Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes are creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes made with steamable golden potatoes, ricotta, parmesan, and Italian herbs, all ready in under 15 minutes with almost no cleanup. This quick side dish is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, and Thanksgiving when you want homemade mashed potatoes without the extra work.
If you have ever wished mashed potatoes could be a true last-minute side dish, these Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes will be your new go-to. They start with steamable golden potatoes and get mashed right into a creamy mixture of ricotta, parmesan, butter, and herbs for big flavor in very little time.
The whole process happens in one bowl, and you do not need to peel or boil anything. While the potatoes steam in the microwave, you mix the creamy base, then pour the hot potatoes over the top and mash. That is really it.
Ricotta gives these mashed potatoes a light, fluffy texture while parmesan and Italian herbs add a savory, almost cheesy garlic bread kind of flavor. They feel a little special, but the ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand.
These potatoes are great with roasted chicken, steak, pork, or holiday ham, and they work just as well next to a Thanksgiving turkey. They are also easy to customize with different herbs, cheeses, or add-ins, so you can adjust them to match whatever you are serving.
What I Love About This Recipe
- It is truly ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish, with almost no prep and almost no dishes.
- Steamable potatoes mean no peeling, no boiling water, and no heavy pot to clean afterward.
- Ricotta and Parmesan make the mashed potatoes rich, creamy, and a little bit fancy without extra effort.
- The recipe works for both weeknight dinners and holiday meals, so it earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
- It is easy to customize with different herbs, spices, and cheeses depending on what you have in the fridge.
Equipment You May Need
- Microwave Safe Dish or Plate – To support the steamable potato bag, if needed.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the cream, cheeses, butter, and seasoning with the potatoes.
- Potato Masher – To mash the potatoes into the ricotta mixture.
- Rubber Spatula or Large Spoon – For scraping the bowl and folding everything together evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure the cream, cheeses, butter, and seasonings accurately.
Ingredients
- Steamable Golden Potatoes – The base of the recipe and what keeps this dish quick and low effort.
- Heavy Cream – Adds richness and helps create smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Ricotta Cheese – Gives the potatoes a fluffy texture and light cheesy flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth and extra savoriness.
- Unsalted Butter – Brings classic buttery flavor and helps everything come together.
- Dried Italian Herb Seasoning Mix – Adds an herby, Italian-style flavor without extra chopping.
- Salt – Enhances all of the flavors in the potatoes and cheese.
- Black Pepper – Adds a little warmth and savory bite.
- Garlic Powder – Gives a gentle garlic flavor that blends smoothly into the mash.
How to Make Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes
Step One: Steam the Potatoes
Cook the steamable golden potatoes in the microwave according to the package directions. Do not open or pierce the bag before cooking.
Step Two: Make the Ricotta Herb Mixture
While the potatoes are steaming, add the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, softened butter, Italian herb seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to a large mixing bowl and stir until everything is well combined.
Step Three: Mash and Serve
When the potatoes are done, carefully cut open the hot bag and pour the potatoes over the ricotta mixture. Use a potato masher (or sturdy fork) to mash the potatoes into the mixture until the mash reaches your preferred texture, then serve immediately while hot.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these mashed potatoes with roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, or meatloaf for a cozy, comforting dinner.
- Spoon them into a shallow dish and top with extra melted butter, parmesan, and a sprinkle of herbs for a holiday table.
- Use them as a base for a shepherd’s pie-style casserole with seasoned ground meat and vegetables.
- Pair them with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for an easy, balanced meal.
- Serve leftovers alongside eggs and sausage for a hearty brunch plate.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Mash the potatoes while they are still very hot so they blend smoothly with the cheeses and butter.
- If the mashed potatoes seem a little thick, add a splash of warm cream or milk and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end since different cheeses and broths can vary in saltiness.
- For smoother potatoes, mash a bit longer or use a ricer before stirring into the ricotta mixture.
- Warm your serving dish before adding the mashed potatoes, so they stay hot longer at the table.
Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes FAQ
How should I store Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes?
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes?
You can freeze these mashed potatoes, but the texture may change slightly because of the cream and cheese. If you do freeze them, reheat gently with a bit of extra cream or butter to help them smooth out.
How long will Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes last?
They will stay fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Substitutions?
You can use red potatoes instead of golden potatoes, half and half instead of cream, or swap in different herb blends and cheeses based on what you have. Vegetable broth or a splash of olive oil can also be added if you want to adjust the flavor.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use lighter cream and part-skim ricotta, but the mashed potatoes may be less rich and slightly less creamy.
What else can I add to this recipe?
Roasted garlic, fresh chives or parsley, crumbled bacon, extra parmesan, or a drizzle of truffle oil are all delicious additions.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – You’d have to substitute quite a few ingredients, including the cream, ricotta, Parmesan, and butter.
Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian. Be sure to check individual brands/products just to be sure.
Low-Carb – You can’t really make this lower-carb since the potatoes are the main ingredient.
Gluten-Free -The recipe is gluten-free, but check individual products and brands.
Hope you like these easy Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes! You might also like this homemade Garlic Red Mashed Potato Focaccia or my Italian Thanksgiving list of all sorts of Italian-inspired recipes.
Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 (1.5 lbs) package steamable small golden potatoes (that can be steamed in the microwave in the package)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning mix
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes in the microwave per package directions.
- While potatoes are steaming mix together cream, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, butter, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in large mixing bowl until well combined.
- When potatoes are done steaming, cut open bag and pour potatoes over ricotta cheese mixture. Using a potato masher, mash potatoes and stir to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to mash the potatoes while still hot. If they are too cool, they won’t mash as well.
- Use your favorite seasoning and herbs instead of Italian herbs and garlic powder if desired.
- Red potatoes may be substituted for the golden potatoes.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
This sounds like a great, easy side dish! Love it!
maria @close to home says
My family loves mashed potatoes. Wow this is a great short cut and beats the powdered stuff.
janie says
I am officially mind blown! This idea clearly hasn’t hit UK shores yet, as I thought the only way of cooking potatoes in a microwave was to make jacket potatoes.
Janie x
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says
Will have to look out for the SideDelights in stores – haven’t seen it before! Love that they are triple washed already — anything to minimize prep time!
Julia says
This is the kind of recipe that makes me wish I had a microwave… sigh… love the idea of adding ricotta! Can’t believe I’ve never tried it myself. I love adding different dairy products- yogurt, cream cheese, kefir, but I’ve never added ricotta. I can almost taste how yummy it is!