If you have been searching for a comforting yet elegant side dish that elevates your usual mashed potatoes, let me introduce you to the Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This dish takes the humble potato and transforms it with the dreamy, herby richness of Boursin cheese, creating an irresistibly smooth and flavorful treat. Whether you are serving a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises creamy texture and bursts of garlic and fine herbs in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity with a twist. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and the perfect creamy texture, making the dish both satisfying and special.
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water): Cooking the potatoes in broth adds subtle richness and depth.
- 3 pounds russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes mash beautifully and create the perfect base.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Essential for a smooth, buttery finish that enhances the creaminess.
- 5.3 ounce Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese: This is the star ingredient that infuses your mash with herby garlic flavor and silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and boosts all the flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that complements the herbs.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional garnish): Offers a fresh pop of green and mild onion flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Broth and Potatoes
Start by bringing 6 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large stockpot. The broth is crucial since you’ll be cooking your potatoes in it, which gives them a subtle richness you won’t get using plain water. Once boiling, add your cubed russet potatoes. Keeping the cubes about one inch ensures they cook evenly. Let them simmer for about 15 minutes until they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork.
Step 2: Reserve Broth and Drain Potatoes
Before draining, carefully scoop out and set aside half a cup of the cooking broth. This flavorful liquid will be blended back into your mashed potatoes to help achieve the ideal creamy consistency. After removing the reserved broth, drain the rest of the liquid from your potatoes completely.
Step 3: Mash with Butter and Boursin
Return the drained potatoes to the pot or transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter, Boursin cheese, reserved broth, salt, and pepper. Using a handheld potato masher or an electric mixer, mash everything together until silky and smooth. The Boursin melts beautifully, infusing every bite with garlic and fine herbs, while the butter enriches the texture for that classic velvety feel.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serve
Once mashed to your preferred consistency, transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl. For a burst of color and a touch of fresh sharpness, sprinkle chopped fresh chives on top. These not only brighten the dish visually but also complement the creamy, rich flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped chives are a simple yet impactful garnish that adds a fresh, slightly oniony note and a lovely green contrast to the creamy, pale potatoes. You can also experiment with finely minced parsley or even a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for a bit of crunch and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe works like magic alongside roasted or grilled meats, especially chicken, steak, or pork. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a vibrant salad to add some lightness and balance out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special dinner, serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprig of fresh herbs. You can also pipe the mashed potatoes using a piping bag for elegant swirls on your plate, perfect for dinner parties or holiday feasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover creamy mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled properly to preserve the fresh herb flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
Although mashed potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool them completely first and store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If they seem too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved broth to bring back their creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese gives this dish its unique flavor, you can substitute with other soft, herbed cheeses like cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs. Just know the flavor profile will be a bit different.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is entirely optional. Leaving the skins on adds rustic texture and nutrients, while peeling creates a smoother mash. For this recipe, either choice works well.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This version relies on butter and Boursin cheese for its signature creaminess and flavor. To make it vegan, use plant-based butter and a dairy-free herb cheese alternative, though the taste will not be identical.
What’s the best potato to use?
Russet potatoes are ideal because their starchy texture yields fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds can also work but will produce a slightly creamier and denser texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes, prepare it a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding broth or milk if needed, and garnish with fresh herbs just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe that turns everyday mashed potatoes into a luxurious, flavorful experience. The garlicky herbs and the extra creamy texture bring joy to every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you get the chance to make this recipe and share it with loved ones – it’s comfort food elevated to a new level! Happy cooking!
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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: American
Description
Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes are a rich and flavorful side dish made by boiling russet potatoes in chicken broth, then mashing them with buttery Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese. This recipe offers a luscious texture and a gourmet twist on classic mashed potatoes, perfect for any dinner table.
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
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 5.3 ounces Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs Cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Bring broth to a boil: In a large stock pot, bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook potatoes: Add the cubed russet potatoes to the boiling broth and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when tested with a fork.
- Reserve cooking liquid: Remove ½ cup of the hot chicken broth from the pot and set it aside for later use.
- Drain and combine: Drain the remaining broth from the potatoes. Return the potatoes to the pot or transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the reserved ½ cup chicken broth, unsalted butter, Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a handheld potato masher or an electric hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh chives for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Using chicken broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the potatoes, but you can substitute with water for a lighter taste.
- Leaving the potato skins on adds texture and nutrients but feel free to peel if you prefer smooth mashed potatoes.
- If you want a thinner consistency, add more reserved broth or warm milk until desired texture is reached.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Boursin cheese is a key ingredient for flavor; if unavailable, a soft herbed cheese or cream cheese with added garlic and herbs can be used as an alternative.
