Bushra Griffith
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, and adding cheese to the mix takes it to the next level. While there are many ways to make cheesy mashed potatoes, the key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency is in how you prepare the cheese and potatoes. This involves choosing the right type of potatoes, melting the cheese properly, and combining the two to create a rich and creamy dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby/Jack, Cream Cheese, Gruyère, Emmental, Fontina, Parmesan, Goat's Milk Cheese, Gouda, Mascarpone, Double Gloucestershire, Swiss Raclette, Reblochon |
| Type of Potato | Russet, Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, King Edwards |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Milk, Cream, Sour Cream, Salt, Pepper, Chives, Parsley, Chicken Bouillon, Dijon Mustard |
| Preparation Method | Boil, Bake, Grill, Mash, Rice |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
How to melt cheese on mashed potatoes in the oven
Cheesy mashed potatoes are a delicious and indulgent treat for any occasion. They are a perfect comfort food and can be served as a side dish with almost any main meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect cheesy mashed potatoes in the oven.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes (starchy varieties such as Russet, Maris Piper, or Yukon Gold are recommended)
- Butter (cut into cubes and softened to room temperature)
- Milk (warmed)
- Cheese (shredded or grated; a combination of cheeses such as Colby/Jack, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, parmesan, or cream cheese can be used)
- Salt
- Optional: sour cream, cream, chives, parsley, or other herbs for garnish
Preparation
Start by washing, peeling, and cutting the potatoes into similar-sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water by about one inch. Add salt to the water to enhance the flavour. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take around 15 to 20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them until they fall apart. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Mash the Potatoes
Use a potato masher, ricer, or handheld mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Add the softened butter, warmed milk, and a pinch of salt to taste. Mash or mix until well combined and the butter has melted into the potatoes.
Add the Cheese
Now it's time to add the cheese! You can use shredded or grated cheese, but freshly grated cheese will melt better and create a creamier texture. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of cheeses, such as those mentioned above. Add the cheese to the mashed potatoes and mix until the cheese is melted and well combined.
Baking in the Oven
Spoon the cheesy mashed potato mixture into an oven-safe dish. Top the mixture generously with shredded or grated cheese. Place the dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese on top melts and becomes bubbly. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes.
Serving
Once the cheese on top has melted, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, chopped fresh parsley, minced chives, or other herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
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How to melt cheese on mashed potatoes on the stove
Making cheesy mashed potatoes is a great way to take your creamy homemade mashed potatoes to the next level. The process involves melting cheese on top of the potatoes, resulting in a delicious and indulgent treat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to melt cheese on mashed potatoes on the stove.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (preferably starchy varieties like Russet, Maris Piper, King Edwards, or Yukon Gold)
- Cheese (shredded or grated; cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby/Jack, or a combination of your choice)
- Butter (cubed and softened at room temperature)
- Milk (warmed)
- Salt
- Optional: Sour cream, cream cheese, herbs (such as parsley or chives), or other seasonings
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing, peeling, and cutting the potatoes into similar-sized chunks. This ensures even cooking. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavour. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Drain and Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and mash them using a potato masher, ricer, or handheld potato masher. You can also use a food mill or a hand mixer for a smoother consistency. Make sure to dry the potatoes over medium heat for about 2 minutes before mashing to remove any excess water and ensure a fluffier texture.
Step 3: Add Butter, Milk, and Cheese
With the potatoes mashed, it's time to add the butter, milk, and cheese. Start by adding cubed, softened butter and warmed milk to the potatoes. Use a wooden spoon to stir everything together until the butter is fully incorporated and melted. Then, add your shredded or grated cheese of choice and stir until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese on the Stove
To melt the cheese on the stove, simply continue heating the potato mixture over low to medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning. The cheese will gradually melt and combine with the potatoes as you stir. If the mixture becomes too thick or dry, add a little more warmed milk to adjust the consistency and keep it creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and combined with the mashed potatoes, your cheesy mashed potatoes are ready to serve! You can garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, herbs such as chopped parsley or chives, or even cooked crumbled bacon bits for an extra indulgent touch. Cheesy mashed potatoes make a great side dish and can be served alongside roasted meats, stews, or casseroles. Enjoy!
