Cheddar Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes - Crazy Cooking Challenge #3

Who knew there were so many different ways and variations to prepare Mashed Potatoes?  It's crazy!  I was excited when Tina over at Mom's Crazy Cooking asked all of us CCC participants what we should do for November: Mashed Potatoes or Stuffing?  I immediately voted for Mashed Potatoes...love everything about them!  I like them loaded with cheese and bacon, covered in chicken gravy, sometimes brown gravy, and even plain.  Mmmm...Mashed Potatoes are awesome!!  I will say that I'm not a huge fan of instant (nasty) mashed potatoes or real with peeling left in them.  Just not my style.

This time around I didn't even hit up Google, I just did a search on Pinterest and found exactly what I was looking for: Cheesy Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes from Salad-In-A-Jar.  The name alone had me at hello!  I love Cheesy Potatoes and Jalapeno's, it's definately the ULTIMATE pair!! ;)

I made some changes to their recipe, but only because I wanted to use what I had on hand.  Instead of Red Potatoes I used Russet.  Instead of Green Onions I used Yellow Onion.  Instead of Whole Milk I used 2% and some Heavy Cream.  And right before serving them, I topped them with a little extra cheese and some bacon bits, popped in in the oven for a few minutes, and viola!  Below is the way I made these yummy mashed tators!!

Cheddar Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes topped with Cheese and Baon!

So how were they you ask?!  Amazzzing!!  They had just the right amount of spice to them, creamy, and cheesy!!  The sauteed veggies gave them a little crunch, which was really good!  I made some of my Homestyle Meatloaf to go with it...seriously was one of the best meals I've had in a long time!!  For reals.  After we were done eating, I was in a food coma!!


Homestyle Meatloaf



Ingredients:
2 pounds potatoes - peeled and quartered
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 onion - diced fine
1/2 red bell pepper - diced
1/2 green bell pepper - diced
1 can chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons pickled jalapenos, finely chopped (I used about 10-12, you can adjust according to your liking)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 ounces cream cheese (I used Whipped Cream Cheese, and used a tad bit more than 2oz)
1/2 cup whole milk (I used 1/4 cup 2% + 1/4 cup heavy cream)
1/2 cup shredded American cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Boil  potatoes in large pot with enough water to cover. Reduce heat and simmer until fork tender.
2. Meanwhile saute onions, all peppers, and garlic in butter.
3. Add cream cheese and stir till melted.
4. Whisk in milk till smooth.
5. Add cheese and stir gently until melted, remove from heat.
6. Drain potatoes in collander and put back into large pot.
7. Use a masher to mash up potatoes, or use a hand mixer (that is what I use, I don't have a masher)
8. Gently fold in cheese and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
9. If you want to really "fancy" them up, put them in little custard dishes, top with cheedar cheese and bacon bits, and pop them into the over for a few minutes.
We had them both ways, but I honestly liked them with the bacon bits on top.  Either way, they were delish!!


Mmm...so good!

If you agree that these might possibly be THE ULTIMATE MASHED POTATOES, be sure to vote below by clicking "like" under the picture.  Also be sure to check out the other bloggers who are participating in the challenge...don't forget to stop in and say HI!! ;) 



Here are the past challenges that I've participated in: Traditional Mac 'N' Cheese, and Hot Chocolate Chip Cookies! 

Also linking up too...

At Home With Haley
It's A Blog Party
The Girl Creative
Today's Creative Blog
Not So Homemade
The Shabby Creek Cottage
What Allie's Making Now
Somewhat Simple
Lovely Crafty Home
Just a Girl
The Sisters of the Wild West
Polka Dots on Parade
This Chick Cooks
Ginger Snap Crafts
Homemaker on a Dime
My Favorite Finds