Pomme Puree is a French classic of buttery, cream-enriched mashed potatoes beaten to silky smoothness. The secret is using quality butter and cream in high proportion to potatoes for luxurious texture.
1 kg mashing potatoes (peeled and diced (I used sebago))
320 g unsalted butter (cubed)
200 ml pure cream (as needed) (35% milk fat with no thickeners)
1 tbsp grated fresh parmesan cheese
½ tsp fine salt (to taste) (as needed)
5 Ingredients
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Instructions
1
Place the potatoes in a large heavy-based pot. Cover with cold water and season with extra salt and bring to a simmer.
2
Simmer until potatoes are tender (but not falling apart).
3
Drain potatoes, allow them to steam dry slightly then rice the potatoes (or press them through a fine sieve) and place them back into the original pot.
4
Add butter and a few tablespoons of the cream to the potatoes and mix over very low heat to melt and incorporate, adding more cream as needed.
5
Add parmesan cheese and salt to taste and serve.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
Dice potatoes evenly and boil until completely tender; underdone potatoes won't mash smoothly.
Warm the butter and cream separately before folding in to prevent the puree from becoming cold and stiff.
Use a ricer or food mill rather than a mixer to avoid overdeveloping starch and creating a gluey texture.
Pass the potatoes through a fine sieve for ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality results.
Substitutions
Sebago potatoes → Russet or King Edward (use same weight; starchy varieties only)
Pure cream (35% fat) → Crème fraîche or heavy cream (do not use thickened or low-fat versions)
Unsalted butter → Cultured butter (adds slight tang; use same quantity)
Storage & make-ahead
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently over low heat or in a double boiler, whisking in extra warm cream to restore smoothness.
Equipment
ricer or food mill (recommended) · fine sieve (optional, for ultra-smooth texture)
Common Questions
What type of potatoes should I use for pomme puree?
Use starchy mashing potatoes like Sebago or Russet. Avoid waxy potatoes (red or fingerling) as they won't break down smoothly.
Why is my pomme puree gluey or gummy?
Overmixing develops starch and creates a gummy texture. Mix gently by hand or use a ricer, and avoid food processors or overbeating.
Can I make pomme puree ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to 4 hours ahead, keep it warm in a double boiler, or reheat gently over low heat with extra cream before serving.
What can I substitute for pure cream?
Use heavy cream (35% fat minimum) or crème fraîche. Avoid low-fat or thickened creams, which alter texture.
Do I need parmesan cheese in pomme puree?
The 1 tbsp is optional and adds subtle umami. Omit it if you prefer pure butter-and-cream flavor.
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