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How to melt cheese on mashed potatoes in the grill
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Cheese (shredded)
- Butter
- Milk
- Salt
- Chives
Optional Ingredients
- Chicken bouillon
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Parsley
- Bacon bits
Utensils
- Large pot
- Potato masher
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish
- Grill
Instructions:
First, add peeled and sliced potatoes to heavily salted boiling water. Boil until fork-tender, which should take around 15 minutes. Next, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a ricer, if you have one, and add butter, milk, and salt. Continue mashing until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Now, it's time to add your cheese! You can sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the potatoes and place them under the grill for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can also add cream cheese and Dijon mustard to the mashed potatoes before topping them with shredded cheese and grilling.
Finally, top your cheesy mashed potatoes with fresh chives, and even some parsley or bacon bits if you're feeling adventurous. Enjoy your delicious and cheesy side dish!
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The best types of cheese to melt on mashed potatoes
There are several types of cheese that go well with mashed potatoes, and the best cheese for you will depend on your personal preference. However, here are some popular options to consider:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for mashed potatoes. It has a sharp and savory flavor that can add a creamy texture to the dish. You can use shredded or grated cheddar cheese, depending on your preference.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is another option that can add a stringy, gooey texture to your mashed potatoes. It melts well and can be combined with other cheeses like Parmesan to create a unique flavor profile.
Colby/Jack Cheese
Colby/Jack cheese is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It has a mild, creamy flavor and melts well, making it a good choice for mashed potatoes. This type of cheese is often used in garlic cheesy mashed potatoes.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to mashed potatoes while also providing a tangy flavor. It is often used in combination with other cheeses to enhance the creaminess of the dish.
Goat's Milk Cheese
If you're looking for something a little different, goat's milk cheese can add a sharp and tangy flavor to your mashed potatoes. It pairs well with other cheeses and can be shredded or crumbled on top.
When melting cheese on mashed potatoes, it's important to use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better and creates a creamier texture. Additionally, using a ricer to mash your potatoes can help achieve a smoother and silkier consistency.
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How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
To make cheesy mashed potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes (starchy varieties like Russet, Maris Piper, Yukon Gold, or King Edwards are recommended)
- Cheese (a combination of cheeses such as Colby/Jack, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, cream cheese, or goat's milk cheese can be used)
- Butter (cubed and softened to room temperature)
- Milk (warmed)
- Sour cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Preparation
- Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into similar-sized chunks. This will ensure even cooking.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water by about one inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavour.
- Bring the pot to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender. This usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid overcooking the potatoes to the point of falling apart.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. You can also steam the potatoes briefly after boiling to remove any excess water, resulting in fluffier mashed potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes using a ricer, handheld potato masher, or hand mixer. If using a ricer, push the potatoes back into the hot pot and add butter, milk, and cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If using other tools, simply add the butter and milk, and stir until combined.
- Add the shredded cheese, sour cream, and any desired seasonings, such as salt and pepper. Continue mashing or stirring until the cheese is melted and well combined.
- For an extra cheesy touch, spread the mashed potato mixture into a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 8-10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, chives, or green onions, and serve immediately.
Tips
- It is recommended to shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better and creates a creamier texture.
- For a more rustic texture, hand-mash the potatoes instead of using a mixer.
- If making the mashed potatoes ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a little extra milk to regain the creamy consistency.
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Frequently asked questions
A good starchy potato, such as Russet potatoes, Maris Piper, or Yukon Gold potatoes, will give you the best results. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they crumble instead of mashing.
You can use any kind of cheese you prefer or have on hand. For maximum meltiness, a combination of Alpine cheeses works well. Some cheeses that melt well include Gruyère, Emmental, Fontina, and Colby/Jack cheese.
First, wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into similar-sized chunks. This will ensure uniform cooking. Boil the potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
After mashing the potatoes, add butter and milk, and stir until the butter is melted. Then, add the cheese and stir until melted and combined. For an extra creamy texture, use a ricer to push the potatoes through, creating tiny pieces.
Freshly made mashed potatoes are best, but you can prepare some steps in advance. You can peel, cut, and boil the potatoes a day ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the mashed potatoes over low heat, constantly stirring and adding milk to smooth them out.
