As good as simple, plain mashed potatoes are, certain additions can make them even better. Here are some mashed potato variations – start with my mashed potato recipe and then add/substitute ingredients as below.
Cheesy mashed potatoes
Stir ¼ to ½ c grated cheese into mashed potatoes and stir until mostly melted.
Garlic mashed potatoes
Add 4 cloves garlic in one of three ways:
- Boil peeled garlic with potatoes and mash together (mildly garlicky)
- Sauté minced garlic in the butter until soft, add to potatoes, and mash (medium garlic flavor)
- Mince raw garlic and add to mashed potatoes (strong garlic flavor)
Herb mashed potatoes
Stir ¼ to ½ c minced fresh herbs (parsley, sage, tarragon, thyme…) into mashed potatoes.
Olive oil mashed potatoes
Replace butter with olive oil for a slightly fruity flavor.
Pesto mashed potatoes
Stir several T pesto into mashed potatoes.
Rosemary mashed potatoes
Stir in 3 T minced fresh rosemary.
Sour cream and chive mashed potatoes
Top mashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream and a few T of minced chives.
Other additions and toppings
- Gravy
- Hot pepper oil
- Peas
- Sautéed onions
- Soy sauce
- Sun-dried tomatoes