Easy Smoked Gouda mashed potatoes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture — These mashed potatoes are so smooth thanks to the buttery Yukon Gold potatoes and smoked Gouda cheese.
- Bold, Smoky Flavor — The smoky twist gouda brings adds depth, rendering this dish anything but ordinary.
- Ideal For Any Occasion — Be it a simple dinner or holiday feast, this splendid side pairs with any assortment of mains including roasted chicken, steak or grilled vegetables.
- Simple to Personalize — Stir in garlic, herbs, or extra cheese to make it your own.
- Easy Ingredients – You can use what you have on hand in your pantry and you won’t need any fancy techniques.
Now let’s get cooking!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: approximately 6 cups of mashed potatoes 1x
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious recipe:
- 3 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 oz smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (remove the rind if present)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt (plus more for boiling water)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, chives, or crispy bacon bits
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes
- Peel & Cut the Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized cubes to help them cook evenly.
- Put the potatoes in a big pot and cover with cold water, at least an inch above the potatoes. Salt the water generously.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender.
Step 2: Drain and Mash
- Drain the cooking water off the potatoes and return them to the pot. Let them sit for a minute to release excess steam (this is what helps make fluffier mashed potatoes).
- Use a potatoes masher, ricer, or even an hand mixer, depending on how much you like them mash.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
- Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and while the potatoes are still hot, add the butter, shredded smoked Gouda, milk and sour cream.
- Stir it all up until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust the texture as needed.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix everything one last time so the flavors are combined.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Then transfer the smoked Gouda mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Top with chopped parsley, chives or crispy bacon bits for even more style. Serve warm and watch them vanish!
How to Serve Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are also versatile, complementing a range of dishes nicely. Here are some serving ideas:
- Meat Pairings: Roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, even turkey.
- Vegetables: These meatballs go well with roasted vegetables, stuffed bell peppers, or a hearty lentil loaf.
- Holidays: This dish is a great addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter dinner.
- Everyday Dinners: Pair it with any main course, and turn a quotidian meal into something special.
Notes
Nutrition Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9gÂ
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling and Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare these mashed potatoes in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the mashed potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. For reheating, simply warm them on top of the stove, over low heat, adding just a splash of milk if necessary to restore their creaminess.
2. Can I substitute a different cheese?
Yes! Although smoked Gouda is the star here, you could also play with some other types of cheese like aged cheddar, Parmesan or Gruyère for a different flavour profile.
3. Can I make this recipe Vegan?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted to be dairy-free. And go for plant-based butter, non-dairy milk and dairy-free cheese substitutes, like smoked almond cheese.
4. Are there alternative potatoes I can use?
Yukon Gold potatoes are best with their creamy texture and buttery flavour but russets also work. Note that russets will make fluffier mashed potatoes, the kind with a texture that’s airy and not dense and creamy like Yukon Golds.
5. What is the best tool to use to mash potatoes?
A potato masher does a pretty good job for a rustic finish, while a ricer or hand mixer will get you ultra-smooth, restaurant-style mashed potatoes.
6. So how do I add even more flavour to this dish?
To increase the flavor, consider adding:
Roasted garlic for sweetness and nuttiness
A sprinkling of smoked paprika to play off the smoky Gouda
Some fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
A spoonful of cream cheese for added richness