Apple Cheddar Mashed Potatoes

I watched Guy Fieri on the Food Network add cubed apples to his mashed potatoes and nearly fell off my chair. My first thought was what an excellent idea! And my second was why didn’t I think of that? Genius.

Just the sound of it was delicious as I imagined how tart, slightly sweet apples would taste with potato. Although I liked his idea biting into big cubes of apples coated with mashed potato didn’t sound good. Instead of diced apples I use shredded. Cheddar is a classic combo to pair with apples so I added that too.

It was a wonderful combo! Better than I initially imagined. The apple wasn’t overwhelming but added a sweet note to the potatoes and blended in real well with the cheddar, rosemary and garlic. I’m intrigued with the idea of a sweet potato mash. The next night I used the leftovers to make potato pancakes. They were absolutely delicious, crusty on the outside and creamy on the inside. Apples and potatoes are a match made in heaven and a combination I’ll be using often.

Apple-Cheddar Smashed Potatoes

(adapted from Guy Fieri)

About 2 pounds of potatoes, cubed

4 cloves garlic, whole, peeled

Sea salt and fresh pepper

3-4 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup milk

1 tablespoon Rosemary

12 ounces extra sharp cheddar, shredded

2 large, tart apples, shredded

1. To a large saucepan add the potato cubes and garlic. Fill with water to just above the potatoes. Add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer about 20 minutes or until fork-tender.

2.Preheat oven to 35o degrees.

3. Remove potatoes from heat and drain leaving a few tablespoon of water in the pan. Add the potatoes and garlic back to the pan with the butter, milk, rosemary and re-season with salt and pepper. Smash with a potato masher. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed or milk if too thick.

3. Stir in the cheese and apples. Pour them into a greased casserole dish and put them in the oven on 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or just until heated through.

Potato Pancakes

2 cups of mashed potatoes

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

Butter for pan-frying

Mix mashed potatoes, egg, and bread crumbs together. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. The skillet has to be hot enough to quickly brown the outsides or the cakes will melt. Add a pat of butter and coat the bottom. Add a large spoon of the mashed potato mixture and shape it into a patty using the spoon. Cook about five minutes on each side until crispy golden brown. Repeat adding butter to the pan until all your pancakes are cooked. Serve with sour cream.

Print Recipes

Even Moon can’t resist!

Comments

WizzyTheStick says:

10/04/2009 at

I am reading this and totally sharing your reaction sans the falling off the chair bit…excellent idea! I have to try it.

Sophie says:

10/04/2009 at

MMMMMMMMMMMM,…what a nice & tasty combo they are!!These are great ideas!! I love the last picture the most with Moon liking your potatoes too!

Krista says:

10/04/2009 at

I've always liked apples and cheddar. And I'm a fan of potatoes with garlic and rosemary. Thank you ever so much for the idea to put them all together in one yummy dish! This sounds delicious!

Annette Kerr says:

10/04/2009 at

I've just recently discovered your blog and I'm really impressed! I'm drooling as I read it and "Ooo-ing" and "Aaaah-ing". Your blog is a prime example of "gastro-porn"!! (No offence intended.) :)I'm a huge fan of mashed potato, but had never considered adding apples to the mix! I'll definitely be trying out your recipe in the near future! *Yum*

vickie says:

10/04/2009 at

New to me! I'll have to try it! TFS