these simple tips that enhance both flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: Fresh red potatoes have better taste and texture compared to older ones.
- Don’t Over-Mash: Over-mashing can lead to gummy potatoes; mash just enough for your desired consistency.
- Warm Ingredients: Use warm butter and cream to ensure they blend smoothly into the potatoes.
- Season Generously: Taste as you season; this ensures bold flavors that elevate the dish.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the mashed potatoes right after preparing them while they’re hot.
Best Side Dishes for Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes can shine alongside various side dishes. Here’s a list of great options to complete your meal.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic add freshness to your plate.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots caramelized with honey provide a nice contrast to savory potatoes.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach is an excellent accompaniment that balances flavors well.
- Corn on the Cob: Juicy corn enhances the comfort food experience and adds sweetness to your meal.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing bite against creamy mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts bring texture and depth, making them an ideal pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes, small mistakes can lead to big flavor issues. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Not seasoning the water: Failing to salt the boiling water can result in bland potatoes. Always add kosher salt to enhance the potato’s natural flavor.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking them for too long can make them watery. Boil until fork-tender, usually around 25 minutes.
- Skipping the mashing step: Not mashing the potatoes enough can lead to a lumpy texture. Use a potato masher or fork for a smooth finish.
- Adding cold butter and cream: Cold ingredients can cool down your dish. Make sure your cowboy butter is softened and cream is at room temperature for better mixing.
- Forgetting to reserve some cowboy butter: This topping adds extra flavor when served. Always set aside some cowboy butter before mixing it into the potatoes.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container. Keep it tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
- Use within 3-5 days for best quality.
Freezing Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Place in freezer-safe containers. This prevents freezer burn.
- Consume within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of cream or milk and reheat over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes?
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are creamy mashed potatoes enriched with a flavorful butter blend, perfect as a side dish.
Can I customize Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to add garlic, herbs, or cheese for additional flavor and variety.
How do I make Cowboy Butter?
Cowboy butter is made by combining softened butter with spices and herbs like garlic powder, parsley, and paprika.
Are Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their creamy texture and rich flavors from the cowboy butter, they make an ideal side dish for any meal. Try customizing them with your favorite herbs or add-ins for a personal touch!
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are a creamy and flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal. This dish features tender red potatoes blended with a rich cowboy butter mixture, creating a delightful combination that pairs perfectly with various proteins like grilled chicken or roasted beef. The preparation is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. With the addition of customizable toppings like green onions or cheese, you can easily make this dish your own. Whether served family-style or in individual portions, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 6 pounds red potatoes (washed, peeled, quartered)
- 1 cup cowboy butter (softened)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with salted water.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat; then reduce to medium-high and cook until fork-tender (about 25 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Lightly mash using a potato masher.
- Stir in most of the cowboy butter and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm topped with reserved cowboy butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 210g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
