Creamy, buttery, and indulgently cheesy, these Quick Gouda Mashed Potatoes are the kind of side dish that steal the spotlight. Whether you’re setting the table for a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, these mashed potatoes bring warmth and flavor in every bite. The subtle smoky notes from Gouda cheese melt seamlessly into fluffy potatoes, making each spoonful rich, savory, and deeply comforting.
Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, this recipe adds a gourmet touch without complicating the process. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a velvety mash that tastes like it took hours. Perfect with roasted meats, hearty stews, or even on their own with a pat of melting butter, these mashed potatoes are always a crowd favorite.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
For the smoothest, fluffiest mash, go with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery texture, while Russets absorb the cheese and cream beautifully. You can even mix the two for the best of both worlds.

Ingredients for the Quick Gouda Mashed Potatoes
Yukon Gold Potatoes – Creamy and flavorful, they mash beautifully and offer a rich texture without being too starchy.
Unsalted Butter – Brings the creaminess and savory depth we all crave in mashed potatoes. Use high-quality butter for best results.
Heavy Cream – Helps make the mash extra luxurious and silky. Warm it before adding for smoother incorporation.
Smoked Gouda Cheese – The star of the show! This cheese melts like a dream and adds a subtly smoky, nutty flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper – Just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
Garlic (Optional) – For those who love a bit more aroma, a clove or two of roasted garlic brings a warm, earthy kick.
How To Make the Quick Gouda Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Warm the Cream and Butter
While the potatoes are boiling, warm the heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. This helps them blend more smoothly into the hot potatoes and prevents cooling down your mash.
Step 3: Mash It Up
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher (or ricer for extra fluffiness) to mash until mostly smooth. Some texture is fine if you prefer a rustic style.
Step 4: Fold in the Cream and Gouda
Pour in the warm cream and butter mixture. Stir gently to combine. Then add the shredded smoked Gouda cheese, folding it into the potatoes until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 5: Optional Flavor Boost
For garlic lovers, mash in a couple of cloves of roasted garlic at this stage. It adds a rich, mellow depth that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the cheese.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Creamy
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and top with a small knob of butter and a sprinkle of cracked pepper. Serve piping hot and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.
How to Serve and Store These Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Quick Gouda Mashed Potatoes are best served immediately while the cheese is still melty and luscious. Spoon them onto a plate alongside roasted chicken, grilled sausage, or even a festive holiday ham. A drizzle of extra melted butter or a scattering of chives makes for a picture-perfect presentation.
To store leftovers, let the mashed potatoes cool to room temperature and transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and stir gently over low heat to revive their creamy texture.
These mashed potatoes also freeze well. Portion them out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and reheat them straight from frozen in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of added liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular Gouda instead of smoked?
Absolutely. Regular Gouda works perfectly and gives a milder, creamier flavor. Smoked Gouda just adds a little extra depth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them a day in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat gently with extra cream or butter to bring back the silkiness.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk will also work. Your mash won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious.
How do I keep mashed potatoes warm for serving?
Transfer them to a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. Stir occasionally and add a bit of cream to keep them from drying out.
Is it okay to leave the potato skins on?
If you’re using Yukon Golds, yes! The skins are thin and nutritious. Just give them a good scrub before boiling.
What protein goes well with these mashed potatoes?
Anything from roast chicken to grilled steak. They also pair beautifully with mushroom gravy or veggie-based mains.
Want More Side Dish Ideas?
If these Quick Gouda Mashed Potatoes made your meal shine, you’ll love these other hearty and creative side dishes from Life with Jam:
• Roasted Potatoes and Carrots for a crispy, caramelized veggie combo.
• Cheesy Cauliflower Patties that give off cheesy mash energy with a fun crunch.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a full-on comfort plate.
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes if you want the meat and potatoes all in one go.
• Mexican Street Corn Potato Salad for a tangy, spicy twist on traditional sides.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can revisit it whenever mashed potato cravings strike.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try smoked or regular Gouda? Add roasted garlic or keep it classic?
I always love seeing your spins on these recipes. And if you’re looking for even more cozy and crave-worthy dishes, follow along on Pinterest here: Life with Jam Pinterest.

Quick Gouda Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Quick Gouda Mashed Potatoes are rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy with a hint of smoky flavor from Gouda. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the perfect side dish for holidays, comfort dinners, or anytime you crave velvety mashed potatoes with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves roasted garlic (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
2. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender.
3. While the potatoes are boiling, warm the heavy cream and butter together in a small saucepan over low heat.
4. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot or a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth (a few small lumps are okay).
5. Pour in the warm cream and butter mixture and stir to combine.
6. Fold in the shredded smoked Gouda cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. If using, mash in the roasted garlic for extra flavor.
9. Serve immediately with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of cracked pepper.
Notes
Use warm cream and butter to avoid cooling the potatoes and to help everything blend smoothly.
For extra smooth texture, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat with a splash of cream for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg


