Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food – creamy, buttery, and oh-so-versatile. Let’s start with the basics. For the perfect mash, all you need is:
- Potatoes: Peel and boil a starchy variety like Desiree or Sebago.
- Salted butter: Don’t skimp – butter is what makes mash magical.
- Milk: Warm it up before mixing to keep your mash silky smooth.
- Seasoning: A pinch of salt and cracked pepper is essential.
Mash it all together until creamy, and you’ve got yourself the perfect base. But why stop there? Here are some easy, flavour-packed add-ins to take your mash to the next level.
1. Cheese, Bacon & Chives
A classic combo that turns mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleaser.
- Mix in grated cheddar or Parmesan for cheesy goodness.
- Crisp up some bacon bits and fold them through.
- Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a fresh, oniony kick.
GET THE RECIPE: Cheese, Bacon and Chive Butter Mash by Western Star
2. Garlic & Herb
The timeless flavour of garlic paired with fresh herbs takes mashed potatoes up a notch.
- Stir in finely minced or roasted garlic.
- Add chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic boost.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of herb-infused butter.
3. Roasted Garlic & Parmesan
Roast a whole bulb of garlic (cut the top off, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 180°C until soft). Squeeze out the caramelised cloves and mash them in with Parmesan. It’s sweet, savoury, and downright delicious.
4. Pear & Parsnip
For something unexpected and a little fancy:
- Mash cooked parsnips along with your potatoes for a sweet, nutty depth.
- Stir in finely diced or lightly sautéed pear for a subtle fruity note.
- Add a splash of cream or a pinch of nutmeg to tie it all together.
5. Avocado & Parsnip
Creamy avocado is the perfect partner to earthy parsnip mash.
- Mash cooked parsnip with your potatoes.
- Fold in mashed avocado for extra creaminess.
- A squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh coriander on top make this mash feel fresh and bright.
6. Sour Cream & Spring Onion
Stir in a dollop of sour cream for tangy richness, then mix in finely chopped spring onions for a subtle zing.
7. Pesto & Parmesan
A generous spoonful of basil pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan add an herby, nutty twist. Bonus points if you drizzle some olive oil on top before serving.
8. Truffle Oil & Parmesan
For a fancy twist, drizzle a little truffle oil into your mash and stir in Parmesan. It’s earthy, aromatic, and absolutely indulgent.
9. Caramelised Onions & Gruyere
Cook onions low and slow until they’re golden and sweet, then mix them into your mash along with shredded Gruyere cheese. It’s like French onion soup meets mashed potatoes.
10. Spinach & Nutmeg
Wilt some baby spinach in a pan, chop it finely, and stir it through your mash with a pinch of nutmeg. It’s an easy way to sneak in some greens while keeping things delicious.
11. Smoked Paprika & Buttered Corn
Add a smoky twist with a teaspoon of smoked paprika and stir in kernels of sweet, buttered corn. A dash of lime juice on top doesn’t hurt, either!
There’s no limit to how creative you can get with mashed potatoes. Whether you’re in the mood for savoury, herby, or even a touch of sweet, these combos will keep your mash game strong!
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