Welcome to the last Gouda Mashed Potatoes recipe you will ever need. If you’re searching for a side dish that is luxuriously creamy, unbelievably cheesy, and packed with a sophisticated, smoky flavor, you’ve found it. This isn’t just another mashed potato recipe; it’s an experience. Perfect for a holiday feast, a special Sunday dinner, or whenever you crave ultimate comfort food, these potatoes are guaranteed to steal the show. We’ve perfected the method to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture every single time.
Forget bland, boring mashed potatoes. The addition of smoked Gouda cheese elevates this classic dish to a whole new level, adding a nutty and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the fluffy potatoes and rich butter. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this cheesy mashed potato dish, but here are just a few that will get you excited to get in the kitchen. This recipe is straightforward and easy for cooks of all skill levels to master. Most importantly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect companion to a weeknight meal like our amazing Parmesan Crusted Chicken (coming soon) or a holiday centerpiece.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The smoked Gouda cheese provides a deep, savory flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Ultra-Creamy Texture: We use a combination of butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese to create the most velvety smooth mashed potatoes imaginable.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with almost any main course, from roasted chicken to steak.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering, these potatoes fit right in.
The Secret to Perfectly Creamy Gouda Mashed Potatoes
The magic of this dish lies in the details. By selecting the right ingredients and using the proper techniques, you can guarantee a perfect result every time. We’re not just making potatoes; we’re crafting an unforgettable side dish.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The type of potato you use is crucial for achieving a fluffy, creamy texture. We strongly recommend using high-starch potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. Russets break down beautifully, becoming light and fluffy, while Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy consistency that works wonders in this recipe.
The Best Gouda for Mashing
For the best Gouda Mashed Potatoes, opt for a good quality smoked Gouda. The smoking process imparts a rich, savory flavor that is the star of the show. You can buy it in a block and shred it yourself for the best melting results. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can make the final dish gritty.
Don’t Skimp on the Fat!
This is a dish of indulgence! Full-fat ingredients are key to achieving that luxurious, creamy texture. We use a combination of unsalted butter, full-fat block cream cheese, and heavy cream. This trio creates a rich, smooth base that perfectly complements the sharp, smoky cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this amazing side dish. Precise measurements are in the recipe card below!
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are your best bet.
- Gouda Cheese: A block of good quality smoked Gouda, freshly shredded.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese adds a tangy flavor and incredible creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: For a rich, luscious texture. You can substitute with whole milk, but the result won’t be as decadent.
- Garlic: A few cloves, minced, add a lovely aromatic depth.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Garnish: Freshly chopped chives or parsley.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the creamiest Gouda Mashed Potatoes you’ve ever tasted.
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel your potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the hot pot for a minute or two. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, which is key to avoiding gummy potatoes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Avoid using a blender or food processor, as this will overwork the starches and make the potatoes gluey.
- Melt the Creamy Base: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream together. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Combine: Pour the warm cream mixture into the mashed potatoes. Stir gently until just combined.
- Add the Cheese: Fold in the shredded Gouda cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, garnish with fresh chives, and serve immediately. They are a fantastic side for a holiday meal, especially alongside our Honey Roasted Carrots.
Flavor Variations
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Bacon: Fold in some crispy, crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky crunch.
- Herb Infusion: Add other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream mixture for an earthy flavor boost.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños can add a nice kick.
- Caramelized Onions: Fold in some sweet, savory caramelized onions for another layer of complex flavor. A dollop of Cowboy Butter on top would also be divine.
What to Serve with Gouda Mashed Potatoes
These cheesy mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish for a variety of mains. They are a must-have for any Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, perfect next to a beautifully Roasted Cornish Hen. They also pair wonderfully with a simple weeknight steak, roasted chicken, or pork chops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare them up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker. You may need to stir in a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy texture.
Gummy potatoes are caused by overworking the starches. To avoid this, mash the potatoes while they are hot and dry, and use a potato masher or ricer. Never use a blender or food processor, as the high speed will turn them into a gluey paste.
There are many ways to customize your Gouda mashed potatoes! Try folding in crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
Smoked Gouda is highly recommended for its deep, savory flavor that transforms the dish. However, a good quality aged Gouda will also work, providing a sharper, nuttier taste. For the best results, buy a block and shred it yourself.
High-starch potatoes are the best choice for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes are excellent as they become light and absorbent, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that works perfectly.
The Best Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Gouda Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Side Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by at least an inch and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes completely in a colander. Return the empty pot to the stove over low heat for 1 minute, then add the potatoes back in. Let them sit for 1-2 minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
- While the potatoes are cooking, combine the cubed butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter and cream cheese are melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the minced garlic and keep warm.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer until they reach your desired consistency. Do not use an electric mixer.
- Pour the warm cream mixture over the mashed potatoes and stir gently to combine. Fold in the shredded Gouda cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh chives, and serve immediately.
Notes
Choosing Gouda: Smoked Gouda provides the best flavor, but aged Gouda can also be used for a sharper, nuttier taste.
Share Your Creation!
If you make this Gouda Mashed Potatoes recipe, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and rating below. And don’t forget to share a photo of your dish on Pinterest!
