If you’re looking to elevate your comfort food to a whole new level, this Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes get a bold and tangy upgrade with crumbly blue cheese and fresh rosemary, perfectly balanced by garlic and butter. This dish is a stunning side that brings rich, savory flavors and a lovely depth to your dinner table. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to go back to plain mashed potatoes again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to create that irresistible flavor and creamy texture in your blue cheese mashed potatoes. Each one plays a vital role, from the fluffy russet potatoes to the aromatic rosemary and tangy blue cheese.
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and cubed): The perfect starchy potato that becomes fluffy and smooth when mashed.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Adds rich creaminess and helps carry the garlic and herb flavors.
- Garlic cloves (2, crushed): Infuses a gentle, aromatic punch that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth to the potatoes.
- Steak seasoning (1 teaspoon): Gives a savory boost with a blend of spices that elevate the dish.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Introduces a lovely, piney freshness that brightens the richness.
- Blue cheese crumbles (4 ounces): The star ingredient that delivers bold tang and creamy texture.
How to Make Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, place your peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot of boiling water. Let them cook for about 15 minutes or until they’re fork tender. This ensures your potatoes will mash up perfectly smooth with a fluffy texture that’s not gummy.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic and Herbs
While the potatoes are boiling, add butter, crushed garlic, black pepper, steak seasoning, kosher salt, and chopped rosemary to a small skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and then reduce the heat to low, letting those flavors meld together gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This creates a rich, aromatic butter that will soak into your mashed potatoes beautifully.
Step 3: Mash and Mix in Flavors
Once your potatoes are tender, drain them completely and return them to the pot on low heat. Using an electric hand mixer, mash until smooth and creamy. Next, fold in the garlic rosemary butter and half of your blue cheese crumbles. This step infuses the potatoes with savory depth and a touch of sharpness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 4: Bake to Finish
Transfer your mashed potatoes into an oven-safe bowl or casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining blue cheese crumbles on top. Baking them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes allows the blue cheese to melt slightly, creating a beautiful golden crust and oozing pockets of flavor.
How to Serve Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final touch, sprinkle some extra chopped fresh rosemary or even some crisp fried shallots over the top. These garnishes not only add a lovely color contrast but also enhance the texture and freshness of the dish, making every bite exciting and flavorful.
Side Dishes
This Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs incredibly well with roasted or grilled meats like steak, roasted chicken, or pork chops. The tangy richness of the blue cheese complements hearty proteins, while a simple green vegetable or a crisp salad balances the richness with crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try piping the mashed potatoes onto plates using a large star tip to create pretty swirls, then top each swirl with the melted blue cheese and a sprinkle of rosemary. Alternatively, serve the potatoes alongside a rich gravy or drizzled with browned butter for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these mashed potatoes, but for best results, freeze them before baking. Place the mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the potatoes have thickened, stir in a splash of milk or cream to revive their creamy consistency without losing any of that delicious blue cheese flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While blue cheese delivers a unique tang and creaminess in this recipe, you can experiment with other crumbly cheeses like goat cheese or feta. Keep in mind that each cheese will change the flavor profile, so choose one that pairs well with the herbs and seasonings used.
Is it necessary to use fresh rosemary?
Fresh rosemary is recommended because it adds a vibrant, herbal aroma that dried rosemary cannot fully replicate. However, if you only have dried rosemary, use about one-third the amount and crush it slightly before adding to release the oils.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe relies heavily on butter and cheese for richness and flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and experiment with dairy-free cheeses, although the signature tang of blue cheese will be challenging to replicate.
Why use steak seasoning?
Steak seasoning adds a balanced mix of spices that deepen the savory notes in the mashed potatoes without overpowering the blue cheese. It’s a small addition that truly elevates the overall flavor complexity of the dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic rosemary butter. This kick will contrast nicely with the creamy, tangy blue cheese for a deliciously bold twist.
Final Thoughts
Making this Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe will transform your usual side dish into a showstopper that’s bursting with flavor and heartwarming comfort. It’s a dish that invites creativity while staying deeply satisfying and traditional. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the rich, tangy, and herby magic of these mashed potatoes — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
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
Creamy and flavorful Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes made with tender russet potatoes, infused with garlic and rosemary butter, and topped with melted blue cheese for a rich and savory side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Butter and Seasoning
- 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 to prepare for baking the mashed potatoes later.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a large pot of boiling water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender, which ensures they are soft enough to mash smoothly.
- Prepare Garlic Rosemary Butter: While the potatoes boil, heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic, ground black pepper, steak seasoning, kosher salt, and chopped fresh rosemary. Cook until the butter melts completely.
- Simmer Flavors: Reduce the skillet temperature to low and let the butter mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Mash Potatoes and Mix: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot on low heat. Use an electric hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth. Then fold in the garlic rosemary butter mixture and half of the blue cheese crumbles, mixing well to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the mashed potatoes into an oven-safe bowl or casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining blue cheese crumbles evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until the blue cheese on top is melted and slightly bubbly. Remove and serve warm.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the creamiest texture; Yukon Gold can work but the texture will change slightly.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese based on your preference for tanginess and richness.
- For a smoother mash, add a splash of milk or cream if desired.
- Steak seasoning adds a smoky, savory depth, but you may substitute with your favorite seasoning blend.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain creaminess.
