Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of this parmesan mashed potatoes recipe. It's the perfect comfort food that transforms ordinary potatoes into a decadent side dish. The addition of savory parmesan cheese, smoothly whipped potatoes, and a hint of sour cream creates a delightful balance that will leave your palate craving for more.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe can be found easily in your pantry or local supermarket. The star ingredient, parmesan cheese, is commonly available in the cheese aisle or the dairy section. Do ensure to pick a good quality parmesan for a more robust flavor. The red potatoes can be found in the produce section, make sure to choose ones that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin.
Ingredients for Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Red potatoes: The base of this dish, they have a smooth, creamy texture when cooked and mashed.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Half & half: A mixture of equal parts milk and cream, it adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
Sour cream: Provides a tangy twist to the flavor profile.
Parmesan cheese: This hard, granular cheese adds a unique savory taste.
Pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the other flavors.
One reader, Cinda Grigsby says:
This parmesan mashed potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and the rich flavor of the parmesan cheese take mashed potatoes to a whole new level. It's the perfect side dish for any meal and always leaves everyone wanting more. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
How to boil potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender.
How to heat half & half and butter: In a small saucepan, combine the half & half and butter. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the half & half is warm.
How to mix the potatoes: After draining the boiled potatoes, place them in a mixer and mix on low speed until they are broken up. Slowly add the heated half & half and butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
How to fold in sour cream, cheese, salt, and pepper: Gently fold in the sour cream, parmesan cheese, remaining salt, and pepper into the mashed potatoes until evenly distributed.
How to serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a casserole dish and serve warm. Enjoy!
How To Make Mashed Parmesan Potatoes
Upgrade your usual mash with this mashed parmesan potatoes recipe. Sour cream, parmesan, and butter add so much creaminess to this delicious side.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbsred potatoes
- 1½tbspsalt,divided
- 1½cupshalf & half
- ½cupbutter
- ½cupsour cream
- ½cupparmesan cheese,shredded
- ½tsppepper
Instructions
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In a large pot, place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt and cover with water.
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Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes (or until potatoes are tender).
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In a small sauce pan, heat half & half and butter.
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Drain potatoes and place in mixer. Mix on low until potatoes are broken up. Slowly add heated up half & half and butter until mixed together.
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Fold in sour cream, cheese, remaining salt, and pepper. Pour into a casserole dish and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 459.22kcal
- Fat: 29.61g
- Saturated Fat: 18.37g
- Trans Fat: 0.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.20g
- Carbohydrates: 39.78g
- Fiber: 3.92g
- Sugar: 6.19g
- Protein: 11.09g
- Cholesterol: 81.45mg
- Sodium: 786.04mg
- Calcium: 259.96mg
- Potassium: 1156.86mg
- Iron: 1.86mg
- Vitamin A: 247.53µg
- Vitamin C: 20.22mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
When preparing your parmesan mashed potatoes, it's crucial to heat the half & half and butter together before adding them to the potatoes. This ensures that the dairy products are smoothly incorporated into the potatoes, resulting in a creamier, richer texture. Additionally, using red potatoes can give your mashed potatoes a slightly sweet flavor and a more rustic texture, as their skin is thinner and more palatable than other varieties. Lastly, don't forget to season your cooking water with salt. This will help to flavor the potatoes from the inside out, giving you a more balanced and savory final dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Prep ahead: Chop and boil the potatoes a day in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Consider using a food processor to quickly and evenly mash the potatoes.
Keep it simple: Stick to basic ingredients and techniques to streamline the process and save time.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are boiling, use that time to prepare other components of the meal to maximize efficiency.
One-pot cooking: Cook the potatoes and heat the half & half and butter in the same pot to minimize cleanup and save time.
Pre-portion: Portion out the ingredients in advance to avoid last-minute measuring and save time during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Mashed Parmesan Potatoes Recipe
red potatoes - Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them a great substitute for red potatoes in mashed potatoes.
half & half - Substitute with whole milk and heavy cream: Whole milk and heavy cream can be combined to create a substitute for half & half, providing a similar richness and creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding a subtle fruity flavor to the mashed potatoes.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in mashed potatoes, offering a tangy and creamy texture.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute for adding savory notes to the mashed potatoes.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile and texture to the mashed potatoes.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder and less pungent flavor to the mashed potatoes.
