Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any occasion. These creamy potatoes, infused with rich cowboy butter, deliver exceptional flavor and comfort. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these mashed potatoes will surely impress. The unique combination of buttery goodness and seasoned cream elevates this dish, making it a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The cowboy butter adds a depth of taste that transforms simple mashed potatoes into something extraordinary.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these mashed potatoes in no time, making them a great choice for busy cooks.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for pairing with roast chicken, grilled lamb, or your favorite meat dishes, these potatoes fit seamlessly into any meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings and holidays, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream results in ultra-smooth mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes is straightforward with the right tools. Having the necessary kitchen equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large pot
- Potato masher or fork
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
Why These Tools Matter
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes evenly and ensuring they cook thoroughly.
- Potato masher or fork: Provides the perfect tool for achieving your desired level of creaminess when mashing.
- Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring ingredients like cream and butter to achieve the best flavor.
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: Boil the Potatoes
Add the potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Ensure there is enough water to cover the potatoes completely. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Step 2: Cook Until Tender
Once the water is boiling, uncover and reduce the heat to medium-high. Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 25 minutes.
Step 3: Drain and Mash
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Remove from heat. Lightly mash the potatoes using a potato masher or fork until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Add Cowboy Butter and Cream
Stir in most of the cowboy butter, reserving ¼ cup for topping later. Then add the heavy whipping cream, mashing until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Add kosher salt and black pepper. Serve warm with reserved cowboy butter on top for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are a delightful side dish that pairs well with various meals. Their creamy texture and rich flavor make them a favorite for gatherings or family dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Pair with Grilled Chicken
- Juicy Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside marinated grilled chicken breasts for a delicious combination of flavors.
Accompany with Beef Stew
- Hearty Beef Stew: The creamy potatoes complement the rich, savory notes of beef stew perfectly, making for a cozy meal.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for added color and freshness.
Serve with Roasted Vegetables
- Colorful Roasted Veggies: Pair with a mix of seasonal roasted vegetables for a vibrant and nutritious plate.
Add Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Crunchy Chicken Tenders: The crunch of golden chicken tenders contrasts beautifully with the smooth mashed potatoes.
Enjoy as Part of a Holiday Meal
- Festive Side Dish: Include in your holiday spread alongside turkey or lamb for an indulgent feast.
How to Perfect Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
To achieve the best Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavor and texture, ensuring your dish is memorable.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: Fresh red potatoes yield creamier and tastier mashed potatoes.
- Don’t Over-Mash: Gently mash the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture; leave some lumps for character.
- Warm Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream are warm before mixing to keep the potatoes hot and creamy.
- Season Generously: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper levels for perfect seasoning.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding garlic or cheese for extra flavor variations.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve right after preparation while they’re warm.

Best Side Dishes for Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes can be paired with many delicious dishes. Here are some fantastic options that complement their rich flavor.
- Grilled Salmon: The smoky flavor of grilled salmon pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Roast Lamb Chops: Tender lamb chops bring an elegant touch that matches the richness of the potatoes.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful vegetable stir-fry adds brightness and balances the heaviness of the mashed potatoes.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Savory stuffed bell peppers create a satisfying meal when served alongside mashed potatoes.
- Baked Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet honey-glazed carrots provide a delightful sweetness that enhances the overall meal experience.
- Classic Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds crunch and acidity that pairs well with rich mashed potatoes.
- Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: The heat from spicy roasted cauliflower creates an exciting balance to creamy, buttery mash.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes is simple, but a few common pitfalls can affect the final dish.
- Using the wrong potatoes: Selecting starchy potatoes like russets is essential for a creamy texture. Red potatoes work well, but avoid waxy types that won’t mash smoothly.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Boiling potatoes too long can make them waterlogged. Aim for fork-tender, about 25 minutes of boiling.
- Not mashing properly: Skipping the mashing step can lead to lumpy potatoes. Use a potato masher or fork to achieve the desired consistency.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland flavor. Be generous with salt and pepper to enhance the taste of your Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes.
- Skipping the resting time: Letting mashed potatoes sit before serving allows flavors to meld together. Don’t rush this step for maximum taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
- Stovetop: Heat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream if needed to loosen up the mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes?
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are creamy mashed potatoes enriched with flavorful cowboy butter and heavy cream, perfect as a side dish.
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day before and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
How can I customize Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes?
Feel free to add garlic, cheese, or herbs like chives or parsley for additional flavor. Experiment with different seasonings!
What dishes pair well with Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes?
These mashed potatoes complement roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even vegetable dishes beautifully.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile enough to accompany any meal. Their rich flavor and creamy texture make them an irresistible side dish that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!
Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cowboy Butter Mashed Potatoes, a delightful side dish that promises to elevate any meal. Perfectly fluffy and infused with rich, buttery flavor, these mashed potatoes are a comforting staple for family dinners or festive gatherings. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of smooth texture and savory taste, making them an irresistible choice for pairing with grilled chicken, robust beef stew, or vibrant roasted vegetables. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser effortlessly. Enjoy the warm comfort of homemade mashed potatoes that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 pounds red potatoes (washed, peeled, quartered)
- 1 cup (2 recipes) cowboy butter (softened)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot of salted water, add the quartered potatoes and cover until boiling over high heat.
- Cook Until Tender: Once boiling, uncover and reduce heat to medium-high. Cook until fork-tender (approximately 25 minutes).
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Lightly mash with a potato masher or fork to your desired consistency.
- Add Cowboy Butter and Cream: Stir in most of the cowboy butter (reserve ¼ cup) and add the heavy cream; mash until fully combined.
- Season and Serve: Mix in kosher salt and black pepper. Serve warm with reserved cowboy butter on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg