If you’ve ever dined at the Cheesecake Factory, you know their red mashed potatoes are more than just a side-they’re a star in their own right. Creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned, these mashed potatoes add comfort and indulgence to any meal.
Now, imagine bringing that same restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen. This copycat Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Recipe captures all the rich, velvety goodness of the original without the restaurant bill.
Using simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate this dish in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
What Does Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Taste Like?
The first bite of these Cheesecake Factory Garlic Mashed Potatoes is smooth and velvety, with a delicate balance of butter and creaminess from whole milk. The skins of the red potatoes provide a rustic texture that makes every bite hearty and satisfying.
There’s a mild saltiness that enhances the earthy flavor of the potatoes without overpowering them. Optional garlic powder adds a gentle kick for those who like a bit more depth.
It’s the kind of side dish that feels indulgent but familiar-like a cozy hug in food form. Pair it with steak, chicken, or even just a spoon-because yes, they’re that good.
Ingredients Required for Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes
- 3 liters water
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling)
- 3 lbs red potatoes
- ⅓ cup (38 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large stockpot
- Potato masher or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Produce scrub brush
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes at home
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by bringing 3 liters of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large stockpot over high heat. While the water is heating, wash the red potatoes thoroughly using a produce-only brush to remove any dirt, but don’t peel them-the skins add a lovely rustic touch. Slice each potato into ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Boil Until Fork-Tender
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the sliced red potatoes to the pot. Let them boil for about 15–20 minutes, or until the pieces are fork-tender. Avoid overcooking, as overly soft potatoes can turn gluey when mashed.
Step 3: Drain and Rest
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander, allowing any excess moisture to escape. Let the potatoes sit for 1–2 minutes after draining to release steam, which helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
Step 4: Start Mashing
Return the hot potatoes to the pot or transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the butter while the potatoes are still warm so it melts evenly. Mash using a handheld potato masher or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until mostly smooth.
Step 5: Add Milk and Seasoning
Pour in the whole milk and sprinkle in the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. If using, add the garlic powder for a little extra flavor. Mix until creamy and well-blended.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes
1. With Garlic Butter Steak
We’ve done this combo more times than we can count-mashed potatoes and a juicy garlic butter steak are just made for each other. The buttery richness of both dishes ties them together in the most comforting way.
2. Topped with Gravy and Caramelized Onions
Trust us, once you spoon over some rich brown gravy and a handful of caramelized onions, it’s a whole new level of indulgence. Perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner.
3. Beside Honey-Glazed Roast Chicken
This is one of our go-to weeknight meals. The sweetness of the honey-glazed chicken plays beautifully with the creaminess of the potatoes. Simple, but incredibly satisfying.
4. With BBQ Ribs at a Summer Cookout
We’ve served these mashed potatoes at backyard BBQs more than once-and they disappear fast. They pair wonderfully with smoky ribs and a side of coleslaw.
5. Under a Bed of Crispy Fried Chicken
This is a Southern-inspired comfort food plate we absolutely love. Lay a couple of crispy fried chicken thighs right on top of the mashed potatoes-drizzle with hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.
6. As a Base for Beef Stroganoff
Forget noodles-spoon beef stroganoff right over these red mashed potatoes and thank us later. The creamy sauce blends perfectly with the potatoes for an ultra-rich bite.
7. With Sautéed Mushrooms and Fresh Herbs
When we want to keep it meatless but flavorful, we sauté mushrooms in garlic and thyme and serve them over the mashed potatoes. It’s earthy, comforting, and really elegant.
8. Alongside Thanksgiving Turkey
We’ve made this recipe as part of our Thanksgiving spread-and it holds its own next to the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. That hint of garlic (if you use it) makes it pop.
9. Topped with Cheese and Broiled
Want something a little extra? Sprinkle shredded cheddar or gruyère on top, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes, and serve it as a cheesy mashed potato bake. So good.
10. As a Cozy Lunch Bowl with Leftovers
We love repurposing leftovers into warm lunch bowls. Add a spoonful of mashed potatoes, leftover veggies, a protein of your choice, and a drizzle of sauce-boom, instant comfort bowl.
Some Tips on This Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Recipe
1. Wash the potatoes well.
Use a brush and water to clean the dirt off. Potatoes grow in the ground!
2. Leave the red skins on.
The red skin is soft and yummy. It also gives your mashed potatoes more flavor.
