Creamy Cheddar Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes with Rosemary: Your Go-To Thanksgiving Side & Leftover Pumpkin Recipe

Elevate your autumn dining with a bowl of pure comfort! Our Cheddar Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes, infused with fragrant rosemary, are an absolute delight. Whether you’re looking for an easy, festive Thanksgiving side dish or a creative way to use up that leftover canned pumpkin puree, this recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic. It’s a perfect blend of creamy texture, savory cheddar, subtle pumpkin sweetness, and aromatic herbaceous notes, promising a truly unforgettable experience.

As the holiday season approaches, have you started mapping out your Thanksgiving menu? For many, the annual feast is a cherished tradition, often revolving around beloved family recipes passed down through generations. Some families find comfort in sticking to the exact same dishes year after year, perhaps rotating only one or two elements, like the choice of main protein between stuffed Cornish hen or a traditional turkey. Others might explore delightful meatless alternatives, such as a hearty Stuffed Butternut Squash.

Through conversations with friends and family about their Thanksgiving rituals, a common theme emerges: most people prefer not to deviate too drastically from the tried-and-true classics. However, there’s a strong enthusiasm for variations that enhance or introduce new dimensions to these familiar favorites. This spirit of culinary exploration, without abandoning tradition, often leads to truly inspired dishes.

Take mashed potatoes, for instance. This quintessential side dish graces virtually every Thanksgiving table across countless households. While a simple, perfectly prepared bowl of creamy mashed potatoes — rich with butter and cream — is undoubtedly comforting on its own, it also serves as an exceptional blank canvas for incorporating new flavors and ingredients. This versatility becomes particularly handy when you’re looking to efficiently use up ingredients from your pantry or fridge.

The delightful inspiration for these Cheddar Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes originated from a familiar scenario: having leftover pumpkin puree lingering in the fridge after whipping up an eggless pumpkin pie. It seems to be a universal truth that no matter how meticulously you plan, opening a small can of pumpkin puree almost always leaves you with a little extra. While baking another pumpkin dessert is always tempting, sometimes the craving for savory, wholesome “real food” takes precedence. This is where creative solutions like pumpkin mac and cheese or, indeed, these incredible pumpkin mashed potatoes come into play.

Given that a small pumpkin pie might already be on the dessert menu, why not embrace the warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin in a savory side dish too? This Cheddar Pumpkin Mashed Potato recipe is perfectly portioned to make 4 servings, an ideal quantity for an intimate Thanksgiving dinner for two, with delicious leftovers to savor later. But don’t feel compelled to reserve this dish solely for the holidays; these Cheddar Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes are a wonderfully comforting side dish that can brighten any meal, any day of the week, especially during the crisp autumn months.

Choosing the Best Potatoes for Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

The foundation of truly exceptional mashed potatoes lies in selecting the right variety. For that coveted light, airy, and fluffy texture, Russet Burbank potatoes are an unparalleled choice. Their high starch content is key; it allows them to break down easily when cooked, creating a fluffy consistency that readily absorbs butter, milk, and other flavorings, rather than becoming gummy or dense. While other potato varieties like Yukon Golds (medium starch) can also be used for a creamier, denser mash, Russets deliver that quintessential airy quality that many associate with perfect mashed potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as their low starch content makes them ideal for roasting or salads, but not for mashing, as they tend to become gluey when processed.

Mastering the Art of Perfect Mashed Potatoes: Essential Tips

Achieving perfectly fluffy and flavorful mashed potatoes is a culinary skill that’s easier to master than you might think. Here are my top tips for making the absolute best mashed potatoes, especially when cooking for a smaller gathering:

1. Start with Cold Water for Even Cooking

This is a crucial tip that often sparks debate, especially around the holidays. The question frequently arises: should you add potatoes to a pot of cold water or already boiling water? The definitive answer is: always start with cold water.

The reasoning is simple yet scientific. When you add potatoes to cold water and then bring it to a boil, the potatoes and the water heat up simultaneously. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly from the outside to the center. If you were to drop raw potatoes directly into boiling water, the exterior would cook and become mushy much faster than the interior, leading to inconsistently cooked potatoes with firm centers and overcooked outsides. So, place your peeled and cubed potatoes in your pot, cover them with cold water, and then bring it all to a boil.

And don’t forget to generously salt your water! Just like pasta, potatoes absorb salt as they cook, which is essential for infusing them with flavor from the inside out. This step prevents bland mashed potatoes. I typically add a generous handful of kosher salt to the cooking water.

2. Simmer, Don’t Boil Vigorously

Once your pot of water with potatoes reaches a rolling boil, immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. A vigorous, rolling boil will agitate the potatoes too much, causing them to break apart prematurely and become waterlogged and disintegrated. A gentle simmer ensures that the potatoes continue to cook thoroughly and evenly without being violently tossed around. This method helps maintain their structure just enough until they are perfectly tender, which is crucial for a smooth mash.

3. Drain and Dry Your Potatoes Thoroughly

After your potatoes are tender, drain them completely in a colander. This step is critical: once drained, allow the potatoes to air dry in the colander for about 5 minutes, or even return them to the empty, warm pot over very low heat for a minute or two to let any residual moisture evaporate. If you transfer them directly from the colander to your mashing bowl while still wet, you’ll end up with watery, diluted mashed potatoes. Evaporating that surface moisture ensures that your potatoes can fully absorb the rich flavors of butter, milk, and pumpkin puree, resulting in a truly creamy and flavorful dish.

