Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Best Cheese Types To Try

Adding cheese to mashed potatoes is a great way to elevate this classic side dish. The type of cheese you use depends on your personal preference and what other dishes you are serving. Some popular options include cheddar, parmesan, gruyere, raclette, and gouda. For a more indulgent option, you can even add multiple types of cheese to your mashed potatoes.

How to make mashed potatoes creamier

Ingredients

The best potatoes for mashing are high-starch varieties such as Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes, which produce a fluffy and creamy mash. You will also need butter, milk or cream, and salt. For an even more luxurious dish, you can add heavy cream, cream cheese, or sour cream.

Preparation

First, peel the potatoes and cut them into equal-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water until they are very soft. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and mash them with butter and milk or cream. Keep mashing until the potatoes are creamy and fluffy.

Tips for making creamier mashed potatoes

• Don't over-mash the potatoes as this can make them gummy.
• Use a potato masher instead of a blender or food processor.
• Add extra butter, cream, or milk to make the potatoes creamier.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• For an extra-indulgent dish, try adding some cheese. Good options include cheddar, gruyere, raclette, and parmesan.

Which cheeses are best for mashed potatoes

Adding cheese to mashed potatoes is a great way to elevate this classic side dish. The best cheeses to use in mashed potatoes are those that melt well and have a strong flavour. Here are some specific examples:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for mashed potatoes. It has a strong, sharp flavour and melts well. It also comes in a variety of types, such as mild, sharp, and white, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It melts extremely well, making it a great choice for mashed potatoes.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard Italian cheese with a strong, savoury flavour. It can be grated and added to mashed potatoes for an extra cheesy kick.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese with a mild flavour. It adds creaminess to mashed potatoes without being too overpowering.

Goat's Cheese

Goat's cheese has a tangy, savoury flavour that can enhance the taste of mashed potatoes. It also melts well, making it a good choice for this dish.

Raclette

Raclette is a Swiss cheese that is similar to Gruyere. It has a creamy, nutty flavour and melts easily, making it perfect for adding to mashed potatoes.

When adding cheese to mashed potatoes, it's important not to overwhelm the dish. Start by adding a small amount of cheese and taste as you go to ensure the cheese enhances the flavour of the potatoes without being too overpowering.

How to prepare potatoes for mashing

Preparing potatoes for mashing is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a guide on how to prepare potatoes for mashing:

Selecting and Preparing the Potatoes

First, select the right type of potatoes. The best potatoes for mashing are starchy varieties such as Russets or Idaho potatoes. These potatoes have a high starch content, which will make your mashed potatoes light and fluffy. Alternatively, Yukon Gold potatoes are another good option. They have a slightly buttery flavor and a lower starch content, resulting in a creamier texture.

Once you've selected your potatoes, peel them if desired. Russet or Idaho potatoes have tough skin that should be removed, while Yukon Gold potatoes can be left unpeeled for a more rustic texture. After peeling, cut the potatoes into quarters or cubes of roughly 1.5-inch to 2-inch in size. Keeping the pieces relatively large will help prevent the potatoes from becoming watery and flavourless.

Boiling the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold salted water. Starting with cold water ensures that the potatoes cook evenly. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the potatoes until they are tender. For quartered potatoes, this should take around 15 to 20 minutes. You can test their doneness by poking them with a fork; they are ready when the fork slides in easily.

Draining and Mashing the Potatoes

After boiling, drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a few minutes to ensure all the liquid has evaporated. Then, return the potatoes to the warm pot or a large bowl.

Now it's time to mash! Use a potato masher, ricer, or electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. A ricer will give you the fluffiest results, while a masher or electric mixer will produce slightly denser mashed potatoes. Avoid using a blender or food processor, as these can make the potatoes gummy or gluey.

Adding Ingredients for Flavour and Creaminess

To enhance the flavour and creaminess of your mashed potatoes, add some butter, milk or cream, and salt and pepper to taste. For the best results, warm the butter and milk or cream before adding them to the potatoes. This will help them blend more easily and make your mashed potatoes creamier. Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the potatoes while mashing or blending until you achieve the desired consistency.

At this point, you can also add some extra ingredients to elevate the flavour of your mashed potatoes. Try adding some sour cream, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a combination of cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, or gouda. Fresh herbs like chives or garlic can also be a great addition.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once you've achieved the perfect consistency and flavour, serve your mashed potatoes hot. If you're making them ahead of time, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To reheat, simply place them back in a pot over low heat, stirring and adding milk as needed until they are heated through.

How to reheat mashed potatoes

There are several ways to reheat mashed potatoes, depending on the equipment you have available and how much time you have. Here are some of the most common methods:

Reheating Mashed Potatoes in the Oven

The oven is the best way to get creamy and pillowy mashed potatoes. To reheat your mash in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, spread your mashed potatoes evenly in a baking dish. Add some cream, broth, or half-and-half, along with a generous amount of butter. Cover the dish and place it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are warmed through.

Reheating Mashed Potatoes on the Stovetop

If you're short on time, you can also reheat mashed potatoes on the stovetop. Place your leftover mash in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to prevent the potatoes from overcooking or becoming gummy. Add a splash of milk or cream and a knob of butter to keep them from drying out.

Reheating Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave

For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place your mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap. Heat them in 30-second to 2-minute intervals, stirring after each interval, until they are warmed through. Remember to add a little extra milk, cream, or butter to keep them creamy.

No matter which method you choose, the key to successfully reheating mashed potatoes is to add extra moisture and fat in the form of milk, cream, butter, or broth. This will ensure your potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and delicious.

What to serve with cheesy mashed potatoes

There are many options for what to serve with cheesy mashed potatoes. They can be a side dish for a main course such as pot roast, pork roast, barbecued meats, beef stew, or a vegan sausage casserole. They can also be served as part of a larger meal for Thanksgiving or Christmas, alongside meatloaf, roasted chicken, or turkey.

If you're looking for something more specific, here are some recipe ideas that pair well with cheesy mashed potatoes:

• Herb Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
• Perfect One Hour Whole Roasted Chicken
• Pesto Baked Chicken with Mozzarella
• Cheesesteak Meatballs with Garlic Cheese Sauce
• Lemon Rosemary Chicken
• French Onion Chicken Meatballs
• Roasted Herb Butter Spatchcock Chicken
• Ridiculously Tender Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy
• Garlic Butter Tomato Baked Chicken with Mozzarella
• Cajun Chicken Meatballs in Tasty Cream Sauce
• Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breasts
• Skillet Chicken in Balsamic Caramelized Onion Cream Sauce

Frequently asked questions