Spicy Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes: Creamy with a Southwestern Kick

Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes combine the creamy richness of traditional mashed potatoes with a flavorful infusion of vibrant bell peppers, jalapenos, green chiles, and sharp cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their meal with a hint of Southwestern flair. It’s an ideal side dish for barbecues, Mexican-themed dinners, or even as a standalone treat for potato lovers.

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The addition of sautéed onions and peppers, along with green chiles, gives these mashed potatoes a colorful and spicy kick. Meanwhile, the melted sharp cheddar cheese blends beautifully with the buttery mashed potatoes to create a dish that's both comforting and exciting. Whether you're serving this dish with grilled meats, tacos, or simply as a crowd-pleaser at a potluck, these Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes will leave everyone asking for seconds.

The Origins of Tex-Mex Cuisine and Potatoes in Southwestern Cooking

Tex-Mex cuisine, a fusion of Texan and Mexican culinary traditions, dates back to the 19th century when settlers and Mexican locals combined their food influences. Today, it has grown into one of the most popular regional cuisines in the United States, known for its flavorful combinations of spices, meats, cheeses, and vegetables. This mashed potato recipe draws inspiration from that vibrant blend of cultures, incorporating classic Tex-Mex ingredients like bell peppers, jalapenos, and green chiles.

Potatoes, though not indigenous to the Americas, have become a staple in many Southwestern and Tex-Mex dishes. The introduction of potatoes to Mexican cuisine likely came after Spanish colonization, and they quickly became a versatile ingredient used in everything from stews to snacks. In this recipe, the potatoes serve as the perfect base to absorb the intense flavors of peppers, cheese, and spices, making this dish a modern classic in Tex-Mex cooking.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes

Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and reach the right level of tenderness. This ensures the potatoes will be ready to mash without having hard chunks.

Sautéing the onions and peppers until they are soft and slightly caramelized helps bring out their sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Start with ¾ cup of warmed milk when combining the mashed potatoes and other ingredients, and only add more if necessary. The warmed milk will help create a creamier consistency without making the potatoes too watery.

Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 pounds red (or Yukon Gold) potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 small white onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
• 2 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup warmed milk (add more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
• (optional toppings: thinly sliced green onions, extra cheddar cheese)

Instructions

1. Add the potatoes to a large stockpot and cover them with water. Heat over high heat until the water reaches a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue boiling until the potatoes are fork-tender (can be mashed easily). Drain, then return the potatoes to the stockpot.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until melted. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Stir in the diced green and red bell peppers, as well as the jalapeno, and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes or until the peppers are soft. Stir in the green chiles. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.
3. Once the potatoes are cooked, add the sautéed vegetable mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, warmed milk, salt, pepper, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter (cut into small pieces) to the stockpot. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and stir the mixture until combined.
4. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. You can also add more warmed milk for creamier potatoes if desired.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions and/or extra shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

These Tex-Mex Mashed Potatoes bring a fun and flavorful twist to a classic side dish. Enjoy them as a perfect complement to grilled meats, tacos, or any of your favorite Mexican-inspired meals!