Affordable Truffle Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan

I'm totally hooked on truffle flavors, especially after my Italian escapade last year. Everywhere I went, if there were truffles on the menu, I was all over it. The best part? Truffles in Europe didn't cost an arm and a leg, so I indulged to my heart's content. One memorable meal included a heavenly burrata plate loaded with fresh truffles and it cost a measly 5 euros! 

Sadly, this is not the case in the U.S. where fresh, real truffles are much more expensive and difficult to find. However! This Truffle Mashed Potatoes recipe gives that truffle magic without breaking the bank.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Affordability: Who says luxury has to be expensive? With this ultimate side dish recipe, you're getting that high-end truffle flavor without the high-end price tag. It's all about bringing gourmet to your table on a budget.

Irresistible Taste: The earthy truffle oil pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes and savory Parmesan, creating a taste that's comforting and takes the humble mash potatoes to the next level. It's like a little trip to Italy with each bite!

Versatility: These Truffle Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses, from our Air Fryer Ham Steak, City Chicken, or Marinated Skirt Steak. They're also fantastic for dressing up a casual family dinner or adding a touch of elegance to special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

What are Truffles?

Truffles are a type of underground mushroom, known scientifically as tubers. They're renowned for their strong aroma and distinctive flavor, which can transform any dish. Growing near the roots of trees like oak and hazel, they're a prized ingredient in culinary circles. While it is pretty rare that I find truffles on many restaurant menus in the U.S., it's pretty common to find truffle french fries on menus at all sorts of restaurants. (I'm an absolute sucker for truffle fries.)

Due to their elusive nature, truffles are often harvested with the help of specially trained dogs or pigs. These animals sniff out the truffles, which can be found several inches below the ground. The most common types include white and black truffles. Much of the truffle oil on the market derives its flavor from a compound similar to the flavor of black or white truffles and is typically noted on the label as "natural flavor."

Ingredient Notes

Yukon gold potatoes – These are our favorite potatoes for the ultimate creamy mashed potatoes, and they mash beautifully.

Butter – Essential for adding a velvety richness; you can use salted or unsalted based on your preferences. 

Whole milk – We prefer whole cow's milk for our mashed potatoes, but you can also use half and half or heavy cream for extra decadent potatoes. 

Garlic – We used whole, fresh garlic cloves. They are just being infused into the milk and butter for a short time, so there is no need to chop them. Just give them a good smash to expose some of the insides. If you’re out of fresh garlic, jarred minced garlic will do in a pinch. 

Truffle oil – Truffle flavored oil is fairly easy to find these days - I got my white truffle oil from Costco, but you can find white and black truffle oil on Amazon. 

Fresh rosemary – Infuses an herbal note; other herbs like thyme or sage are great too.

Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, umami depth to the potatoes - go for high-quality parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the best results. 

Salt and pepper – You can also use some truffle salt if you want for extra flavor. I got mine on my trip to Italy last summer, but you can buy truffle salt online.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Meanwhile, infuse the garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, and truffle oil over low heat with the milk and butter.

Step 2: Once the potatoes are tender and the butter has melted, strain the milk mixture into the pot of potatoes through a fine mesh sieve.

Step 3: Whip the potatoes with an electric hand mixer or mash with a potato masher. Alternatively, you can put the potatoes through a potato ricer, and then add the infused milk. 

Step 4: Add the parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Expert Tips

• Be generous with the salt in your potato boiling water. It seasons the potatoes well, though they won't absorb it all, so don't hold back.

• A little truffle oil goes a long way. If you're craving more of that truffle punch, gradually mix in an extra ½ teaspoon, tasting as you go, until it's just right.

• Begin cooking your potatoes in cold water. This ensures they cook evenly and result in fluffy mashed potatoes. 

Storage and Reheating

Variations

• For an extra depth of flavor, roast your garlic cloves before adding them. Simply wrap them in foil with a bit of olive oil and bake at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes until they're soft and golden.

• Try toppings like crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor. Check out our Loaded Mashed Potato recipe for more inspiration. 

• Swap Parmesan for other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gouda, goat cheese, or cream cheese. Each brings its own unique taste to the dish.

• If you want a little texture in your Truffle Mashed Potatoes, skip peeling the potatoes. Just make sure to clean them well before cooking.

FAQ

Where can I find truffle oil?

Truffle oil is sometimes available in the oil and vinegar aisle of the grocery store. You can also find truffle oil on Amazon. 

What are the differences between white and black truffle oil?

White and black truffle oil have subtle differences and often are used interchangeably in cooking. 

What are the best potatoes for truffle mashed potatoes?

Our favorite potatoes to use are Yukon gold potatoes due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Red or russet potatoes are also a good choice.

What does truffle oil taste like?

Truffle oil has a distinctive musky, earthy flavor with hints of garlic and a deep umami character. It's potent, so a little goes a long way in adding luxurious flavor to dishes.

What else could I do with truffle oil?

Truffle oil can be drizzled over pizza, pasta, risotto, eggs, etc. It would also be great to add a drizzle to our Burrata Bruschetta! It is so versatile. Remember, truffle oil is a finishing oil so, use it sparingly!