When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival a creamy, cheesy mashed potato. The Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes recipe takes this classic side to the next level with a rich blend of sour cream, heavy cream, and sharp white cheddar cheese.
Perfect alongside seafood, steak, or even on its own, these mashed potatoes have the smooth texture and indulgent flavor you expect from a restaurant favorite. Whether you’re preparing them for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe delivers every time.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to recreate Red Lobster’s signature mashed potatoes at home – with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.
My Personal Experience With This Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe
The first time I made this Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes recipe at home, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to achieve that restaurant-quality taste. The combination of sour cream and heavy cream gave the potatoes a luxuriously smooth texture, while the white cheddar added just the right amount of tangy richness.
I also learned that the secret to the perfect consistency is not overbeating the potatoes – that way, you avoid the dreaded gummy texture. Keeping the mixing gentle really makes a difference.
Now, these mashed potatoes have become a regular on my dinner table, especially during the holidays. Every time I serve them, they disappear quickly, and someone always asks for the recipe.
Ingredients Required for Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces shredded white Cheddar cheese
Kitchen Utensils Required
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Copycat Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes in a delicious way.
1. Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and quartering the potatoes so they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot, then fill with enough cold water to fully cover them. Bring the pot to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough for a fork to slide in easily.
2. Drain Completely
Once cooked, carefully pour the potatoes into a colander. Let them drain fully for a minute or two to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for keeping your mashed potatoes light and fluffy rather than watery.
3. Begin Mashing
Transfer the drained potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat them for about 30 seconds, just until they start to break apart. Avoid overmixing at this stage to prevent a gummy texture.
4. Add Butter and Seasonings
Drop in the room-temperature butter along with the salt and white pepper. Mix gently until the butter melts into the warm potatoes, enhancing their flavor and creaminess.
5. Incorporate Cream and Sour Cream
Add the sour cream, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while the mixer runs on low. Continue mixing only until everything is well blended and smooth.
6. Finish with Cheese and Serve
Stir in the shredded white cheddar by hand, allowing the heat of the potatoes to melt it. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes
Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes deliciously
1. With Garlic Butter Grilled Steak
We’ve found that nothing pairs better with creamy mashed potatoes than a perfectly grilled ribeye or sirloin topped with garlic butter. The richness of the butter seeps into the potatoes, making every bite even more indulgent.
2. Alongside Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
The tangy, fresh flavor of lemon herb salmon cuts beautifully through the creamy potatoes. We often serve this Griddle Fried Rice combo for a lighter yet luxurious dinner.
3. With Classic Fried Chicken
There’s something comforting about crispy fried chicken and smooth mashed potatoes. The crunch from the chicken skin against the creamy mash is a match made in heaven.
4. Under a Hearty Beef Stew
Sometimes we spoon a rich, slow-cooked beef stew right over the mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the flavorful gravy, making it an all-in-one comfort meal.
5. As a Bed for Grilled Shrimp Skewers
When we want a touch of seafood flair, we serve juicy grilled shrimp over the potatoes. The buttery seafood flavor blends perfectly with the cheesy mash.
6. With Oven-Roasted Vegetables
For a wholesome, colorful plate, we love pairing the potatoes with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips. The sweet, caramelized veggies balance the savory potatoes beautifully.
7. Topped with Crispy Bacon Bits
A sprinkle of smoky, crispy bacon over the top transforms this side into a crowd-favorite. We’ve even made this for brunch, and it was gone in minutes.
8. With BBQ Ribs
The tender, saucy ribs pair wonderfully with the potatoes. The tangy barbecue sauce and creamy mash create a flavor combo we can never get enough of.
9. With Roast Turkey and Gravy
Every Thanksgiving, we pile these mashed potatoes high and drown them in turkey gravy. It’s a tradition that never fails to please.
10. Served in Individual Ramekins with Cheese on Top
For special dinners, we portion the mashed potatoes into ramekins, top with extra cheddar, and bake until bubbly. It makes for a stunning presentation and a little extra cheesy goodness.
Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.
1. Pick the right potatoes
Use big, smooth potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold work best. They make the mash soft and fluffy.
