There’s nothing like a heaping serving of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes to bring a smile to your face, and trust me, these Smoked Gouda Cheesy Mashed Potatoes will do just that. The richness of smoked gouda melts into buttery potatoes, creating a decadent side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a holiday gathering, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds!
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Why You’ll Love Smoked Gouda Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into these cheesy mashed potatoes. Spoiler alert: you’re in for a treat!
- Potatoes: The creamy base of the dish, mashed to perfection for a smooth, velvety texture.
- Smoked Gouda: The star ingredient, adding that irresistible smoky, rich flavor that sets this dish apart.
- Butter: Because what are mashed potatoes without butter? It adds a silky, luxurious finish to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: For an extra creamy consistency that makes each bite feel indulgent.
- Garlic: A touch of garlic brings that savory depth, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to bring everything together and enhance those delicious flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your potatoes cook evenly and gives them a perfect golden-brown top when they’re baked.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash them to your desired texture. For a smoother consistency, you can use a potato ricer.
- Add the Cheddar and Gouda: Stir in the butter, heavy cream, garlic, and smoked gouda until the cheese is fully melted and the potatoes are creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a greased baking dish and spread them evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Servings: 6 Calories per serving: 350 (Full nutritional details can be found in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Smoked Gouda Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
- Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
- As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular butter for dairy-free alternatives.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute heavy cream with milk? A1: Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap the heavy cream for milk. The texture will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A2: Absolutely! Prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them off to get that golden top.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish? A4: Yes! You can freeze these mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish? A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q6: Can I double the recipe? A6: Absolutely! This recipe is easy to scale, so go ahead and double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd.
Q7: Can I add more cheese to the recipe? A7: You bet! Feel free to add more gouda or even mix in some sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
Q8: Can I make this without garlic? A8: Yes, if you’re not a fan of garlic, you can leave it out. The smoked gouda still brings plenty of flavor on its own.
Q9: Can I use other cheeses besides gouda? A9: Yes, you can! If you prefer a different cheese, try cheddar or Monterey Jack for a similar creamy result.
Q10: Can I use baby potatoes for this recipe? A10: Absolutely! Baby potatoes will work perfectly, just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on their size.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks—Smoked Gouda Cheesy Mashed Potatoes that are rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy all the creamy, cheesy goodness that comes with each bite. Happy eating!
Print
Smoked Gouda Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes are a rich, creamy, and irresistible twist on the classic side dish. Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, buttery sour cream, and gooey smoked gouda, they deliver bold flavor with a smoky finish that sets them apart. Whether you’re planning comforting recipes for dinner, flavorful side dishes, or simple high protein meals, this dish fits right in with your favorite healthy recipes and recipes to try.
Ingredients
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2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
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2 cups (about 4 1/2 ounces) finely grated smoked Gouda
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1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
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1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half and half), warm
Instructions
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Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season with a generous pinch of salt.
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Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are very tender.
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Drain potatoes in a colander.
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Using a potato ricer, rice the potatoes back into the pot (off the heat).
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Stir in the sliced butter until fully melted and incorporated.
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Add grated smoked gouda, sour cream, ⅓ cup heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Add more heavy cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
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Yukon Golds give a buttery texture, but you can use russet potatoes for a fluffier mash.
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Don’t overmix after adding cheese—just enough to melt and blend.
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This dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats or as a holiday table staple.
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Can be reheated gently with a splash of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg