Creme Fraîche Mashed Potatoes with Gruyere

5 from 9 votes

Creme Fraîche Mashed Potatoes with Gruyere

Give your classic mashed potatoes an upgrade with creamy, tangy creme fraîche and a golden crust of Gruyere cheese on top. The dish should be made in a casserole dish so that the top can be broiled right before serving, making an elegant but still traditional mash.

Prep Time40

Cook Time20

Total Time1

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: gluten free, Holiday recipe, mashed potatoes

Servings:

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $8.00

Equipment

Stockpot
Colander
Potato Masher or Potato Ricer
3 Quart Casserole Dish

Ingredients

For the potatoes:

4 pounds Russet Potatoes (see note)
2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
1 1/2 cups Creme Fraîche (1 1/2 cups = 16 oz)
1 to 1 1/2 cups Milk or Low-Sodium Vegetable or Chicken Stock, warmed
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt, more to taste

For topping:

1/2 cup finely grated Gruyere Cheese (sub extra-sharp white cheddar)

Instructions

Fill a large pot about 3/4 full with water. Stir in about 1 Tbsp of salt (not on ingredients list). Peel the potatoes and slice into even pieces. Add to pot of water.
Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, 15 to 25 minutes (depending on size of potatoes).
Drain potatoes. Cover the colander with a dish towel or lid. Let the potatoes sit in the colander, covered, for 10 minutes (the potatoes will lightly steam; this will draw out the moisture and prevent watery mashed potatoes).
Mash potatoes with a masher or by running them through a ricer. (I prefer the ricer for the most light and fluffy potatoes.)
Add melted butter and creme fraîche to potatoes and mash everything together.
Heat milk or stock in the microwave or on the stovetop just until warm to the touch. Add to mashed potatoes as needed (start on the low end of the range and add more as needed), until very smooth and creamy. Taste and season with more salt, as needed.
Turn on the oven’s broiler.
Spray a broiler-safe 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread potatoes evenly into the dish.
Sprinkle grated cheese over the potatoes.
Broil potatoes until topping is light golden brown, 3 to 6 minutes.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Potatoes - This recipe works best with Russet potatoes. They have a high starch content and make light fluffy mashed potatoes that blend well with liquids after refrigeration. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes in this recipe, but may not need as much milk / half and half to get a smooth, creamy result. If using Yukon gold potatoes, start with half the amount of half and half and add more as needed.

Kosher Salt - I use Morton’s Kosher Salt to test recipes. If using table salt, reduce by about half. If using Diamond Kosher Salt, increase by about 25%. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to salt, so be sure to taste and adjust as you go.

Nutrition