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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food upgrade, look no further than this Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with the delicate garlic and herb flavors of Boursin cheese, these mashed potatoes are anything but ordinary. They bring a rich, velvety texture and a fragrant twist that will instantly become a favorite on your dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a festive celebration, these potatoes elevate every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create the magic in this dish. Each one plays a key role in delivering the creamy texture, depth of flavor, and comforting warmth that make this creamy mashed potato recipe so special.
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water): Using broth instead of water infuses the potatoes with a rich base flavor that enhances every mouthful.
- 3 pounds russet potatoes: Ideal for mashing, russets offer fluffy interiors perfect for soaking up all the wonderful additions.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Adds luscious creaminess and silky smoothness to the mash without overpowering the herbs.
- 5.3 ounce Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese: The star of the dish, this cheese brings aromatic garlic and fresh herb notes that make these mashed potatoes unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor and balances the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warm bite that complements the herbs perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional garnish): Sprinkles of chives add a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Bring the Broth to a Boil
Start by heating your chicken broth (or water) in a large stockpot until it reaches a rolling boil. This flavorful liquid will cook the potatoes gently, infusing them from within.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Tender
Add the cubed russet potatoes to the boiling broth and cook for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through the potatoes, tender but not falling apart.
Step 3: Reserve Some Broth and Drain
Carefully remove ½ cup of the cooking broth and set it aside—it’s liquid gold that keeps the mash silky. Then drain the potatoes well to prevent any excess water from watering down the flavors.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return the potatoes to the pot or transfer them to a large bowl. Add the reserved broth, butter, Boursin cheese, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic begins as the creamy ingredients get ready to blend.
Step 5: Mash Until Luscious
Using a handheld potato masher or an electric mixer, mash everything together until the potatoes are smooth and velvety with the Boursin beautifully folded in. The mixture should be irresistibly creamy and bursting with herbaceous flavor.
Step 6: Serve with a Chive Garnish
Transfer your creamy creation to a serving bowl, then sprinkle fresh chopped chives on top for a touch of freshness and a gorgeous pop of green.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh chives are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with thyme sprigs, a dash of smoked paprika, or even crispy fried shallots. These simple additions can elevate the visual appeal and add exciting layers of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It’s also a wonderful companion to sautéed greens or roasted root vegetables, creating a well-rounded and indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider piping the mashed potatoes into pretty swirls using a large star tip. Or spread them into a casserole dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan before broiling for a golden, crispy crust. Either way, presentation adds a special touch to this comfort classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though these might disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making for tasty next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
Creamy mashed potatoes can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, let the mashed potatoes cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. You can also warm them in the microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture and stirring halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Boursin?
You could, but Boursin’s unique garlic and herb blend really makes this recipe stand out. If you substitute, consider adding garlic powder and fresh herbs to mimic those distinctive flavors.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Not at all. Leaving the skins on adds a rustic texture and nutrients. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking.
Is it necessary to use chicken broth? Can I use vegetable broth?
Absolutely, vegetable broth works just as well and makes this dish suitable for vegetarians. The broth adds extra depth compared to cooking in plain water.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Since butter and Boursin cheese are key for the creamy texture and flavor, a dairy-free version would need plant-based butter and a dairy-free herb cheese alternative, though the flavor profile will change somewhat.
How can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
You can prepare the mashed potatoes fully in advance and keep them warm in a covered dish in a low oven or slow cooker. Just stir occasionally and add broth as needed to keep them creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of mashed potatoes, and this Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe elevates that comfort to a whole new level. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug with subtle garlic and herb notes that dance on your palate. I promise, once you make this, it will become your go-to side dish that everyone will ask for time and again. So grab those potatoes and Boursin cheese—your new favorite mash awaits!
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Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes are a flavorful twist on the classic side dish, combining tender russet potatoes with rich Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese for a smooth, herby, and buttery mash. Perfect for a comforting meal accompaniment, this recipe uses chicken broth to boil the potatoes, enhancing their flavor while keeping the texture light and creamy.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (cut into 1 inch cubes – skins on or off, your choice)
Mix-ins and Seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 5.3 ounce Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the broth: Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the potatoes.
- Cook the potatoes: Once the broth is boiling, add the cubed potatoes and cook them for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender and easily pierced.
- Reserve broth: Remove ½ cup of the chicken broth from the pot and set it aside for mashing, while draining the remaining liquid from the potatoes.
- Combine ingredients: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the reserved ½ cup chicken broth, unsalted butter, Boursin cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Mash the potatoes: Use a handheld potato masher or an electric hand mixer to mash everything together until smooth and creamy, adjusting texture as desired.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and extra flavor, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
- Leaving the skins on the potatoes adds texture and nutrients, but peeling is preferred for a creamier mash.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your broth is salted.
- Boursin cheese adds a distinct garlic and herb taste, but you can substitute with cream cheese and additional herbs if needed.
- If mashed potatoes become too thick, add a little more reserved broth or milk to reach desired consistency.
