Can I use regular butter instead of cowboy butter?

You can use regular butter, but you'll miss out on the signature flavor that makes these potatoes special. If you don't have cowboy butter prepared, try adding minced garlic, herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to softened butter as a quick alternative.

What's the best way to achieve the perfect texture?

The key is not overworking the potatoes. Use a potato masher rather than an electric mixer, and stop once ingredients are incorporated and potatoes reach your desired consistency. Red potatoes naturally give a creamier result with some pleasant texture.

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time for a dinner party?

Absolutely! Prepare them up to 24 hours ahead, but add extra cream since they'll thicken in the refrigerator. Reheat in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, or use a slow cooker on low setting with a bit of extra butter on top.

Why red potatoes specifically for this recipe?

Red potatoes have less starch than russet potatoes, which gives you a creamier texture that still holds its shape. They also have a naturally buttery flavor that complements the cowboy butter perfectly. If you substitute with russet potatoes, you'll get a fluffier, lighter result.

Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Name: Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 pounds red potatoes, washed, peeled, and quartered; 2 recipes cowboy butter, totaling 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup (120 g) heavy whipping cream; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Description

Creamy and flavorful Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes make for the ultimate side dish. Made with red potatoes, cowboy butter, and heavy whipping cream, this dish is a comforting, buttery delight that pairs perfectly with any main course.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Potatoes

- 6 pounds red potatoes, washed, peeled, and quartered

Butter Mixture

- 2 recipes cowboy butter, totaling 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) heavy whipping cream

Seasoning

2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the potatoes: Add the potatoes to a large pot of salted water, ensuring the potatoes are fully covered. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Boil the potatoes: Once the water is boiling, uncover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-high. Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, approximately 25 minutes.
Drain and mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Remove the pot from heat. Lightly mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork.
Add butter and cream: Stir in most of the cowboy butter (reserving ¼ cup for topping) and the heavy whipping cream. Continue mashing until the ingredients are fully incorporated, resulting in a creamy consistency.
Season and serve: Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm with the reserved cowboy butter as a topping.

Notes

You can leave the potato skins on for added texture if preferred.
Consider warming the cream slightly before adding it to the mashed potatoes to maintain their temperature.
Leftover mashed potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated. Add a splash of cream when reheating for a creamy consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 310
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg