3 Ways to Elevate Mashed Potatoes

The following recipe and photography were provided by local blogger Carolyn Hodges of The Dinner Shift.

No holiday menu is complete without mashed potatoes. This recipe teaches you how to make classic mashed potatoes, plus three simple ways to elevate them using a few additional ingredients folded in at the end. However you decide to serve them, this side dish is sure to stand out!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

The key to creamy mashed potatoes is using a combination of Yukon gold and russet potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes are dense and buttery while russets are light and fluffy. Combining the two results in the best texture.
Elevating a batch of classic mashed potatoes for a holiday gathering or “just because” is as simple as folding in 2 to 3 additional ingredients after mashing. Try one of the flavor combinations below, or use these ideas for inspiration to create your own unique spin.
You can easily double or triple these recipes to feed a larger party. For reference, this recipe assumes about 8 oz. of potatoes per person and makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

Classic Mashed Potatoes

1 lb. Yukon gold potatoes
1 lb. russet potatoes
3 Tbsp. Heinen's unsalted butter, room temperature (more to taste)
1/2 - 3/4 cup Heinen's whole milk (warmed)
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt, or to taste

Goat Cheese Black Pepper Mashed Potatoes

1 batch classic mashed potatoes (see above)
3-4 oz. Mackenzie Creamery chevre, room temperature
Heinen's black pepper (course ground from grinder)

Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

1 batch classic mashed potatoes (see above)
2-3 oz. Heinen's 9-year vintage cheddar (grated)
3 slices Heinen's hickory smoked thick-cut CARE Certified bacon (cooked and crumbled)

Olive Oil and Herb Mashed Potatoes

1 batch classic mashed potatoes (see above)
1-2 Tbsp. Heinen's extra virgin olive oil
3-4 Tbsp. chopped herbs of your choice (like parsley, thyme and chives)

Instructions

Prepare a batch of classic mashed potatoes. Peel the potatoes and cut into equal size pieces (about 2 inches). Add cut potatoes to a large pot and fill with cold water. Add salt to taste.
Set pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a soft boil and continue to cook the potatoes (uncovered) until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes well and return to pot. Add the softened butter and use a potato masher to mash until the butter is incorporated. Add the warmed milk, staring with 1/2 cup and continue to mash. Add more warmed milk for a creamier consistency. Salt to taste.
To elevate classic mashed potatoes, fold in any ingredient from the combinations listed above. Enjoy!