Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. The creaminess of mashed potatoes is enhanced by the richness of cream cheese and the punch of two types of cheese - white cheddar and mozzarella. Fresh chives add a dash of color and a subtle onion flavor to the dish, making it a must-try for any occasion.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your home kitchen. However, you might need to pick up fresh chives from your local supermarket, if they're not part of your usual staples. Chives provide a mild onion-like flavor that blends well with the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste.
Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
Russet potatoes: Known for their starchy content which makes them perfect for mashing.
2% milk: Adds a bit of creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
Cream cheese: Gives the dish its rich and tangy flavor.
Butter: Provides a savory note and helps bind the ingredients together.
White cheddar cheese: Melts easily and adds a sharp, distinctive taste.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives the dish a nice, stringy texture and mild flavor.
Fresh chives: Add a subtle onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
One reader, Elsy Lindquist says:
This mashed potatoes au gratin recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it an absolute delight. The blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese adds a rich flavor, and the fresh chives give it a lovely touch. It's a must-try for any potato lover!
Techniques Required for Making Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
How to boil potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
How to mix the ingredients: Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and butter into the potatoes. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend until creamy, being careful not to overmix. Add 3/4 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, along with the chives, and mix with a spoon.
How to bake the potatoes au gratin: Pour the potato mixture into a large baking dish or 4 individual ramekins. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese on top is melted, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Then, turn the oven's broiler on high and brown the top of the cheese for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring to watch closely to prevent over-browning.
How To Make Mashed Potatoes au Gratin
Fresh chives thrown in with mozzarella and cheddar cheese make for a tasty addition to this creamy mashed potatoes au gratin!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbrusset potatoes,peeled and cut into large cubes
- ¼cup2% milk
- 8ozcream cheese,(½ package), softened
- 3tbspbutter,or more to taste
- 1¼cupswhite cheddar cheese,shredded, divided
- 1¼cupsmozzarella cheese,shredded, divided
- 1¼cupsfresh chives,chopped
Instructions
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Place the potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water, then bring to a boil.
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Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20 minutes, until potatoes are soft and it can easily be insert with a fork into them. Drain the water and pour potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Stir the milk, cream cheese, and butter into the potatoes. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy; do not overmix.
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Add ¾ cup of Cheddar cheese, ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese, and chives. Mix with a mixing spoon.
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Pour mixture into a large baking dish or 4 individual ramekins and top with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese on top is melted. Turn the oven’s broiler on high and brown the top of the cheese for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 797.71kcal
- Fat: 62.52g
- Saturated Fat: 37.28g
- Trans Fat: 0.85g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.41g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.46g
- Carbohydrates: 26.74g
- Fiber: 1.85g
- Sugar: 4.51g
- Protein: 34.33g
- Cholesterol: 200.84mg
- Sodium: 1063.66mg
- Calcium: 850.36mg
- Potassium: 711.68mg
- Iron: 1.66mg
- Vitamin A: 589.93µg
- Vitamin C: 15.21mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
When mashing your potatoes, ensure you do so while they are still hot. This will make the process easier and result in a smoother, creamier texture. Additionally, adding the cream cheese and butter while the potatoes are hot will help them melt more evenly, contributing to the overall creaminess of the dish. Remember, don't overmix your potatoes as this can lead to a gluey texture. It's best to mix just until the ingredients are combined for the perfect mashed potatoes au gratin.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop the chives and shred the cheese in advance to save time during the recipe preparation.
Use a food processor: Consider using a food processor to mash the potatoes quickly and efficiently.
Bake in advance: Prepare the mashed potatoes au gratin a day ahead and refrigerate. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
Double the batch: Make a larger quantity and freeze individual portions for a quick and convenient side dish in the future.
One-pot cooking: Cook the potatoes and prepare the dish in a single pot to minimize cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Mashed Potatoes au Gratin Recipe
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russet potatoes – Substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar texture and flavor to russet potatoes, making them a great substitute for mashed potatoes au gratin.
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2% milk – Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk has a higher fat content and will result in a creamier texture for the mashed potatoes au gratin.
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cream cheese – Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can add a tangy flavor and creaminess similar to cream cheese in the mashed potatoes au gratin.
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butter – Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, nutty flavor and can be used as a substitute for butter in the mashed potatoes au gratin.
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white cheddar cheese – Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese has a nutty flavor and melts well, making it a great substitute for white cheddar cheese in the mashed potatoes au gratin.
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mozzarella cheese – Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese has a mild, nutty flavor and melts beautifully, making it a good substitute for mozzarella cheese in the mashed potatoes au gratin.
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fresh chives – Substitute with green onions (scallions): Green onions can provide a similar mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a substitute for fresh chives in the mashed potatoes au gratin.
