A simple mashed potatoes recipe in collaboration with Co-op Irresistible.
A bowlful of creamy mashed potatoes, is, in my humble opinion, one of the finest winter comfort foods out there. Pasta comes a close second. I’ve just come back from another amazing trip to the Caribbean – straight from the oven into the cold, Shetland freezer. Now I want to eat all of the carbs while curling up on the couch in my PJs binge-watching the episodes of The Walking Dead I missed while I was away.
Not all potatoes are the same. Waxy ones like Charlotte or Jersey Royals hold their shape when cooked and so make for perfect baking potatoes, while new potatoes are ideal in salads or for boiling while. Floury potatoes like the Lilly variety make for the perfect mashing potato with its rich, buttery taste.
This Christmas, the Co-op has launched their first Irresistible potato pack featuring the Lilly variety of potatoes. Retailing at only £1.59 for a 1.5 kg bag (serving six) these British grown potatoes are the perfect ingredient to add the ultimate comfort food dishes to your winter dining table.
These cream cheese and chive mashed potatoes are so simple to make and pair really well with some simply grilled meat (Aberdeen Angus rump steak, in this case), a simple cream sauce and steamed greens.
I’ve used some cream cheese with chives for this recipe, as there were very little fresh chives left in my garden this time of year. You could always use regular cream cheese and fresh chives instead, opting for the lower calorie version if you’re looking for a lower fat option.
There’s no extra butter needed for these potatoes as they naturally have a rich, buttery taste, but the cream cheese just takes them to the next level of comfort-food awesomeness.
To accompany my mashed potatoes I grilled some Aberdeen Angus rump steaks (also from the Co-op), deglazing the pan with some double cream while the steaks rest. A quick and easy mid-week dinner ready in under half an hour; perfect for these incredibly cold days.
What’s your favourite way to make and serve mashed potatoes? Let me know in the comments!
Cream Cheese & Chive Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Co-op Irresistible Lilly Mashing Potatoes
- 170 grams cream cheese with chives
- 80 ml milk
- sea salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- fresh chives snipped, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and cut them into 1.5-inch cubes. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and fill with cold water, just enough to cover.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt and bring the potatoes to a simmer. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Carefully drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and return to the hot pan on the still-warm (switched off) hob. Allow the steam to escape and the potatoes to dry off for a few minutes, shaking the pan occasionally so they don't burn.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until coarse and add the cream cheese and milk. Use a hand blender to whip the potatoes until they are light and creamy. Season well with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with freshly snipped chives, if desired, or keep warm until needed.
Notes
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Co-op Irresistible although, as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are our own. Thank you for supporting the brands who make it possible for me to do what I love: mess up my kitchen and share recipe stories.
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Mum of three, daydream adventurer, OU Life Sciences graduate, occasional crafter, ex-pat Canadian & quite possibly Britain's most northerly food blogger.
Daniella says
OMG! How delicious does the whole meal look?!! I’m not the most adventurous in the kitchen our steak is always accompanied with steak chips and mash is always accompanied with sausages. My family are getting bored of the same old meals and this has given me lots of inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
Yaya says
Mashed potatoes are definitely one of my favourite comfort foods. I can’t go without them during winter. This recipe sounds so good!
Joanna Bayford says
Definitely will be trying this out I love to make mash a bit different,
Thena says
One of my favorite things to eat. Great food, such wonderful flavor and full of yumminess!
Mel says
My husband would eat this all up, sounds super delicious!
stephanie says
How amazing does this look! Mash potato is a real comfort food for me, but can get a little boring. Love this combination x
Mel says
The potatoes look so good. I’ve now got a craving for cream cheese and chive potatoes!
Jake Ferrer says
Oh this looks really delish! My daugher will surely love this for she loves eating potatoes.
Ray says
Creamy mashed potato is probably the ultimate comfort food. Nothing beats a dollop of proper mash!
elizabeth allcock says
Looks yummy! My mother in law makes the best mash potato. I love it with a Sunday dinner or beef stew.
Rhian Westbury says
Creamy mash potato is the best way to have it and I love adding cream cheese to mine x
Ali - We Made This Life says
These look delicious – a great twist on the traditional mash. I love eating mash in the colder weather, it’s such a comfort food!
Lauretta at Home and Horizon says
Wow! I love this! I’m really a potato person- not a couch potato. Ha ha. I’ll have to pin this so I can make some tomorrow.
Shahneela says
This looks scrumptious! Love potatoes in every way. Also your cutlery is catching my eyes.
Rachel says
Sometimes there is honestly nothing better than something with mash and this sounds just delightful x
Kate Williams says
Oh this looks gorgeous – I’ve got some chicken out for dinner tonight but wasn’t sure what to serve with it so I might be giving this a go!
Stephanie says
Now this is my kind of recipe! That mash potato sounds amazing! X