I seriously could live on mashed potatoes. Although to be more accurate, smashed red-skin potatoes are the ones I could live on. If I’m making a main course that isn’t a favorite for me, I tend to always make smashed potatoes to serve on the side because I know I’ll be completely satisfied even if I forego the meat.
My usual method for making smashed potatoes is to add some butter, milk, cream cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper and garlic powder to the potatoes. I just mash and stir and add until it tastes the way I want it to. Sometimes Eric will help me with the mashing duties and on those occasions, the potatoes end up much smoother than my usual. We both have our texture preferences so I’m more than happy to let him make smoother, more traditional mashed potatoes when he feels like it. And honestly, they’re still mashed potatoes. I won’t turn them down!
To mix up our smashed/mashed potato routine lately, I’ve been serving several toppings along with our mashed potatoes. We call it a Loaded Mashed Potato Bar and it’s been a hit with all of us. I never knew I could love smashed potatoes more than I already did. But oh, this just elevates them one step higher. So good and so fun!
Here is a picture of tonight’s Loaded Mashed Potato Bar. Sorry for the poor quality of the photo – I didn’t dare leave the room to go grab my regular camera for fear that there’d be nothing left when I got back!
Our topping options for the night included sour cream, bacon, shredded cheese, caramelized onions and creamed spinach.
Those are pretty standard, but here are some others we’ve enjoyed.
- Green onions
- Parsley
- Chimichurri sauce
- Salsa
- Broccoli in cheese sauce
- Gravy
- Capers
- Ranch dressing
- Roasted garlic
So, what’s your preference – smashed or mashed? And do you ever top them with anything fun? I’m always trying to think of new ideas!