3. Cut potatoes the same size.
Cut them into little chunks. All the same size helps them cook even.
4. Start with cold water.
Put the potatoes in cold water, then boil. This helps them cook better.
5. Add salt to the water.
Just a little salt makes the potatoes taste nice while they cook.
6. Check if they’re soft with a fork.
Stick a fork in a potato. If it goes in easy, they’re done!
7. Drain all the water out.
Water makes mashed potatoes too wet. Drain it all out before mashing.
8. Mash while they’re hot.
Hot potatoes mash better. Don’t let them cool down too much.
9. Use warm milk and soft butter.
Cold milk and butter make potatoes lumpy. Warm them a little first.
10. Taste and add more salt if you want.
Everyone likes different things. Try a little taste and add more salt if needed.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Properly?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by bringing 3 liters of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a large stockpot over high heat. While the water is heating, wash the red potatoes thoroughly using a produce-only brush to remove any dirt, but don’t peel them-the skins add a lovely rustic touch. Slice each potato into ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Boil Until Fork-Tender
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the sliced red potatoes to the pot. Let them boil for about 15–20 minutes, or until the pieces are fork-tender. Avoid overcooking, as overly soft potatoes can turn gluey when mashed.
Step 3: Drain and Rest
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander, allowing any excess moisture to escape. Let the potatoes sit for 1–2 minutes after draining to release steam, which helps prevent watery mashed potatoes.
Step 4: Start Mashing
Return the hot potatoes to the pot or transfer to a mixing bowl. Add the butter while the potatoes are still warm so it melts evenly. Mash using a handheld potato masher or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until mostly smooth.
Step 5: Add Milk and Seasoning
Pour in the whole milk and sprinkle in the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. If using, add the garlic powder for a little extra flavor. Mix until creamy and well-blended.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes that people often ask.
1. Does the Cheesecake Factory have mashed potatoes?
Yes, they do! The Cheesecake Factory offers red mashed potatoes as one of their signature side dishes. We’ve ordered them plenty of times, and they’re always buttery, creamy, and just the right amount of rustic with the potato skins left on. That’s exactly the experience we aimed to recreate with this copycat recipe.
2. What’s the difference between red potatoes and mashed potatoes?
Red potatoes are a variety of potato with smooth red skin and a waxy texture. Mashed potatoes, on the other hand, are the dish made from potatoes-any kind, really, but we use red potatoes in this recipe for their natural creaminess and subtle flavor. Their skins also add a lovely texture and visual appeal.
3. Is there a difference between whipped potatoes and mashed potatoes?
Yes, there is! Mashed potatoes are typically chunkier and more rustic (like in this recipe), while whipped potatoes are beaten until ultra-smooth and airy, often using a hand mixer. We personally prefer the texture of mashed red potatoes-they feel more comforting and hearty.
4. Can I peel the red potatoes before boiling?
You can, but we actually recommend leaving the skins on. Red potato skins are thin and add both texture and nutrients. Plus, that’s how Cheesecake Factory serves them! If you’re not a fan of skins, feel free to peel-it won’t affect the creaminess much.
5. What’s the best way to mash the potatoes-by hand or with a mixer?
We’ve tried both! If you like a chunkier, more rustic texture, use a handheld masher. If you want a smoother mash, go with a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. Just don’t overmix or they can get gluey.
6. Can I use a different type of milk or butter?
Absolutely. We’ve tested this with plant-based milk and vegan butter, and it still tastes great. Just know that whole milk and real butter give that extra rich, Cheesecake Factory-style flavor.
7. How can I add more flavor to these mashed potatoes?
We sometimes add roasted garlic, sour cream, or cream cheese for a flavor boost. Garlic powder (included in the recipe) is a quick and easy way to add depth without much effort.
8. What main dishes go well with these red mashed potatoes?
These potatoes are super versatile. We love pairing them with roast chicken, meatloaf, grilled steak, or even sautéed vegetables. They’re a go-to side for everything from Sunday dinners to holiday feasts.
9. Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare as usual, then let them cool and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky texture.
10. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
From our experience, these mashed potatoes keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a bit of added milk to freshen them up.
This Cheesecake Factory Red Mashed Potatoes Recipe brings creamy comfort straight to your table with ease. It’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying-the perfect sidekick to any meal.
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