Unlock the Best Mashed Potatoes Ever with This Secret Ingredient!

These luscious, rich mashed potatoes get their unique flavor from a special ingredient: gournay cheese. This cheese is creamy and spreadable, typically infused with garlic and herbs, although it’s also available in other exciting flavors such as caramelized onion, black truffle, and sea salt.

I often opt for Boursin, a popular brand of gournay cheese, particularly during the holiday season. It’s perfect for pairing with crackers or crostini and is a hit at gatherings. You’ll find Boursin alongside other soft cheeses and cream cheese in most large grocery stores.

Easy Modifications

While this recipe is superb as written, feel free to adjust it to suit your preferences. Consider trying a different variety of gournay cheese, like one with caramelized onion. To make a lighter version, substitute the cream with whole milk, starting with 3/4 cup and adding more if needed to achieve the right texture.

Crafting Creamy Boursin Mashed Potatoes

To serve eight, you’ll need:

• 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2-inch chunks
• 3 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 (5.2-ounce) package garlic and herb gournay cheese (such as Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs), at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: finely chopped variety of soft fresh herbs, such as chives and flat-leaf parsley

Begin by placing the chopped potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water by about an inch. Stir in 3 tablespoons of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and return the potatoes to the hot, dry pot.

Next, mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Pour in the cream or half-and-half, add 5 tablespoons of butter, the gournay cheese, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Continue mashing and mixing until everything is well combined.

Serve hot, topped with the last tablespoon of butter and optional chopped herbs.

Preparing Mashed Potatoes in Advance

You can make these mashed potatoes up to three days before you need them. When ready to serve, gently reheat them on the stove, adding a splash of cream, milk, or water. Avoid over-stirring to keep the texture smooth. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave, heating in one-minute bursts.