Presentation Ideas for Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
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Elevate the plating: When presenting the mashed potatoes au gratin, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use a ring mold to shape the potatoes into a neat, compact mound in the center of the plate. This will give the dish a refined and elegant appearance.
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Garnish with fresh chives: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top of the mashed potatoes au gratin. The vibrant green color of the chives will add a pop of freshness and contrast beautifully with the golden-brown cheese on top.
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Incorporate a cheese tuile: Create a delicate and crispy cheese tuile to accompany the dish. Use a small round cutter to shape the tuile and carefully place it on top of the mashed potatoes au gratin for an added element of texture and flavor.
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Add a drizzle of truffle oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil around the edge of the plate. The luxurious aroma and flavor of the truffle oil will enhance the overall dining experience and add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
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Serve in individual ramekins: For an upscale presentation, consider serving the mashed potatoes au gratin in individual ramekins. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also allows for a more personalized and refined dining experience for each guest.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Au Gratin Potatoes
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Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing them thoroughly.
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Pot: A pot is used for boiling the potatoes until they are soft and can be easily mashed.
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Baking dish or ramekins: A baking dish or individual ramekins are used to bake the mashed potatoes au gratin in the oven.
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Electric mixer: An electric mixer is used to blend the potatoes, milk, cream cheese, and butter until creamy.
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Oven: The oven is used for baking and broiling the mashed potatoes au gratin until the cheese is melted and browned.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
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Let the mashed potatoes au gratin cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
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To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled mashed potatoes to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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For longer storage, you can freeze the mashed potatoes au gratin. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. Label the containers with the date and contents. Frozen mashed potatoes will maintain their best quality for up to 2-3 months.
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To reheat refrigerated mashed potatoes au gratin, place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the cheese topping.
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For frozen mashed potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen, but it will take longer. Place the frozen mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to brown the cheese topping.
How To Reheat Leftover Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
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The best way to reheat leftover mashed potatoes au gratin is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly and drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through.
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If you're short on time, you can also reheat the mashed potatoes au gratin in the microwave. Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the potatoes are heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the potatoes to become grainy and lose their creamy texture.
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For a crispy top, after reheating the mashed potatoes au gratin in the oven or microwave, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the potatoes to ensure they don't burn.
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If the leftover mashed potatoes au gratin seem a bit dry, you can add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to help restore their creamy consistency.
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When reheating, make sure the internal temperature of the mashed potatoes au gratin reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to consume.
Interesting Trivia About Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
The mashed potatoes au gratin recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with the rich flavors of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special holiday meal. The combination of cream cheese, chives, and butter adds a delightful richness to the dish, while the baking process creates a golden, cheesy crust on top. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this mashed potatoes au gratin recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting dish!
Is Making Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this mashed potatoes au gratin recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients in your area. While potatoes and milk are generally affordable, the use of cream cheese and cheddar cheese may increase the overall cost. However, the dish's rich and indulgent nature makes it suitable for special occasions or gatherings. For a household of four, the approximate cost would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This mashed potatoes au gratin recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the cream cheese, butter, and full-fat cheeses used. Consuming excessive amounts of saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- The dish is also calorie-dense, with the combination of potatoes, dairy products, and cheeses contributing to a high calorie count per serving.
- While potatoes do provide some nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium, the preparation method and added ingredients may overshadow these benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap out the cream cheese for a lower-fat alternative, such as Greek yogurt or light cream cheese, to reduce the overall fat content.
- Use a combination of reduced-fat cheeses to maintain the cheesy flavor while cutting down on the saturated fat and calories.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as garlic, onions, or even chopped spinach, to boost the nutritional value and add depth to the flavor profile.
- Experiment with using a portion of cauliflower in place of some of the potatoes to lower the carbohydrate content and increase the fiber in the dish.
- Use skim milk or a plant-based milk alternative to further reduce the fat content.
Editor's Opinion on Mashed Potatoes Au Gratin
This mashed potatoes au gratin recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella creates a rich and creamy texture, while the addition of fresh chives adds a pop of freshness. The method of boiling the potatoes and then baking the dish ensures a perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness. However, to enhance the flavor profile, consider incorporating a hint of garlic or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick. Overall, this recipe promises a comforting and indulgent side dish that will surely impress your guests.
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Why trust this Mashed Potatoes au Gratin Recipe:
This mashed potatoes au gratin recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of creamy potatoes and a rich blend of cheeses creates a luxurious texture and flavor. The addition of chives adds a fresh, aromatic element. With step-by-step instructions, this recipe ensures a foolproof outcome. The use of real ingredients and the careful attention to detail in the cooking process guarantee a delicious and satisfying result. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your dining experience and impress your guests with a comforting and indulgent side dish.
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