If you’re on the hunt for a mashed potato upgrade that will instantly become a family favorite, look no further than this Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe. Creamy, rich, and infused with the bold tang of blue cheese and the fragrant touch of fresh rosemary, this dish turns humble potatoes into a gourmet delight. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast, these mashed potatoes bring that perfect balance of comfort and sophistication right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in building incredible flavor and texture. Every element, from the fluffy russet potatoes to the aromatic rosemary, is essential for that one-of-a-kind taste.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes give the mash its classic fluffy, smooth texture.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and silky creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed): Infuses a subtle, aromatic depth that elevates the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle hint of spice to awaken the palate.
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs and spices for complexity and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to balance and highlight all the flavors throughout.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped): Offers a fragrant, piney touch that pairs beautifully with blue cheese.
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles: The star ingredient that brings a tangy, creamy punch you won’t want to miss.
How to Make Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms, place your peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot of boiling water. Cooking them until fork tender, about 15 minutes, ensures the potatoes become perfectly soft and ready to absorb the flavors to come.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic and Herbs
While the potatoes gently cook, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic, black pepper, steak seasoning, kosher salt, and fresh rosemary. Reduce the heat to low and let these ingredients mingle for 5 to 10 minutes. This slow heating allows the butter to soak up all those delicious aromas, creating a fragrant flavor base for your potatoes.
Step 3: Mash and Mix with Blue Cheese Butter
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot set on low heat. Use an electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes until creamy and smooth. Then stir in the garlic-rosemary butter mixture along with half of the blue cheese crumbles. This folding step incorporates the blue cheese gradually, blending its luscious, slightly sharp profile into the mash.
Step 4: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the mashed potatoes into an oven-safe bowl or casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining blue cheese evenly on top, then bake in your preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This baking step melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden topping, adding an irresistible texture and flavor contrast. Your Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, try sprinkling chopped fresh rosemary or chives on top for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A few extra blue cheese crumbles can add visual appeal and give an extra punch of flavor with each bite.
Side Dishes
This Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even a savory mushroom ragout. The creamy tang of blue cheese cuts through rich meats perfectly, making it a star side dish for hearty, satisfying meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with caramelized onions or crispy fried shallots. This creates an elegant appetizer or personal side plate that will wow your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover tightly to preserve moisture and flavor, especially the delicate blue cheese.
Freezing
The Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe can be frozen, but it’s best to do so before baking. Store them in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the mashed potatoes overnight in the fridge, then warm slowly in the oven or on the stovetop while stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! While blue cheese offers a unique tang and creaminess, you can try gorgonzola, feta, or even sharp cheddar for a different but still delicious spin.
Is it necessary to bake the mashed potatoes after mixing?
Baking helps melt the remaining blue cheese on top for a luscious finish, but if you’re short on time, you can serve them immediately after mixing. The flavor will still be fantastic.
Can I prepare this recipe without fresh rosemary?
If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary or thyme makes a good substitute. Just use about half the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated.
How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture?
Using russet potatoes and mashing them with an electric hand mixer, while folding in plenty of butter, helps you achieve irresistibly smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes every time.
Will the strong flavor of blue cheese overpower the dish?
The tangy bite of blue cheese is well balanced in this recipe by buttery richness and aromatic herbs, creating a harmonious flavor that elevates but does not overpower.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a mashed potato recipe that sings with bold flavor yet feels like a warm hug, this Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is your perfect match. It’s simple yet indulgent, familiar but with a gourmet twist. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family classic!
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Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes recipe features creamy mashed russet potatoes blended with rich blue cheese, aromatic rosemary, and a flavorful garlic butter infusion. Baked briefly to melt the cheese topping, this dish is a perfect savory side, ideal for elevating any meal with its bold, tangy flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Garlic Rosemary Butter
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
Cheese
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mashed potatoes later.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes or until they are fork tender.
- Prepare Garlic Rosemary Butter: While the potatoes cook, melt the unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add crushed garlic, ground black pepper, steak seasoning, kosher salt, and chopped fresh rosemary. Stir and cook until the butter is fully melted.
- Simmer Flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the garlic and rosemary flavors to infuse the butter thoroughly.
- Mash Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and return them to the pot over low heat. Use an electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the garlic rosemary butter and half of the blue cheese crumbles evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mashed potato mixture into an oven-safe bowl or casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining blue cheese crumbles evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and slightly bubbly, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a stronger blue cheese flavor, use the entire 4 ounces in the mash and top.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream when mashing the potatoes.
- Steak seasoning can be substituted with your favorite seasoning blend or simply more black pepper and salt.
- Make sure to use fresh rosemary for the best aromatic flavor; dried rosemary will be less potent.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a hearty vegetarian main when paired with a salad.
