Welcome to a delicious journey into the world of Tex-Mex cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors and comforting dishes. This Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes recipe is a delightful twist on the classic mashed potatoes, bringing a sizzling southwestern flair to your usual side dish. Combining creamy mashed potatoes with the heartiness of bell peppers, onions, cheddar cheese, and a touch of heat from jalapenos and green chiles, this recipe will take your taste buds on a flavor-packed ride.
The Old El Paso Green Chiles are an essential ingredient in this recipe, infusing the mashed potatoes with a tangy heat. These canned green chiles are typically found in the international aisle or canned goods section of most supermarkets. Being a common ingredient in Tex-Mex cuisine, they can add a unique flavor profile to many dishes. If you can't find them, you can substitute with any canned, diced green chiles, just be mindful of the heat level.
Ingredients for Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
Yukon gold potatoes: Known for their buttery flavor and creamy texture. They mash up light and fluffy, yet still hold their structure, making them a great choice for this recipe.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the mashed potatoes.
White onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor to the dish.
Green bell pepper and red bell pepper: Adds a bit of a crunch and freshness to balance out the creaminess of the potatoes.
Jalapeno pepper: Gives a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
Old El Paso green chiles: Brings in a tangy heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a nice melting quality and a tangy flavor to the mashed potatoes.
Milk: Makes the mashed potatoes extra creamy.
Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
One reader, Edsel Murry says:
These tex-mex mashed potatoes are a game-changer! The combination of peppers and cheddar cheese adds a delicious kick to the classic mashed potatoes. It's the perfect comfort food with a twist. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
Techniques Required for Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
How to boil potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large stockpot and cover them with water. Heat over high heat until the water reaches a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-high and continue boiling until the potatoes are fork-tender.
How to sauté vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until melted. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeño, and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes or until the peppers are soft and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Stir in the green chiles. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
How to mash potatoes: Add the onion mixture, cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the stockpot with the cooked potatoes. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and stir the mixture together until combined. Taste, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
How To Make Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Tex-Mex cuisine brings out the best of both worlds in their border-style dishes. This mashed potato recipe is mixed with green chilis and bell peppers.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbYukon Gold
- 4tbspbutterdivided
- 1cupwhite onionpeeled and diced
- 1cupgreen bell peppercored and diced
- 1cupred bell peppercored and diced
- 1jalapeno pepperchopped
- 4ozOld El Paso green chileschopped
- 1 ½cupsshredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cupmilk
- 1tspsalt
- ½ tspblack pepper
Instructions
-
Add potatoes to a large stockpot and cover with water. Heat over high heat until the water reaches a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue boiling until the potatoes are fork-tender.
-
Drain the potatoes and then return them to the stockpot.
-
While the potatoes are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat until melted. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes.
-
Stir in green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno, and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes or until the peppers are soft and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Stir in the green chiles. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
-
When the potatoes are cooked and ready, add in the onion mixture, cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the stockpot.
-
Then use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and stir the mixture together until combined. Taste, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
-
Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions and extra cheese if desired.
Recipe Notes
Add more milk to achieve a creamier consistency with the potatoes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 896.65kcal
- Fat: 58.69g
- Saturated Fat: 33.87g
- Trans Fat: 1.79g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.63g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.72g
- Carbohydrates: 49.96g
- Fiber: 5.57g
- Sugar: 16.66g
- Protein: 43.80g
- Cholesterol: 174.31mg
- Sodium: 1316.11mg
- Calcium: 1209.84mg
- Potassium: 1284.25mg
- Iron: 2.09mg
- Vitamin A: 542.37µg
- Vitamin C: 75.89mg
Technique Tip for Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Recipe
When mashing the potatoes, ensure you do so while they are still hot. This will make the process easier and result in a smoother texture. Also, adding the butter before the milk helps the butter to melt more evenly and incorporate better into the potatoes. Lastly, for a chunkier texture, don't over mash the potatoes. A few lumps can add a nice contrast to the smoothness of the cheese and milk.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
Prep ahead: Chop and dice the vegetables and measure out the ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a pressure cooker: Cook the potatoes in a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time and still achieve perfectly tender potatoes.
Keep it simple: Stick to basic ingredients and techniques to streamline the cooking process and save time in the kitchen.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are boiling, use the time to sauté the onions and peppers to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Utilize kitchen gadgets: Use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to quickly and easily mash the potatoes without the need for manual mashing.
Substitute Ingredients For Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Recipe
yukon gold - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a similar texture and starch content, making them a suitable substitute for Yukon gold potatoes in mashed potatoes.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding a different flavor profile to the mashed potatoes.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for white onions, providing a slightly stronger flavor.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers can be used as a substitute for green bell peppers, offering a mild heat and smoky flavor.
red bell pepper - Substitute with anaheim pepper: Anaheim peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, providing a mild heat and slightly sweet flavor.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for jalapeno peppers, offering a similar level of heat with a slightly different flavor profile.
old el paso green chiles - Substitute with diced canned green chiles: Canned green chiles from other brands can be used as a substitute for Old El Paso green chiles, providing a similar flavor and heat level.
shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded monterey jack cheese: Monterey jack cheese can be used as a substitute for sharp cheddar cheese, offering a milder flavor and smooth melting properties.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free substitute for milk in mashed potatoes, providing a creamy texture.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different texture and flavor enhancement.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, offering a milder flavor and a visually appealing look in the mashed potatoes.
