Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Servings: 6
Calories: 432kcal
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Russet potatoes about 4-5 potatoes
- 5 tbs unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ heavy cream
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1 sprig of sage
- 7 sprigs of thyme
- 7 sprigs of chives extra for garnish
- 5 garlic cloves
- ¾ cup of smoked gouda shredded
- ¾ cup of sharp cheddar shredded
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt adjust to personal taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop the russet potatoes.
- Place the peeled, chopped potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- In a small saucepan, place the garlic, sage, rosemary, chives, thyme, butter and heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer over low heat. (Warming the cream helps it incorporate better into the potatoes without cooling them down.)
- Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes while still hot until they are smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the warm butter and milk mixture through a sieve into the mashed potatoes.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into the potatoes, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more heavy cream if you want a creamier consistency.
- Garnish with chopped chives and an extra pad of butter.
Video
Notes
Variations and Substitutions to this simple mashed potato recipe
Here are some variations and substitutions for a cheesy mashed potatoes recipe to suit different tastes and preferences:Cheese Variations:
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- Parmesan: Add nutty, salty notes for an Italian twist.
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- Gruyère: Provides a creamy, slightly nutty flavor for a gourmet touch.
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- Blue Cheese: For a strong, bold flavor. Blue cheese adds a sharp bite to mashed potatoes.
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- Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang.
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- Goat Cheese: For a creamy, tangy, and slightly earthy flavor. It pairs well with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Potato Substitutions:
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- Yukon Gold: Naturally creamy with a buttery flavor.
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- Red Potatoes: Keep the skins on for added texture and a rustic look.
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- White Potatoes: Similar to Yukon Golds but slightly less starchy, they create a rich, smooth mash.
Add-Ins:
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- Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon for a smoky, savory boost.
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- Caramelized Onions: Stir in for a sweet and savory addition.
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- Spices: Enhance with paprika, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg for added depth.
Dairy Substitutions:
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- Whole Milk: Use instead of heavy cream for lighter mashed potatoes.
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- Greek Yogurt: Swap for sour cream for a healthier option with tang.
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- Plant-Based Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free alternative.
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- Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil: Replace butter for a vegan-friendly dish.
Storage needed for this garlic cheesy mashed potatoes
Refrigerator Storage:
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- Timeframe: Store cheesy mashed potatoes in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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- Container: Use an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out or absorbing odors.
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- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess before reheating.
Freezer Storage:
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- Timeframe: Freeze cheesy mashed potatoes for up to 2 months.
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- Method: Allow the potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
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- Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven, stirring in a little milk, cream, or butter for smooth consistency.