If you’re someone who loves comfort food with a bold twist, the Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Creamy, velvety potatoes meld seamlessly with pungent, tangy blue cheese, while hints of garlic and fresh rosemary elevate this classic side dish to irresistible heights. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes bring an amazing depth of flavor and a beautiful presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is key, but don’t worry—it’s wonderfully simple. Each component plays an essential role, from the starchy russet potatoes providing the perfect creamy base to the fresh rosemary adding an herbal brightness that complements the rich blue cheese.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cubed): The best choice for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes because of their starchy texture.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps meld all the flavors together smoothly.
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed): Infuses the butter with a mellow garlic flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle heat to balance the richness of the cheese and butter.
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning: A flavorful boost with herbs and spices that complement the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped): Brings a fragrant herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with blue cheese.
- 4 ounces blue cheese crumbles: The star of the show, bringing bold, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
How to Make Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get ready for the final bake that will melt the blue cheese beautifully. This step ensures that your mashed potatoes finish perfectly with a warm, bubbly, cheesy topping.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until fork tender—this means they are soft enough to mash smoothly without lumps, setting the stage for the luscious texture of your mashed potatoes.
Step 3: Infuse the Butter
While the potatoes soften, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic, black pepper, steak seasoning, kosher salt, and chopped rosemary. Lower the heat and let these flavors meld for 5 to 10 minutes, creating a fragrant butter that will elevate every bite.
Step 4: Mash and Mix
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot over low heat to help evaporate any excess moisture. Use an electric hand mixer to mash until smooth and creamy. Then mix in the garlic rosemary butter and half of the blue cheese crumbles, stirring gently to combine the luxurious flavors throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the remaining blue cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese starts to melt and bubble, adding a wonderful golden color and a melty, savory finish that is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or some extra blue cheese crumbles for that vibrant pop of color and herbal aroma. A drizzle of extra melted butter or a few cracked black peppercorns can also add an inviting allure just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with hearty, savory mains such as roasted beef, grilled steak, or even a garlic herb roasted chicken. The sharpness of the blue cheese complements bold meats perfectly, while a fresh green salad can lighten the meal and add a crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the mashed potatoes in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. You can also create a rustic, family-style spread by placing the potatoes in a large, decorative casserole dish garnished with rosemary sprigs—a sure way to impress your guests with both flavor and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and keep their rich flavors intact, making for easy and delicious leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze these mashed potatoes, but since blue cheese can sometimes change texture when frozen, it’s best to freeze the potatoes before baking with the cheese topping. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator if applicable, then warm gently in the oven or microwave. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating will help restore creaminess. You might want to sprinkle a bit more blue cheese on top before warming to refresh the cheesy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, Yukon golds can be a good substitute if you prefer a creamier, buttery mash. Just note the texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe without garlic?
Absolutely! If garlic isn’t your thing, you can leave it out or substitute with shallots or a pinch of onion powder for a milder aromatic touch that still complements the blue cheese.
What kind of blue cheese works best?
Choose a blue cheese that you enjoy eating on its own. Classic choices like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton bring varying degrees of tanginess and creaminess that will all work wonderfully.
Can I prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, prepare the potatoes and the flavored butter ahead, combine them, then refrigerate. Just add the topping and bake right before serving to keep that melty blue cheese magic.
How spicy is this recipe with steak seasoning included?
The steak seasoning adds depth and warmth but not overpowering heat. You can adjust the amount or substitute with a mild herb blend if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that turns a humble side dish into something spectacular. Its creamy richness, herbal notes, and bold blue cheese flavor make it unforgettable. Next time you want to impress family or friends with minimal effort but maximum taste, give this recipe a go—you won’t regret it!
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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
These Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes are a rich and savory side dish that combines creamy mashed russet potatoes with aromatic garlic-rosemary butter and tangy blue cheese. Perfectly mashed and baked to melt the cheese on top, this recipe elevates classic mashed potatoes with layers of bold flavors and a delightful creamy texture ideal for any dinner gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Seasoned 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the final baking step that will melt the blue cheese topping.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot of boiling water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until potatoes become fork tender, which ensures they are soft enough to mash smoothly.
- Prepare Garlic Rosemary Butter: While 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 occasionally and reduce the heat to low once melted, allowing the flavors to infuse in the butter for 5-10 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot placed over low heat to evaporate any excess moisture. Using an electric hand mixer, mash the potatoes until creamy. Next, gently fold in the garlic rosemary butter along with half of the blue cheese crumbles to infuse flavor evenly.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the mashed potatoes into an oven-safe bowl or casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining blue cheese on top to create a flavorful crust once baked.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. This step allows the blue cheese topping to melt slightly and enhance the dish’s creamy richness.
Notes
- For a stronger blue cheese flavor, you can add more cheese inside the mash or on top before baking.
- Using fresh rosemary is recommended for the best aromatic flavor, but dried rosemary can be substituted in a smaller quantity.
- To reduce saltiness, adjust the amount of kosher salt and steak seasoning according to your taste, especially considering blue cheese’s inherent saltiness.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheated gently.
