Looking for a side dish that everyone will love? This cheesy mashed potato recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy mashed potatoes with gooey, melted cheese. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a quick weeknight meal, this cheesy mashed potato recipe is sure to impress. Follow the steps below to create a dish that’s both simple and delicious.
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the cheesy mashed potato recipe:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or chives
Execution
Step-by-Step Method for the cheesy mashed potato recipe:
- Boil the potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add butter and milk: Stir in the butter and milk, mixing until the potatoes are creamy. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.
- Incorporate the cheese: Mix in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
- Season and garnish: Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm.
Tips:
For the Best cheesy mashed potato recipe:
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy, while Russet potatoes are fluffier. Use a mix for the best of both worlds.
- Warm the milk: Heat the milk before adding it to the potatoes for a smoother texture.
- Experiment with cheeses: Try swapping cheddar with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can result in gummy potatoes. Stir just until combined.
FAQs:
- Which cheese is best for potatoes?
- The best cheeses for potatoes are:
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a bold, tangy flavor.
- Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty kick and works well for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Gruyère: A rich, buttery cheese that enhances the dish’s creaminess.
- Mozzarella: For a gooey, stretchy texture.
- Cream cheese: While not traditional cheese, it adds a creamy tanginess perfect for mashed potatoes.
- Is sour cream or cream cheese better in mashed potatoes?
- Both are great options, depending on your preference:
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy, slightly acidic flavor, which balances the richness of the potatoes.
- Cream cheese: Makes the mashed potatoes creamier and richer with a mild tang.
For a cheesy mashed potato recipe, combining cream cheese with shredded cheddar is an excellent choice for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Why are restaurant mashed potatoes so good?
- Restaurant mashed potatoes are often better because:
- Generous use of butter and cream: These add richness and smooth texture.
- Perfect seasoning: Restaurants season potatoes liberally with salt and sometimes garlic or herbs.
- Proper mashing technique: They use tools like potato ricers to achieve a lump-free consistency.
- High-quality ingredients: Using fresh potatoes, real butter, and premium cream makes a noticeable difference.
- Is it better to use milk or heavy cream in mashed potatoes?
- It depends on the desired texture and flavor:
- Milk: Creates a lighter, less rich mashed potato. Use whole milk for creaminess without heaviness.
- Heavy cream: Results in richer, silkier mashed potatoes, perfect for indulgent recipes like cheesy mashed potatoes.
For a balance, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency and richness.