Presenting Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Tex-Mex mashed potatoes, consider using a ring mold to create a neat, compact mound of potatoes on the plate. This will give the dish a polished and professional appearance.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a touch of finely chopped cilantro over the top of the mashed potatoes for a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips, to provide a delightful contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes.
Utilize color contrast: Pair the vibrant colors of the Tex-Mex mashed potatoes with a complementary element, such as a side of bright, fresh salsa or a drizzle of vibrant red pepper coulis, to enhance visual appeal.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the presentation is meticulous and balanced, reflecting the attention to detail that is characteristic of a Michelin-starred dish.
Essential Tools for Making Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
Stockpot: A large pot used for boiling or simmering ingredients, such as potatoes or pasta.
Saute pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying ingredients.
Potato masher: A hand tool used to mash cooked potatoes and other root vegetables.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients, such as vegetables and peppers.
Knife: A sharp utensil used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
Grater: A kitchen tool used to grate cheese or vegetables.
Strainer: A perforated bowl-shaped kitchen utensil used to strain liquids from solids.
Potato peeler: A tool used to remove the skin from potatoes and other vegetables.
Storing and Freezing Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
- To store leftover tex-mex mashed potatoes, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Seal the container tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, place the desired amount of mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- If the mashed potatoes seem dry after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help restore their creamy texture.
- To freeze tex-mex mashed potatoes, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the cooled mashed potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and place in the freezer. Frozen mashed potatoes can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, transfer the mashed potatoes to a microwave-safe dish or saucepan and reheat as described above, adding a little extra milk or cream if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
- When reheating frozen mashed potatoes, be sure to stir them well to ensure even heating and to break up any ice crystals that may have formed during the freezing process.
How To Reheat Leftover Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover tex-mex 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. This method allows you to easily adjust the texture and temperature of the potatoes.
Microwave method: place the leftover mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of milk or butter. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and help retain moisture. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the potatoes are heated through and creamy. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the potatoes to become dry or rubbery.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover tex-mex mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. If the potatoes seem dry, add a small amount of milk or butter before covering. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly and develop a crispy texture, if desired.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large amount of leftover mashed potatoes, you can reheat them in a slow cooker. Transfer the potatoes to the slow cooker and add a small amount of milk or cream. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are heated through and creamy. This method is ideal for keeping the potatoes warm for an extended period, such as during a party or potluck.
Random Fact About Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
Tex-Mex mashed potatoes are a delicious twist on traditional mashed potatoes, incorporating the flavors of the Southwest. They are a perfect side dish for a Tex-Mex themed meal or any occasion where you want to add a little spice to your dinner.
Is Making Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes at Home Economical?
This Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as Yukon Gold potatoes, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese, are generally affordable and widely available. The dish offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, flavor, and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and hearty side dish.
Are Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Tex-Mex mashed potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest choice due to several factors:
- The recipe relies heavily on butter and cheese, which are high in saturated fats and calories.
- The use of whole milk further adds to the calorie and fat content.
- The inclusion of white onions and peppers does provide some nutrients, but they are overshadowed by the less healthy ingredients.
However, the recipe does have some redeeming qualities:
- Yukon gold potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.
- The peppers and onions add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter and cheese used, or opt for lower-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cheese.
- Replace whole milk with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the recipe, such as adding more peppers or incorporating other nutrient-dense veggies like spinach or kale.
- Use a combination of Yukon gold potatoes and cauliflower to reduce the overall carbohydrate content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or fat.
Editor's Opinion on Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Tex-Mex mashed potatoes recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes with the savory sautéed onions and peppers, along with the kick of jalapeno and green chiles, creates a deliciously unique dish. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich and indulgent element, while the seasoning is well-balanced. This recipe offers a wonderful twist on traditional mashed potatoes and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Enhance Your Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes
Why trust this Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Recipe:
This tex-mex mashed potatoes recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The incorporation of yukon gold potatoes guarantees a creamy and buttery base, while the addition of white onion, green and red bell peppers, jalapeno, and old el paso green chiles infuses a vibrant medley of savory and spicy notes. The use of sharp cheddar cheese and milk contributes to a rich and indulgent consistency, elevating the dish to a new level of comfort. Trust in this recipe's harmonious blend of ingredients and expertly crafted cooking techniques for a memorable culinary journey.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Mashed Potato Casserole With Rice Recipe
Mashed Potatoes, Ham, and Gravy Recipe
Copycat Applebee’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Potato Cheese Puffs Recipe
Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Potato Salad with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Copycat Arby’s Potato Cakes Recipe
Ultra Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Best Ever Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Tasty Creamy Ranch Potatoes Recipe
Garlic & Herb Mash Recipe
