Imagine a dish that perfectly marries the creamy comfort of mashed potatoes with the bold tang of blue cheese and the sweet, caramelized goodness of roasted apples. Welcome to your new favorite side dish: Blue Cheese and Roasted Apple Mashed Potatoes! This delightful twist on a classic will not only elevate your dinner table but also leave your guests raving about its unique flavor profile. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or simply looking to impress at a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a showstopper. Ready to dive into a world of deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and chop the apples into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with a light coating of olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Roast the apples in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside.
- While the apples are roasting, peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Place the potato cubes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the hot pot. Add butter and warm milk.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or ricer until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the roasted apple pieces and crumbled blue cheese, reserving a small amount of blue cheese for garnish.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, top with the remaining blue cheese crumbles, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. They yield a fluffier mash compared to waxy varieties.
- Roast the Apples for Depth: Make sure to roast the apples until they are golden brown and caramelized. This enhances their sweetness and adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the dish.
- Warm Your Ingredients: To achieve a creamy consistency, warm the milk and butter before adding them to the potatoes. This helps them blend more smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix: When mashing the potatoes, be careful not to overmix. Overworking them can lead to a gummy texture, so mash just until smooth.
- Garnish for Presentation: Save some crumbled blue cheese for the top before serving. Not only does it look appealing, but it also adds an extra punch of flavor right at the end.
- Pair with the Right Entrees: These mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian dish, making them versatile for any meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 50mg
