Pailín's Creamy Potato Mash

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Velvety mashed potatoes made with Irish cream and a hint of chives for a simple, elegant side. This irish-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs potatoes, unsalted butter, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and cut 2 lbs potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place in a pot, cover with cold water, and add 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: Drain potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then return to the pot over low heat for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the hot potatoes and mash until smooth using a potato masher.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup heavy cream while continuing to mash until the mixture becomes glossy and holds its shape.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped chives and season with additional salt if needed until the flavor is balanced.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pailín's Creamy Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pailín's Creamy Potato Mash?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pailín's Creamy Potato Mash?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pailín's Creamy Potato Mash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pailín's Creamy Potato Mash?

Irish vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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