4. Mash Gently by Hand or on the Lowest Mixer Setting

The key to fluffy mashed potatoes is careful mashing. For the lightest and fluffiest results, a potato ricer is often recommended, as it processes the potatoes without overworking them. A traditional hand masher also works wonderfully, allowing you precise control over the texture. However, for those times when convenience is paramount, a stand mixer can be used, but with extreme caution and on the lowest possible speed.

The golden rule here is: do not overmash. Overworking potatoes, especially with a mixer, develops too much starch, leading to an undesirable gluey and gummy texture. If using a mixer, I recommend doing it in short bursts. Mash for about 30 seconds, turn it off, add your ingredients (pumpkin, cheese, butter, milk, rosemary, salt), turn it back on for another 30 seconds, then turn it off and check the consistency. Repeat as necessary, but always err on the side of caution. You should aim for creamy mashed potatoes, but leaving them slightly chunky can be a good safeguard against accidentally overmashing and ruining the texture.

5. Use Room Temperature Milk and Butter

The temperature of your added ingredients plays a significant role in the final texture and temperature of your mashed potatoes. Introducing cold milk and butter into hot, freshly mashed potatoes will drastically lower their temperature, resulting in cold or lukewarm mashed potatoes, which nobody wants! Always ensure your milk and butter are at room temperature before incorporating them. This allows them to blend seamlessly into the warm potatoes, melting evenly and maintaining that delightful warmth.

Should you accidentally add a bit too much milk, don’t despair! To thicken mashed potatoes, transfer them to a dry pot and cook over very low heat, stirring frequently. This gentle heat will help evaporate excess liquid, bringing them back to the perfect consistency without burning.

Keeping Mashed Potatoes Warm for the Perfect Holiday Meal

Mashed potatoes are practically synonymous with Thanksgiving, but one common challenge when preparing a large holiday meal is keeping all the dishes warm until everything is ready to be served. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to ensure your mashed potatoes remain wonderfully warm and delicious until it’s time to eat.

For shorter periods, say 15-20 minutes, a simple solution is often sufficient. Just covering the bowl of mashed potatoes with a clean dish towel or a lid can trap enough residual heat to keep them warm and inviting. The insulation prevents rapid heat loss, ensuring they stay comforting.

If you need to keep your mashed potatoes warm for a longer duration, perhaps an hour or so, a makeshift double boiler is an excellent method. Place your heatproof bowl of mashed potatoes over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water directly. Cover the bowl with a dish towel or lid, and stir the potatoes every 15-20 minutes. This gentle, indirect heat will keep them warm without drying them out or overcooking them. Another fantastic option for longer holding times is a slow cooker set to its “warm” setting. Add a splash of milk or broth to prevent drying, stir occasionally, and your mashed potatoes will stay perfectly warm and creamy for hours. When you’re ready to serve – voila! Perfectly warm, fluffy, and flavorful mashed potatoes await.

Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Your Mashed Potatoes

Now that you’ve mastered these incredible Cheddar Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes, what complements them best? These versatile potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of holiday favorites and weeknight meals. Here are some more Thanksgiving recipes and ideas to round out your feast:

• Rich Homemade Gravy Without Meat Drippings
• Savory Vegan Mushroom Gravy
• Classic Stuffed Cornish Hen
• Flavorful Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Breast with Caramelized Onion and Cranberry
• Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
• Roasted Chicken or Turkey
• Vegetable Medley with Herbs
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Cheddar Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes For Two (or Four!)

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

This delightful recipe for Cheddar Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes with rosemary is the epitome of fall comfort food. Perfect for using up leftover pumpkin puree or as a unique and easy Thanksgiving side dish, these mashed potatoes are incredibly creamy, savory, and bursting with seasonal flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (roughly 2 large potatoes)
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened and cut into 8 tablespoons
• 1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste (preferably kosher)

Instructions

1. Add the peeled and cubed russet potatoes, whole garlic cloves, and a generous handful of kosher salt to a large pot. Cover everything with cold water, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the potatoes and garlic using a colander. Allow them to air dry in the colander for about 5 minutes to release any excess moisture, or return them to the empty pot over very low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Transfer the dried potatoes and garlic to a large mixing bowl. For the fluffiest results, mash by hand using a potato ricer or a sturdy hand masher. If using a stand mixer, beat on the lowest speed possible to avoid overmixing, doing so in short bursts.
4. Add the canned pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, room temperature whole milk, fresh chopped rosemary, and the initial 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the mashed potatoes. Continue to mash or beat on low speed until all ingredients are well combined, the butter and cheese are melted, and the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the salt level as needed. Serve immediately or keep warm using the methods described above.

Notes

Tips for Keeping Your Mashed Potatoes Warm Until Serving:

• For 15-20 Minutes: Simply cover the bowl of mashed potatoes with a clean dish towel or a tight-fitting lid. This will trap enough heat to keep them warm.
• For Longer Periods (1 hour+): Set a heatproof bowl containing the mashed potatoes over a pot of gently simmering water (creating a makeshift double boiler). Ensure the bottom of the mashed potato bowl does not touch the water. Cover it with a dish towel or lid, and stir the potatoes every 15-20 minutes to maintain an even temperature and prevent sticking. Alternatively, transfer them to a slow cooker set to its “warm” setting, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed, and stirring occasionally.

Storage and Reheating: Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Recommended Products

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• Professional Potato Ricer
• Ergonomic Hand Masher

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