INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced then measured
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fill a large pot with water and add the potatoes, bay leaf, rosemary sprig, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
2. Drain the water and remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Place the pot back on the stove over low heat and add the butter and sour cream. Mash the potatoes until smooth.
3. Add the blue cheese and parsley and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Here are some variations of the mashed potatoes recipe:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

• Add 4-6 cloves of minced garlic to the potatoes while they are boiling.
• Proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual. The garlic will infuse the potatoes with a delicious flavor.

2. Cheddar and Bacon Mashed Potatoes:

• Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes after mixing in the butter and sour cream.
• Cook and crumble 6-8 slices of bacon, and fold it into the mashed potatoes just before serving.

3. Loaded Mashed Potatoes:

• Follow the recipe for cheddar and bacon mashed potatoes.
• Additionally, top the finished mashed potatoes with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

4. Herb-infused Mashed Potatoes:

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite dried herbs (such as thyme, chives, or parsley) to the mashed potatoes while mixing in the butter and sour cream.

5. Sweet Potato and Regular Potato Mash:

• Use a combination of half regular potatoes and half sweet potatoes. Cook them together in the same pot, and proceed with the recipe. This variation adds a nice touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.

6. Horseradish Mashed Potatoes:

• Add 2-3 tablespoons of prepared horseradish to the mashed potatoes. Adjust the amount to your taste for a tangy and slightly spicy twist.

7. Vegan Mashed Potatoes:

• Substitute the butter with plant-based butter or olive oil, and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative for a vegan-friendly version of the recipe.

8. Loaded Baked Potato Mashed Potatoes:

• Follow the basic mashed potatoes recipe.
• After adding the butter and sour cream, mix in crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives. This variation mimics the flavors of a loaded baked potato.

9. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:

• Roast a whole head of garlic: Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden.
• Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and mix them into the mashed potatoes. The result is a rich, mellow garlic flavor.

10. Parmesan and Herb Mashed Potatoes:

• Follow the basic mashed potatoes recipe.
• After adding the butter and sour cream, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.

11. Creamy Horseradish and Chive Mashed Potatoes:

• Follow the basic mashed potatoes recipe.
• Mix in 3-4 tablespoons of prepared horseradish and a handful of finely chopped fresh chives. This variation provides a zesty and flavorful twist.