If you want mashed potatoes that are anything but bland, these Cajun Mashed Potatoes are an easy way to bring plenty of flavor to the dinner table. They start with Yukon Gold potatoes and get their rich, creamy texture from butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Cajun seasoning adds garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and a little cayenne for a flavorful kick without turning the potatoes into an overly spicy side dish.
The key to great mashed potatoes is as much about technique as ingredients. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, they are drained and returned to the dry pot over low heat. This allows excess moisture and steam to escape before the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings are added. Keeping that moisture under control helps create the smooth, fluffy texture you want instead of watery mashed potatoes.
For the smoothest results, a potato masher is a useful kitchen tool for working the potatoes while they are still warm. The recipe calls for mashing the potatoes over low heat before incorporating the rich ingredients, then continuing to mash until everything is combined. The finished potatoes can be covered and kept warm until you’re ready to serve them.
These creamy Cajun mashed potatoes make a particularly good side for grilled or roasted meats, and they’re hearty enough to stand alongside a simple weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for a mashed potato recipe with extra richness and a Cajun-inspired flavor, this version is worth adding to your rotation.
Try these Cajun Mashed Potatoes with Grilled BBQ Meatloaf, Grilled Tri Tip Steak, St. Louis-Style Steak or Savory Grilled T-Bones.
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Cajun Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: :35
- Yield: 10 1x
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 sticks butter
- One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning, recipe follows
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry’s
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes in a large colander. Place them back into the dry pot and put the pot on the stove. Mash the potatoes over low heat, allowing all of the steam to escape.
- Turn off the heat before adding the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream and Cajun Seasoning. Mash, mash, mash! Next, add the seasoning salt, salt and pepper. Mash to combine.
- Place the lid on the pan to keep the potatoes warm until you are ready to serve.
- Cajun Seasoning: Combine the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt and cayenne.
- Prep Time: :10
- Cook Time: :25
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top