One of the things I’ve noticed since we’ve become foodies is that we just can’t leave well enough alone. When we visit my family in Ohio, it drives them crazy to see us spending the whole time eating a meal we’ve cooked discussing how to tweak it the next time. Whereas some see a holiday classic when looking at a big fluffy pile of mashed potatoes, I see a blank slate with endless possibilities. So, here’s a simple recipe for basic mashed potatoes and a list of ideas for combinations of “mix-ins.” When it comes to mashed potatoes, as in life, cheese is your friend.

You’ll Need:

3 pounds of potatoes of your choice (Yukon gold, russet, and reds are favorites)

½ stick unsalted butter

2 cups heavy cream

Salt

Pepper (white pepper can be substituted if you like purely white mashed potatoes)

How To:

It’s up to you whether you want to peel your potatoes, but keep in mind waxy-skinned potatoes are better if you are leaving the skin on. Chop into even cubes and place into a large pot. Cover with cold water, salt the water, and boil until tender. Drain the water and add the half stick of butter and warmed heavy cream as well as salt and pepper to taste. Mash the potatoes using a hand or stand mixer, but be careful not to overwork them as they can become gummy if the starches are broken down too much.

One you have your base ready, have fun adding as much or little of these mix-ins as you like!

1. Mascarpone cheese and chives
2. Sauteed or roasted garlic and parmesan
3. Fontina and scallions
4. Cream cheese, parsley, and chives
5. Gorgonzola and crumbled bacon (we use turkey bacon)
6. Rosemary (chopped finely! we skipped chopping once and it was like potatoes full of little sticks) and sage
7. Cream cheese, roasted garlic, and red pepper flakes
8. Sautéed leeks and garlic
9. Smoked gouda, fontina, and scallions
10. Caramelized onion and roasted red pepper
11. Goat cheese and sautéed shallots
12. Chipotle pepper and cream cheese
13. Sour cream and dijon
14. Cheddar cheese (use white cheddar if you want to keep them looking like classic mashed potatoes), chives, and thyme
15. Mozzarella stirred in and topped with parmesan and breadcrumbs and briefly broiled for a crispy top
16. Pesto and parmesan
17. Blue cheese and a dash of cayenne
18. Alfredo sauce and parmesan
19. Sour cream and sautéed leeks
20. White cheddar, sautéed shallots, and chives
21. Cream cheese, garlic sautéed in butter, and scallions