Prep Time::20 mins
Cook Time::35 mins
Additional Time::5 mins
Total Time:: 1 hr
Servings::8
Yield::8 servings
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
kosher salt to taste
½ cup grated Gruyere cheese
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
½ cup buttermilk
¾ cup cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (Optional)
Directions
Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C).
ALLRECIPES / DIANA CHISTRUGA
Place potatoes into a pot, cover with fresh, cold water by 2 inches, and add 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Set heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until tender, testing by poking potatoes with a knife. The time will depend on the size of your potatoes but could be between 15 and 20 minutes.
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Remove from the heat and let drain in a colander for 5 to 10 minutes.
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Transfer into a large bowl and mash thoroughly with a potato masher until no lumps remain. Add butter, kosher salt, and Gruyere cheese. Mix and mash until everything has been incorporated.
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Add cayenne, 3/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and buttermilk, and mash until well combined. Taste and adjust for salt.
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Whisk cream in a metal bowl until thick and fairly stiff peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour 1/2 of the whipped cream onto the potatoes and cut it in with the side of a spatula to lighten the mixture. Repeat with remaining whipped cream but do it carefully to preserve the maximum amount of volume, cutting in until just barely mixed.
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Transfer into a well-buttered casserole dish and distribute gently with a fork. Smooth the top with a spoon if desired. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano on top and dust lightly with cayenne.
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Place the baking dish on a pan and bake in the center of the preheated oven until beautifully browned, 15 to 20 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and sprinkle with green onions before serving.
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Chef's Notes:
Use potatoes that are all roughly the same size. If your potatoes are not uniform in size, cut them into smaller cubes or chunks so they cook evenly.
You can use regular milk in place of buttermilk, and white Cheddar, Fontina, or Gouda in place of Gruyere.
For extra browning, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.