Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes: Transform a Classic Side Dish

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Tired of the same old side dishes? So was I. Easy pepper jack mashed potatoes go beyond your traditional sides into something new.

Creamy pepper jack mashed potatoes in white bowl with fresh garnish

While mapping out my monthly meal plan, the monotony of traditional mashed potatoes hit me. I needed a way to elevate them because it was on my menu plan four times.

Then, it struck me—cheese! Cheese is a staple in our house. Not just any regular medium cheddar kind of cheese will do for us.

Pepper jack, with its bold kick, would turn our mundane routine into our favorite supper side dish.

shredded pepper jack cheese on wooden cutting board with chunk of pepper jack cheese in background

Ingredients for Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes

  • Peeled potatoes: I prefer varieties like Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for a fluffy texture.
  • Pepper jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese with spicy peppers introduces a subtle heat and a creamy texture.
  • Sour cream: Adds creaminess to the potatoes and a subtle zing to offset the spice from the pepper jack.
  • Butter (homemade butter recipe): Adds silky smoothness and binds everything together
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Balance flavors to meet your family’s preferences.
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How to Make Mashed Potatoes with Pepper Jack Cheese

Mashed potatoes are a basic and simple side dish. Everyone and their grandma has their own method. These directions are for making them in a large pot, but I also love making potatoes in the Instant Pot to save time.

  1. Peel and dice potatoes. Wash in cold water.
  2. Cook the potatoes in a boil until they are fork tender.
  3. Remove from heat and drain water
  4. Place boiled potatoes back into the pot
  5. Add sour cream, butter and salt into the pot
  6. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash potatoes until they are a creamy consistency
  7. Stir in pepper jack cheese.
  8. Serve and enjoy!
potato masher resting in mashed potatoes in pot

Variations of Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipes

If the spice of pepper jack cheese is not your thing, try different varieties of cheese. Easily substitute the pepper jack for a different kind and the whole flavor will change.

For example, swap out the pepper jack for a sharp cheddar cheese. Cheddar gives a robust cheesy flavor and a classic familiarity.

Gouda’s smokiness gives a savory flavor that would go great with chicken dishes.

For a Mediterranean version of cheesy mashed potatoes, use feta as the substitute. Add just a bit of lemon and fresh herbs like dill and oregano for a fresher flavor.

cheesy mashed potatoes with cheddar and fresh garnish

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Potatoes

On the off chance you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They are good in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Reheat mashed potatoes in the microwave, on the stovetop or in the oven. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

You can also reheat pepper jack mashed potatoes in the oven. Place in a baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 30-40 minutes until warmed through.

How to Freeze Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes

You can definitely make these potatoes in advance and freeze them as well. If you have already added the cheese in, just put the mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 month.

I have also frozen just the base of mashed potatoes. Then when I’m ready to reheat and eat, I add in the cheese.

When ready to enjoy again, thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight.

What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes

I would serve these pepper jack potatoes with grilled chicken, salsa, and a side salad. Play off that spice! If you prefer the air fryer, try these corn ribs. They would be a perfect complementary dish!

Other Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

Voila…the traditional mashed potatoes recipe has been zipped up and the flavor palate has been changed forever at our house! How about yours? What’s your favorite way to use cheese and mashed potatoes?

This Pepper Jack Mashed Potato recipe was originally shared by Kristi at MomsConfession.

Yield: 6

Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes

Creamy pepper jack mashed potatoes in white bowl with fresh garnish

Kick an old classic up a notch by adding pepper jack to your basic mashed potatoes. You'll have a new favorite family side dish in no time.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4-6 medium potatoes
  • 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter (homemade butter recipe)
  • salt to taste

Instructions

    1. Peel and dice potatoes. Wash in cold water.
    2. Cook the potatoes in a boil until they are fork tender.
    3. Remove from heat and drain water
    4. Place boiled potatoes back into the pot
    5. Add sour cream, butter and salt into the pot
    6. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash potatoes until they are a creamy consistency
    7. Stir in pepper jack cheese.
    8. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    If Pepper jack cheese isn't your thing, switch it out for a different variety. Parmesan, sharp cheddar, and feta are all great choices.

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    About Michelle Marine

    Michelle Marine is the author of How to Raise Chickens for Meat, a long-time green-living enthusiast, and rural Iowa mom of four. She empowers families to grow and eat seasonal, local foods; to reduce their ecological footprint; and to come together through impactful travel.

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