Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes Copycat Recipe

Recipe Pin

Cracker Barrel has been known for its taste since 1969, and so is this simple dish of mashed potatoes. I gave my best shot at making this exact Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes recipe.

I was so fascinated by the taste that I immediately learned how simple and easy this recipe was to make with just a handful of ingredients. These Mashed Potatoes are creamy, and every bite has a nice, buttery, smooth mouthfeel.

They are even perfect for any gathering and can easily take away the limelight from other dishes at your parties. Let me now get to my favourite part: sharing this simple yet delightful copycat Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes recipe with you.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Deep Pot: I use a deep pot to boil the potatoes and mash them in it.
Potato Masher: However, you can also use the back of your spoon to do the same.
Large Bowl: I use a large bowl to keep the peeled and cut potatoes.
Peeler: A peeler will help you peel the potatoes nicely. However, you can also use a knife.
Colander: I use a colander to drain the water from the boiled potatoes. You can also use a strainer or a sieve.
Sharp Knife: You will need a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into even cubes.
Chopping Board: While I use a wooden chopping board to chop the potatoes, you can also use a plastic or a steel-based chopping board.
Serving Bowls: You will need small-sized serving bowls to serve the dish.

How To Make Best Mashed Potatoes At Home

Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes Ingredients and Substitutions

Note: The ingredients in this recipe will yield 4 servings.

6 Large Russet Potatoes (scrubbed, peeled, and cut into pieces): Cracker Barrel uses Russet potatoes for making their very famous mashed potatoes. But you can also use Idaho or Yukon Gold potatoes, which are starchy and have a fluffy, airy texture.
4 Tablespoons Salted Butter: I sometimes even use margarine instead of butter in this recipe. The potatoes still have a great buttery taste.
¼ Cup Milk: You can also use skim, low-fat, soy, or almond milk.
Salt To Taste
Pepper To Taste

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
15 Minutes	40 Minutes	55 Minutes

How To Make Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes At Home

Step 1

In a deep pot, bring some water to a boil.

Step 2

Then add the thoroughly washed, peeled, and evenly cut potato cubes to the boiling water. The water should be about half an inch above the potatoes.

Step 3

Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender.

Step 4

Drain the water from the potatoes and mash them using a potato masher. Then, add the salted butter to the potato mash.

Step 5

Add the 1/4th cup of milk to the mash.

Step 6

Season the Mashed Potatoes with salt and pepper as per taste. Gently fold all the ingredients in the mash until well combined.

Cracker Barrel Copycat Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 7

Your Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes are ready to be relished. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy.

Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes Recipe Video

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I usually choose potatoes that are high in starch and have a fluffy texture. To achieve the perfect texture in my mashed potatoes, I avoid using any random variety and stick with the best ones.
Sometimes, I also add a dash of sour cream to the mash. It gives my mashed potatoes the perfect buttery creaminess with just a touch of tang.
My family loves the subtle garlicky flavor in potato mash, so I sometimes add sauteed garlic cloves while mashing the potatoes.

FAQs About Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes

Why did your Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes turn gluey?

If you overwork the Mashed Potatoes, they can turn gluey or gummy. To fix this, add all the ingredients to the potatoes and gently fold them until they are well combined. It will keep the texture light and fluffy.

Why are your Mashed Potatoes runny?

Your potato mash can be runny because of two reasons. Either you must have boiled the potatoes for too long due to which they have absorbed water. Or you must have added too much milk to the mash. Both of these mistakes can result in runny mashed potatoes.

Why is your potato mash lumpy?

Mashing undercooked potatoes can result in a lumpy potato mash. Try putting the mashed potatoes through a potato ricer to try and break them up without overworking them.

Why did your mashed potato turn soggy?

When overcooked, potatoes turn soggy. So boil them for an appropriate amount of time and drain the water well, as excess water will make the potatoes soggy.

What can you do to fix the bland flavor of your Mashed Potatoes?

You can fix your Mashed Potatoes’ bland flavor by adding seasonings such as onion powder or garlic powder. You can keep it simple by adding salt and pepper as per taste. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also be added to enhance the flavor and fix the bland taste of your mash.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

While this dish sure has many nutritional benefits, some ingredients, like butter and milk, are high in fat and calories. Therefore, this dish cannot be considered completely healthy.

Calories	334 kcal
Carbohydrates	52 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	1 mg
Sodium	734 mg
Potassium	1202 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Vitamin A	525 IU
Vitamin C	16.2 mg
Calcium	58 mg
Iron	2.4 mg

This dish can be consumed by people who follow a vegetarian or a gluten-free diet.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Vegan Diet: Vegans can substitute extra-virgin olive oil for butter and use vegetable broth or soy milk instead of milk to add extra moisture to the potato mash.
Keto-Friendly Diet: The hero ingredient of this recipe, potatoes, is a strict no for those following a keto diet. So, to make this recipe keto-friendly, I use rutabaga, which is a great substitute for potatoes.
Dairy-Free Diet: People who are lactose intolerant can make this dish using the same variations suggested for a vegan diet.

Storing and Reheating This Recipe

Storing

Refrigerator: I usually transfer the leftovers to an airtight container before storing them in the fridge. They last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezer: When I want the mash to last longer, I prefer freezing it. I label the airtight container with the date and place it in the freezer, where it can last for about two months.

Reheating

Microwave: I generally reheat Mashed Potatoes by placing them in a microwave-safe dish and warming them in 30-second intervals until they reach the desired temperature.
On the Stove: Sometimes, I also prefer reheating the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring in intervals until they are hot.

What To Serve With This Recipe

While these creamy and fluffy Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes can be enjoyed on their own, I usually enjoy them with some Roasted Chicken and Salmon.

However, you can also serve them with Baked Chicken Wings, Pork, Grilled Steak, Salisbury Steak, etc.

Printable Version

Other Cracker Barrel Recipes That You Can Try

Cracker-Barrel-Green-Beans-Step-6 — Cracker Barrel green beans

How To Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples At Home — Cracker Barrel green beans

Conclusion

With a few simple techniques mentioned in this article, you, too, can master the art of making these mashed potatoes.

Therefore, follow the recipe and enjoy Cracker Barrel’s Mashed Potatoes right at home. After relishing the dish, do not forget to share your experience in the comments below. Until then, happy cooking!

Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes Copycat Recipe

Equipment Required

Cracker Barrel Mashed Potatoes Ingredients and Substitutions

Preparation and Cooking Time