Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced, adjust to spice preference)
Dairy
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
Herbs
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot and cover them completely with water to ensure even cooking.
- Boil Potatoes: Bring the pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat to start cooking the potatoes quickly.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow the potatoes to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and easily pierced.
- Drain and Steam Dry: Drain the cooked potatoes in a colander and let them steam dry for 1 to 2 minutes. This step removes excess water to prevent soggy mashed potatoes.
- Return to Pot: Place the drained potatoes back into the empty pot to prepare for mashing.
- Mash and Season: Add the softened butter, salt, ground black pepper, and minced chipotle peppers. Mash the potatoes together until you reach your desired consistency – smooth with some texture or fully creamy.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Fold in the shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream or milk gently to ensure even distribution while maintaining creaminess.
- Combine Fully: Stir the potatoes until the Cheddar cheese has melted completely and the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Mix in the chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of fresh herb flavor, then serve the mashed potatoes immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your preferred spice level; start with one and add more if desired.
- Use heavy cream for richer mashed potatoes, or substitute with milk for a lighter texture.
- For an extra smooth texture, you can use a potato ricer instead of mashing by hand.
- Make sure to steam dry the potatoes after draining to avoid watery mash.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American