Presenting the Perfect Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Elevate the plating: When presenting the parmesan mashed potatoes, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a ring mold to shape the potatoes into a neat mound, and carefully remove the mold to reveal a perfect circular shape. This will add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped chives on top of the mashed potatoes. The vibrant green color will provide a beautiful contrast against the creamy potatoes, adding a pop of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crispy element to the presentation. Top the mashed potatoes with a delicate parmesan crisp or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for a textural contrast that will impress the judges.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate. Allow the creamy mashed potatoes to be the focal point, surrounded by a clean, empty space that emphasizes the simplicity and sophistication of the dish.
Balance the colors: Pair the parmesan mashed potatoes with a vibrant vegetable side, such as blanched asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes, to introduce a pop of color and balance the overall presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the cleanliness of the plate. Wipe away any smudges or spills to ensure a pristine presentation that reflects your dedication to precision and excellence.
Essential Tools for Making Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- Large pot: A large, sturdy pot is essential for boiling the potatoes.
- Small sauce pan: This is used to heat the half & half and butter.
- Mixer: A mixer is used to mash the potatoes and mix in the other ingredients.
- Casserole dish: The mashed potatoes are poured into a casserole dish for serving.
Storing and Freezing Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: A Guide
- Let the mashed potatoes cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the potatoes watery.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled mashed potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
- If the reheated potatoes seem a bit dry, you can add a splash of milk, cream, or butter to help restore their creamy texture.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the mashed potatoes:
- Scoop the cooled potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers with the date and amount, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Place the thawed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish or saucepan and reheat as described above, adding a bit of liquid if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
- Note: The texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover mashed potatoes to a saucepan and add a splash of milk or cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the potatoes are heated through and creamy. If needed, add more liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Stir in a pat of butter and a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through. Remove the foil, add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese and create a golden crust.
Microwave method: place the leftover mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of milk or cream. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the potatoes are heated through and creamy. Stir in a pat of butter and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover mashed potatoes to a slow cooker and add a splash of milk or cream. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are heated through and creamy. Just before serving, stir in a pat of butter and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
Repurposing leftovers: use leftover parmesan mashed potatoes as a topping for shepherd's pie, stuff them into baked potatoes, or form them into potato cakes and fry until golden brown. These creative ways to repurpose leftovers will give your mashed potatoes a new lease on life and create exciting new dishes.
Interesting Fact About Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Parmesan mashed potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. They are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Is Making Parmesan Mashed Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?
This parmesan mashed potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Potatoes are a budget-friendly staple, and the addition of parmesan cheese and sour cream adds richness without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, simplicity, and delicious outcome.
Are Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The parmesan mashed potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on high-fat ingredients like butter, half & half, and sour cream, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential weight gain.
- The use of red potatoes, which have a higher glycemic index compared to other potato varieties, may cause a more rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
- The addition of parmesan cheese, while providing a savory flavor, also increases the overall fat and sodium content of the dish.
However, with a few tweaks, this comforting side dish can be made healthier without compromising on taste.
- Swap out half of the red potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce the carbohydrate content and add more fiber and nutrients to the mash.
- Replace the half & half with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to cut down on the fat and calorie content.
- Reduce the amount of butter used and consider using a heart-healthy olive oil instead.
- Opt for low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt to maintain the creamy texture while reducing the fat content.
- Use a smaller amount of parmesan cheese and consider adding other flavorful ingredients like roasted garlic, fresh herbs, or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the overall taste profile.
Editor's Opinion on This Parmesan Mashed Potatoes Recipe
The parmesan mashed potatoes recipe is a classic and comforting side dish. The combination of creamy potatoes, tangy parmesan cheese, and rich butter creates a delicious and indulgent flavor. The addition of sour cream adds a pleasant tanginess, while the half & half provides a luscious creaminess. The recipe's simplicity allows the natural flavors of the potatoes and parmesan to shine through, making it a versatile and satisfying dish. Whether served alongside a hearty roast or as a standalone comfort food, these parmesan mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit at any table.
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Why trust this Mashed Parmesan Potatoes Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it features red potatoes for a creamy texture, half & half and butter for richness, and sour cream for tanginess. The addition of parmesan cheese lends a savory depth, while a touch of pepper adds a hint of warmth. Trust in the quality of these ingredients to elevate your mashed potatoes to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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