Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes: Transform a Classic Side Dish
on Nov 10, 2023
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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.
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.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes
- How to Make Mashed Potatoes with Pepper Jack Cheese
- Variations of Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipes
- How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Potatoes
- How to Freeze Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes
- What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes
- Other Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
- Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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.
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.
- Peel and dice potatoes. Wash in cold water.
- Cook the potatoes in a boil until they are fork tender.
- Remove from heat and drain water
- Place boiled potatoes back into the pot
- Add sour cream, butter and salt into the pot
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash potatoes until they are a creamy consistency
- Stir in pepper jack cheese.
- Serve and enjoy!
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.
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
- Spicy Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe with Real Cheese
- Quick & Easy Homemade Refried Beans in Under 10 Minutes
- My Favorite Homemade Salsa for Canning – Made Easy!
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.
Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes
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.
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
- Peel and dice potatoes. Wash in cold water.
- Cook the potatoes in a boil until they are fork tender.
- Remove from heat and drain water
- Place boiled potatoes back into the pot
- Add sour cream, butter and salt into the pot
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash potatoes until they are a creamy consistency
- Stir in pepper jack cheese.
- 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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