If you are on the lookout for a side dish that brings both comfort and a bold flavor punch, the Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is sure to become one of your new favorites. Creamy, rich, and infused with the tangy, savory sharpness of blue cheese, this recipe elevates classic mashed potatoes to an unforgettable indulgence. The garlic-rosemary butter adds a fragrant base that complements the rustic earthiness of the potatoes, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will bring warmth and excitement to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, working together to create layers of flavor and the perfect texture for the Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe. From the russet potatoes’ starchy creaminess to the fresh rosemary’s bright aroma, each component plays a special role in building this dish’s character.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes: Chosen for their fluffy texture when mashed, perfect for a creamy base.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps marry the flavors of garlic and herbs.
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed): Infuses a fragrant aroma and subtle punch without overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning: Brings depth and a savory complexity to the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped): Adds a woodsy, fresh herb note that brightens the dish.
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles: The star ingredient that delivers that unmistakable tangy creaminess.
How to Make Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Getting this ready early ensures you can finish off the dish with a perfect melt and slight browning of the blue cheese topping. Meanwhile, peel and cube your russet potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until a fork easily slides through. This soft texture is key to getting the luscious mash everyone loves in a Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Garlic-Rosemary Butter
While your potatoes simmer, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic, black pepper, steak seasoning, kosher salt, and chopped rosemary, stirring to combine. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, giving the butter time to fully absorb all those vibrant, herby flavors.
Step 4: Mash and Mix Flavors
Once your potatoes are tender, drain the water and return them to the pot over low heat to dry slightly. Use an electric hand mixer for the creamiest texture, then fold in the garlic-rosemary butter along with half of the blue cheese crumbles. This step is where the magic truly happens, as the potatoes soak up that tangy, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Finish
Spoon your mixture into an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the remaining blue cheese on top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. This final warmth softens the cheese on top just enough to create a slightly golden, bubbling finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add fresh contrast, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh rosemary or chives on top right before serving. A light drizzle of extra melted butter can also add a gorgeous shine and luxurious mouthfeel.
Side Dishes
Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like beef or lamb, crisp green vegetables such as asparagus or green beans, and even a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. You can also serve it with grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving this mashed potato dish in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to impress guests. Layer the potatoes with caramelized onions or crispy bacon bits for added texture. You can even pipe the potatoes onto plates using a large star tip to create an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, but be mindful that the texture may firm up slightly, making reheating necessary to bring back that creamy softness.
Freezing
Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe freezes well if packaged properly. Place your mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, adding a bit of milk or butter to restore creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
While blue cheese gives this recipe its distinctive tangy depth, you can experiment with other strong cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort for a similar effect. For a milder twist, sharp cheddar can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be less bold.
What if I don’t have steak seasoning?
If steak seasoning is not on hand, simply use a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to mimic a similar flavor profile. This will keep the dish flavorful without overwhelming the delicate potato texture.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven?
Yes, you can avoid baking by simply stirring all the cheese into the mashed potatoes at the end. Though the baked finish adds a nice texture variation, the dish is delicious and creamy even without oven melting.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! The Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is vegetarian as long as you use butter that is free of animal rennet and ensure your blue cheese doesn’t include any animal-derived additives.
How can I make this dish less intense for picky eaters?
Reducing the amount of blue cheese and increasing butter or cream can mellow the strong flavor. You can also mix in sour cream or cream cheese to soften the tang without losing richness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that comforts and excites the palate all at once, and the Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe does just that. It’s a wonderful way to elevate a familiar favorite with unexpected, delicious twists. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you, and your dinner guests will surely be impressed!
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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
Creamy and flavorful blue cheese mashed potatoes made with tender russet potatoes, infused with garlic, rosemary, and steak seasoning, then baked with crumbled blue cheese for a rich and savory side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Butter and Seasoning
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for the final baking step that will melt the blue cheese topping.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender, ensuring they are soft enough to mash smoothly.
- Melt Butter and Infuse Flavors: While the potatoes are boiling, 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 bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Butter Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and allow the butter and seasonings mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together for a rich seasoning butter.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot on low heat. Use an electric hand mixer to mash until smooth. Then, gently fold in the infused garlic rosemary butter and half of the blue cheese crumbles by hand to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mashed potatoes into an oven-safe bowl or casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining blue cheese crumbles over the top for a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake and Serve: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. This allows the blue cheese on top to melt and slightly brown, creating a savory finish. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- For a smoother mash, peel the potatoes thoroughly and avoid over-boiling to prevent excess water absorption.
- You can adjust the amount of blue cheese based on how strong you want the cheese flavor to be.
- If fresh rosemary is unavailable, dried rosemary can be used but reduce quantity to one teaspoon as it is more concentrated.
- Steak seasoning adds a savory depth, but can be substituted with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder if needed.
- Use a hand mixer for the best texture, but a sturdy masher can also work if careful to avoid lumps.
- To reheat leftovers, cover and warm in the oven or microwave to maintain creaminess.
