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Cacio e Pepe Mashed Potatoes
5 from 12 votes

Cacio e Pepe Mashed Potatoes

This recipe transforms Yukon gold potatoes into a creamy, peppery mash inspired by the classic cacio e pepe pasta. Toasted black peppercorns are crushed to release their aroma and flavor, then combined with mashed potatoes, butter, pecorino romano, buttermilk, and cream for richness. The potatoes are boiled until very soft, then riced for a smooth texture that allows the cheese and pepper to infuse evenly. It offers a smooth, savory side with a gentle spicy kick from the fresh cracked pepper.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 230 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 5 pounds potato Yukon gold variety
  • 1/2 cup butter cut into cubes, at room temperature, unsalted
  • 1 cup pecorino romano divided
  • kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk shaken
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Toast the Peppercorns:
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small saucepan, set over medium heat, add the peppercorns. Toast for about 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant. Pour the peppercorns into mortar and pestle. Alternatively you could add it to a spice grinder or pepper grinder. Mash up the peppercorns until all crushed. Set aside.
  2. To Make the Potatoes:
  3. In a 4-quart Dutch Oven, fill it up about 3/4 of the way with cold water. Peel the potatoes and place them in the Dutch Oven and set it over medium-high heat. Bring the potatoes to a boil and then bring down the heat to medium-low. This should keep them at a nice, steady simmer. Cook until very soft, about 35 minutes. Give them a taste and make sure they’re VERY soft. Pour the potatoes into a colander and immediately run them under cool water. Then immediately run the potatoes through a ricer, in batches, into the Dutch Oven. Repeat this step until you’ve worked your way through all of the potatoes.
To Mix Up the Potatoes:
  1. In the pot with the mashed potatoes, pour in the buttermilk, softened butter, half of the ground up pepper, a few pinches of salt and heavy cream; mix it all together until smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and cheese according to taste. I added about 2 teaspoons of salt in total.
  2. To Serve:
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Make some swoops in the tops of the potatoes. Pour the melted butter on top and then add a few pinches of freshly ground pepper and the remaining 1/4 cup of Pecorino Romano.
How to Make Ahead and Reheat:
  1. Make the recipe straight through and then allow to come to room temperature. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge up to 2 days ahead.
  2. When you’re ready to serve: Add a few tablespoons of heavy cream to the bottom of a medium-sized pot and place it over medium-low heat. Add the cold potatoes and cover the pot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes and then stir them. Cover the pot again and allow to warm up for about 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat until the potatoes are warm.
  3. You can also microwave them lol.

Notes

  • A potato ricer is important to achieve a smooth, lump-free texture for these mashed potatoes.
  • Toast black peppercorns before crushing to enhance their flavor and aroma.
  • Use room temperature unsalted butter cut into cubes to help it incorporate evenly into the potatoes.
  • Ensure potatoes are cooked until very soft to make ricing easier and to achieve the proper texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving 6g Calories 230kcal (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 230

% Daily Value*

Serving 6g
Calories 230kcal 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.