Title: How to Make Savory Caramelized Onion and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a comfort food classic that everyone loves. But why stop at plain mashed potatoes when you can easily give them an extra burst of flavor? Adding caramelized onions and cheddar cheese takes this simple dish to a whole new level. Don’t worry—it’s easy to make, and the result is mouthwatering!
In this blog, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create savory caramelized onion and cheddar mashed potatoes using simple ingredients and easy techniques. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the mashed potatoes:
– 2 pounds (around 4-5 medium) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
– ½ cup milk (feel free to swap with cream for richer potatoes)
– ¼ cup unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the caramelized onions:
– 2 large yellow or sweet onions
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)
– 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for quicker caramelization)
– Pinch of salt
Additional ingredient:
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into evenly-sized chunks. The smaller the chunks, the faster they will cook. Place them in a large pot and cover them with cold water to prevent browning.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until they’re tender when pierced with a fork (about 15 minutes). Drain the cooked potatoes and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are the star of this dish, and though they take a little time, they’re very simple to make. Start by slicing the onions thinly. Tip: Cut the onions into half-moon shapes for even cooking.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add your sliced onions. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly, but don’t stir too often or they won’t caramelize properly.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and sugar over the onions to help draw out their natural sweetness and speed up caramelization. After 20-30 minutes, the onions will soften and turn golden brown. Be patient—good caramelized onions are worth the time!
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked and drained, place them back into the same pot (no need to dirty another dish!) or into a large bowl. Add the butter and milk, then mash everything together using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer. The texture is up to you—some people love extra creamy mashed potatoes, while others prefer them to be a little chunky.
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. You’ll want to season them generously since potatoes tend to absorb salt. Feel free to add more milk if the potatoes seem a little dry.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Onions
Now comes the fun part! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese while the mashed potatoes are still warm so it melts easily. Cheddar adds a rich, tangy flavor to the dish that pairs perfectly with the sweet caramelized onions.
Next, fold in the caramelized onions using a spoon or spatula. Reserve a small handful of onions for garnish if you’d like to make the dish look extra fancy when serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cheesy, onion-packed mashed potatoes to a serving dish and top with reserved caramelized onions for a pretty presentation. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and let it melt.
These savory caramelized onion and cheddar mashed potatoes are perfect as a side dish for dinners, holiday meals, or even as the main event when you’re craving a hearty bowl of comfort food. Pair them with roasted chicken, beef, or vegetarian options like stuffed mushrooms—they go well with just about anything!
Tips for Success:
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Use the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for mashed potatoes because they’re starchy and yield a creamy texture.
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Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelization takes time, but if you cook the onions too fast, they might burn instead of becoming golden and sweet. Stick to medium heat.
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Customize Your Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a blend of cheeses.
Wrap-Up
There you have it—savory caramelized onion and cheddar mashed potatoes made at home using simple steps. This dish is full of bold, comforting flavors that are both sweet and savory, thanks to the caramelized onions and cheesy goodness. Once you give this recipe a try, you might never want to go back to plain mashed potatoes again!
So the next time you’re looking to elevate your side dishes, remember this recipe. Your taste buds (and everyone at the table) will thank you! Happy cooking! 🍴
