Gouda Mashed Potatoes w/ Caramelized Onion & Garlic

These Gouda mashed potatoes are perfect for a special occasion. Laced with sweet caramelized onions, fragrant garlic, and plenty of cheese and fat, these delectably rich potatoes are bound to be a hit. Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.

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Confession time. You ready?

I don’t love mashed potatoes. I know, I know….that’s a blasphemous statement.

Let me clarify. It’s not that they’re not good, cuz they are. It’s just that I’ve had enough of them. Like many Americans, year after year, holiday after holiday, family gatherings include plain ole mashed potatoes.

I get it; I truly do. They are delicious, creamy (or lumpy if that’s your jam), buttery, and the perfect vehicle for gravy.

BUT I’m here to tell you, they can be so much more! And what better year than 2020 to step up you tater game. Personally, I think we all deserve something extra special this holiday season.

These mashed potatoes are just that. They are dressed up with all sorts of deliciousness, including Gouda cheese. Although mild, its nutty caramel notes pair beautifully with the slightly sweet caramelized onions and fragrant garlic.

The mashed potatoes themselves are incorporated with all the best sources of fat: butter, sour cream, buttermilk, and of course, the cheese. I know that may sound like a lot, but these aren’t your everyday mashed potatoes, so give yourself permission to splurge.

In all their grandeur, these potatoes deserve a spot at your holiday dinner table. They pair wonderfully turkey, ham, or pretty much any other protein, sautéed or roasted veggies, salad, and more.

So what do you need to make these mashed potatoes? ( + substitutions)

• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes: Both are high in starch, so when mashed they are fluffy and smooth. Yukon Gold are a bit more expensive, but are creamier than Russet’s and have a natural buttery flavor.
• Kosher salt: To flavor the potato water and the mashed taters.
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter: You could use salted butter instead. Using unsalted allows you to better control the amount of salt, however.
• Onion: Yellow or sweet onions work best for caramelizing due to the higher sugar content, but white or red can be substituted.
• Garlic
• Sour cream: For extra creaminess and a little tang.
• Gouda cheese: Gouda is a semi-hard cheese made from cows milk. There are many different varieties which are categorized based on their age. They range from young and mild to very aged and full-flavored. For this recipe, I opted for a younger, softer variety because I wanted to keep the flavor more mellow as not to overpower the caramelized onion and garlic. And because it melts better rendering creamier potatoes. Can’t find or don’t like Gouda, go for Edam or Muenster instead.
• Buttermilk: For additional creaminess and tang.
• Ground black pepper: To taste.

How do you make these Gouda mashed potatoes with caramelized onions and garlic? ( + tips)

Heat the olive oil in a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat.

Add the onions and garlic and cook for 50 minutes to one hour, until a deep golden brown and caramelized, stirring every 3-5 minutes to avoid burning. *Do not stir too often, however, or the onions will not caramelize. They should brown and stick slightly to the skillet, but not burn.

After the onions have cooked for about 30 minutes, place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover by one inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a rapid simmer and cook for ten minutes or until the center of potatoes can be pierced through by a fork.

Drain the potatoes and set aside. Place the pot back on the burner over low medium-low heat and melt the butter. Add the buttermilk, sour cream, and Gouda cheese and stir until the ingredients are well combined and cheese is mostly melted.

Add the potatoes and mash to desired consistency using a potato masher or handheld mixer. You could also transfer everything to a stand-up mixer.

Stir in the caramelized onion and garlic and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

How to store

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.

Product Recommendations

More rich and cheesy side dishes:

• Mac and Cheese w/ Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Rich and creamy homemade smoked cheddar cheese sauce, a breadcrumb topping, and sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon result in a rich and harmonious dish. The perfect side for Thanksgiving, this mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts and bacon, is sure to impress. Gluten-free adaptable.
• Goat Cheese Mashed Cauliflower w/ Sautéed Leeks: This easy goat cheese mashed cauliflower is creamy, garlicky, and topped with oniony sautéed leeks. It’s a wonderful low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes and a perfect side dish to share with a crowd. Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.

If you make these Gouda mashed potatoes with caramelized onion and garlic I’d love your feedback. Please leave a comment and/or a rating below as I greatly value your opinion. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @taoofspiceblog. Love, light, and happy cooking ya’ll ♥