Loaded Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds unpeeled bite-sized baby gold potatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 strips bacon
• 1 (5.2 ounce) package Gournay cheese (such as Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs), cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Place the potatoes in a large pot and sprinkle with salt. Fill the pot with cold water, ensuring the potatoes are covered by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat with the pot partially covered. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Step 2: While the potatoes are cooking, place the bacon in a skillet and cook over medium-high heat. Turn the bacon occasionally until it is evenly browned, about 7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain, then crumble it into small pieces when cool enough to handle.

Step 3: Using a potato masher or an electric mixer on low speed, break up the potatoes in the pot. Add the Gournay cheese, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and crumbled bacon to the potatoes. Continue mashing until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Gradually add the half-and-half, stirring until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. Add more half-and-half if needed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 404
• Total Fat: 25g (32% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (74% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 71mg (24% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1071mg (47% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g (14% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 10g (19% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 18mg (20% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 81mg (6% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 995mg (21% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Loaded Boursin Mashed Potatoes is a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes. Infused with creamy Boursin cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs, this dish takes comfort food to a new level. It's a perfect side dish for any occasion, offering a rich and savory taste with minimal effort. Here's a deeper dive into its origin, unique characteristics, and why it's such a favorite at dinner tables across the world.

History and Origins

The origins of mashed potatoes as a dish are as old as the introduction of the potato to Europe in the 16th century. However, the specific "loaded" variation featuring ingredients like Boursin cheese, bacon, and fresh herbs is a more modern creation, reflecting the global trend of combining rich, creamy cheeses with savory accompaniments. Boursin cheese, which originated in France in the 1950s, has become a popular ingredient in many dishes due to its smooth texture and bold flavors. The combination of Boursin cheese with mashed potatoes likely emerged in American kitchens, where comfort foods are often given a sophisticated upgrade.

Regional Variations and Popularity

Although the recipe for Loaded Boursin Mashed Potatoes is widely appreciated in the United States, it can be found in variations across many cultures. In parts of Europe, particularly France, creamy mashed potatoes are a staple, often served with meats or as a base for hearty stews. However, the addition of Boursin, a distinctly French cheese, along with American favorites like bacon, gives the dish a transatlantic flair. The dish is often enjoyed as a side for festive meals, barbecues, and holiday dinners, particularly in regions where comfort food with a twist is popular.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Compared to traditional mashed potatoes, which are typically made with butter, milk, and sometimes cream, Loaded Boursin Mashed Potatoes stand out due to their richness and depth of flavor. The Boursin cheese adds a garlic-herb infusion that ordinary mashed potatoes lack, giving it a distinct creamy texture and savory profile. Additionally, the addition of crispy bacon and Parmesan cheese further elevates the dish, making it feel more indulgent than classic mashed potatoes. In contrast, other "loaded" mashed potatoes, like those found in American restaurants, might feature cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions, offering a more tangy and sharp contrast to the creamy Boursin.

Where It's Commonly Served

Loaded Boursin Mashed Potatoes are often served as a luxurious side dish at upscale dinners or gatherings. They pair exceptionally well with roast meats such as beef, pork, or turkey, as well as grilled vegetables. Due to their rich and hearty nature, they are frequently seen at holiday dinners, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. In some high-end restaurants, chefs may present this dish as a premium option, elevating the humble mashed potato into a gourmet experience. Its also a favorite side at festive occasions like New Years Eve or special family gatherings, where the goal is to impress with both taste and presentation.

Interesting Facts

• Boursin cheese, the key ingredient in this recipe, was first created in 1957 by Franois Boursin, a French cheesemaker. It was originally meant to be a fresh, garlicky cheese to pair with wine.
• Adding bacon to mashed potatoes is a beloved tradition in many parts of the United States, where bacon is often referred to as "the candy of the meat world" due to its irresistible flavor.
• Mashed potatoes, in their simplest form, have been part of global cuisine for centuries. The addition of cheeses and herbs to mashed potatoes is a relatively recent trend that has made them even more indulgent.
• While the recipe uses baby potatoes for a rustic look and texture, any variety of potatoes, such as russets, can be used to create a similar result, though the texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Loaded Boursin Mashed Potatoes offer a rich, creamy, and satisfying side dish that transforms the simple mashed potato into a gourmet experience. Whether you're looking for a comforting addition to a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to delight. With its origins rooted in classic French cheese and American culinary traditions, its a perfect fusion of comfort and sophistication.

FAQ about Loaded Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Comments