Cheese And Mashed Potatoes: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, but what type of cheese goes well with them? There are several options, and it depends on your taste preferences. Some popular choices include cheddar, parmesan, cream cheese, gruyere, raclette, and gouda. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheeses. Ultimately, the best cheese for mashed potatoes is the one that you enjoy the most!

Cheddar, Gruyere, Raclette and Parmesan

Cheddar, Gruyere, Raclette, and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

Cheddar mashed potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. The sharp, tangy flavour of cheddar pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes, creating a flavourful and indulgent dish.

To make cheddar mashed potatoes, simply boil and mash your potatoes as you normally would, then mix in shredded cheddar cheese. You can use any variety of cheddar, such as mild, sharp, or white, depending on your preference. For a more vibrant colour, opt for yellow cheddar. Additionally, you can enhance the flavour by adding ingredients like garlic, sour cream, butter, and fresh chives.

Gruyere Mashed Potatoes

Gruyere mashed potatoes are a sophisticated and mouthwatering twist on the classic mashed potato dish. Gruyere cheese adds a rich, savoury flavour that elevates the humble potato to new heights.

Preparing gruyere mashed potatoes is quite simple. After boiling and mashing your potatoes, stir in shredded gruyere cheese until it melts into a creamy, decadent texture. For added flavour, include ingredients such as garlic, milk, butter, and chives or green onions.

Raclette Mashed Potatoes

Raclette mashed potatoes are a unique and indulgent way to enjoy the comfort of mashed potatoes with a decadent twist. Raclette cheese, known for its rich, nutty, and creamy flavour, takes this dish to the next level.

To create raclette mashed potatoes, start by roasting mini potatoes, such as baby Yukon gold potatoes, until they are soft and crispy. Prepare a garlic brown butter sauce by heating butter in a skillet until it turns a deep brown colour, then add thyme and garlic. Stuff the crevices of the roasted potatoes with raclette cheese, drizzle the garlic brown butter sauce on top, and return them to the oven until the cheese melts.

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

If you're looking for a flavourful and aromatic twist on the classic mashed potato dish, parmesan mashed potatoes are an excellent choice. Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty flavour that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes.

Preparing parmesan mashed potatoes is quite straightforward. After boiling and mashing your potatoes, mix in grated parmesan cheese, butter, and cream. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. For a more indulgent dish, stir in additional cheese and serve immediately.

Creamy mashed potatoes with cheddar, sour cream and chives

Ingredients for 4-6 servings:

• 2 pounds of russet potatoes (6 large) or golden/red potatoes
• 3 tablespoons of cream cheese (full fat, half fat or neufchatel cheese)
• 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
• 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese (grated off the block or pre-shredded)
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• Milk (vitamin D, low fat, nut milk or whole milk)
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Salt (sea salt or table salt)
• Black pepper (fresh cracked or ground)
• Garlic powder
• Chives

Optional ingredients:

• Green onions
• Fresh chopped parsley

Utensils:

• Large saucepan
• Potato masher
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Peeler
• Cutting board
• Chef knife

Method:

First, peel and chop the potatoes into 2-inch cubes and place them in a large saucepan. Cover the potatoes with water and bring it to a boil for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and transfer them back to the saucepan.

Next, add the butter, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and milk to the potatoes and start mashing until creamy. Then, sprinkle in the cheddar and parmesan cheese and mix to combine. Season with black pepper.

Finally, serve the mashed potatoes immediately with a sprinkle of chives or chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Russet potatoes are best for mashed potatoes

When it comes to mashed potatoes, there are a variety of cheeses and potatoes that can be used to create this creamy, indulgent treat. While the type of potato is important, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if you're looking for the best potatoes for the job, look no further than Russet potatoes.

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a popular choice for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content. This makes them easier to mash and gives them a fluffier, lighter texture compared to other types of potatoes. While they may be a bit flavourless on their own, they provide the perfect base for adding cheese, butter, milk, and other ingredients to create a delicious, creamy dish.