2. Cut them the same size
Cut your potatoes into pieces that are all the same size. This way, they cook at the same time.
3. Start with cold water
Put the potatoes in cold water before turning on the heat. This helps them cook evenly.
4. Don’t forget the salt
Add a little salt to the water. It gives the potatoes flavor from the start.
5. Drain all the water
After boiling, drain well. If water is left, the mash can be runny.
6. Mix gently
Mix only a little. If you mix too much, the potatoes can get sticky.
7. Add warm cream
Warm your cream before adding. Cold cream can cool the potatoes down.
8. Cheese at the end
Add cheese last and stir it in gently. This keeps the cheese gooey and yummy.
9. Taste before serving
Try a little bite and see if it needs more salt or pepper.
10. Serve right away
Mashed potatoes taste best when hot and fresh.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes Properly?
If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to restore smoothness.
Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival a creamy, cheesy mashed potato. The Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes recipe takes this classic side to the next level with a rich blend of sour cream, heavy cream, and sharp white cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces shredded white Cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
Start by peeling and quartering the potatoes so they cook evenly. Place them in a large pot, then fill with enough cold water to fully cover them. Bring the pot to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender enough for a fork to slide in easily.
2. Drain Completely
Once cooked, carefully pour the potatoes into a colander. Let them drain fully for a minute or two to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for keeping your mashed potatoes light and fluffy rather than watery.
3. Begin Mashing
Transfer the drained potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat them for about 30 seconds, just until they start to break apart. Avoid overmixing at this stage to prevent a gummy texture.
4. Add Butter and Seasonings
Drop in the room-temperature butter along with the salt and white pepper. Mix gently until the butter melts into the warm potatoes, enhancing their flavor and creaminess.
5. Incorporate Cream and Sour Cream
Add the sour cream, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while the mixer runs on low. Continue mixing only until everything is well blended and smooth.
6. Finish with Cheese and Serve
Stir in the shredded white cheddar by hand, allowing the heat of the potatoes to melt it. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to restore smoothness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110
FAQs on this Copycat Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe
When you give this Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
1. Does Red Lobster have mashed potatoes?
Yes, Red Lobster is famous for its creamy mashed potatoes served as a side dish with many meals. They’re known for being extra smooth, rich, and cheesy-definitely a must-try if you love comfort food.
2. Why do restaurant mashed potatoes taste better?
From our experience, restaurant mashed potatoes often taste better because they use a perfect balance of butter, cream, and seasonings – plus high-quality cheeses. Also, chefs pay close attention to texture, avoiding overmixing so they stay fluffy, not gummy.
3. What are lobster mashed potatoes?
Lobster mashed potatoes usually refer to mashed potatoes served alongside lobster dishes, like at Red Lobster. Sometimes they’re made richer with lobster butter or stock, but most often, they’re classic creamy mashed potatoes meant to complement the seafood.
4. What is the secret to the best mashed potatoes?
The secret is using starchy potatoes like Russets, not overmixing them, and adding a good mix of butter, cream, and sour cream for creaminess. Also, seasoning well with salt and pepper and folding in cheese at the end gives a fantastic flavor boost.
5. Can I use regular cheddar instead of white cheddar?
Absolutely! Regular cheddar will work fine. White cheddar just gives a slightly sharper, creamier taste, but either way, cheese adds great richness to the mashed potatoes.
6. How do I avoid gummy mashed potatoes?
From our trials, the key is to avoid overbeating or overmixing. Use an electric mixer just until the potatoes break down, then mix gently after adding ingredients. Overmixing releases too much starch and makes them gummy.
7. Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead and store in the fridge. Just reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture before serving.
8. What type of potatoes is best for this recipe?
We recommend starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They break down easily and absorb butter and cream beautifully for smooth mashed potatoes.
9. Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?
You can! Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang similar to sour cream. It’s a great option if you want a lighter or healthier twist.
10. How do I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter, and use coconut cream or a plant-based milk instead of heavy cream and sour cream. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
This Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes recipe brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. The creamy texture, cheesy richness, and subtle seasoning make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and share how it turned out for you. For more delicious, restaurant-inspired recipes, follow our blog and keep your taste buds happy!
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