To prepare Russet potatoes for mashing, it is recommended to peel them first due to their tough skin. Cut them into quarters or 2-inch cubes, boil them until fork-tender, and then drain them well. Returning the potatoes to the warm pot for a few minutes after draining can help ensure that all the liquid is evaporated.

When mashing Russet potatoes, it is best to use a hand masher or a potato ricer for the creamiest texture. While electric mixers or food processors can also be used, they may break down the starches too much, resulting in a gummy consistency. Adding butter, milk, cream, and cheese will enhance the flavour and creaminess of the mashed potatoes.

Russet potatoes are an excellent choice for making mashed potatoes, especially if you prefer a lighter, fluffier texture. With the right preparation and ingredients, you can create a delicious and comforting side dish that will be a hit with family and friends.

How to make mashed potatoes ahead of time

There are many types of cheese that can be paired with mashed potatoes, such as cheddar, gruyere, raclette, parmesan, gouda, and cream cheese.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of russet potatoes, scrubbed but unpeeled
• 1 ½ cups half-and-half
• 6 tablespoons of softened butter

Instructions:

• Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender, which should take around 20 minutes.
• Drain the water from the potatoes.
• Heat the half-and-half in the microwave until it is just warm.
• Process the unpeeled potatoes through a food mill into a medium bowl. Alternatively, use a potholder to peel and drop them into a bowl, and then puree them using a potato masher or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
• Stir in the warm half-and-half and salt until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. You can also beat it if using a mixer.
• Allow the mixture to cool, then cover and refrigerate the potatoes in a microwave-safe, airtight container for up to 2 days.
• About 30 minutes before serving, microwave the potatoes until they are warm.
• Transfer the potatoes to a heatproof bowl and place it over a pan of simmering water.
• Stir in the butter to melt, cover, and keep warm until ready to serve.

Note: Adding butter after reheating the potatoes will make them taste freshly mashed.

Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds or 6 large potatoes)
• Full-fat cream cheese, half-fat, or neufchatel cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese, or mild cheddar
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, or pre-shredded parmesan
• Milk (Vitamin D or low-fat milk, or nut milk)
• Unsalted butter (if using salted butter, skip the extra salt)
• Sea salt or regular table salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper or ground black pepper
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

• Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water.
• Bring the water to a boil for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain the potatoes in a colander, then transfer them back to the saucepan.
• Add butter, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and milk to the potatoes and start mashing until the mixture is creamy.
• Sprinkle in cheddar and parmesan cheeses and mix to combine.
• Season with black pepper to taste.
• Serve the mashed potatoes immediately with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (optional).

Note: This recipe serves about 4-6 people. If you are cooking for a larger group, simply double the recipe.

What to serve with cheesy mashed potatoes

Cheesy mashed potatoes are a delicious side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Meats

Meat is a classic pairing with mashed potatoes, and there are several options that go well with the cheesy variety. Some choices include:

• Meatloaf
• Roasted chicken
• Thanksgiving turkey
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• BBQ beef roast
• Pork skewers
• Pot roast
• Pork roast
• Barbecued meats
• London broil

Vegetables

If you're looking for a more vegetarian-friendly option, there are also some great vegetable sides that pair well with cheesy mashed potatoes:

• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables
• Vegetarian Caesar salad
• Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes
• Garlic green beans
• Butter lettuce salad
• Oven-roasted vegetables
• Garlic butter frozen vegetables

Other Sides

In addition to meat and vegetables, there are some other side dishes that can complement cheesy mashed potatoes:

• Scalloped potatoes
• Herb-roasted potatoes with pesto
• Rice
• Pasta
• Bread rolls

As a Main Course

Cheesy mashed potatoes can also be a meal in themselves! Simply pair them with a salad or some vegetables, and you've got a delicious and comforting main course.

Frequently asked questions