Mashed Potatoes Austin
Your Go-To Guide for the Best in Town
Mashed potatoes have long been a beloved side dish in Texas, providing comfort and warmth to countless meals. In Austin, food enthusiasts can find a wide variety of mouthwatering mashed potato dishes that elevate this classic side to new heights. From fancy restaurants to cozy food trucks, the city offers an impressive range of dishes for those in search of the perfect creamy, buttery, and savory mash.
Whip My Soul, is a Southern-style chicken shop known for their deliciously fresh sweet potatoes. With their delicious handmade breading and sides, Whip My Soul has rapidly become a local favorite. Another fantastic choice for mash and gravy enthusiasts is Sawyer & Co, an East Austin Cajun/Creole diner that has daily specials like Cajun turkey served with mash and greens.
Austin food trucks also offer their own take on the perfect mashed potato dish. Anything's Baked Potato, for instance, has been making waves with its enticing menu and a strong claim to make the best-baked potatoes in Texas.
Origins of Mashed Potatoes in Austin Cuisine
Mashed potatoes have long found their place in Austin's diverse cuisine. They were thought to be first introduced in the 16th century by Spanish explorers who brought potatoes to Europe from South America. Over the centuries, the potato become a staple in many cultures. In the city of Austin, mash has been embraced and adapted by local restaurants to suit the Texan palate.
Mashed potatoes are a common accompaniment to steaks and are a popular choice at Austin's well-known steak houses. Austin Land and Cattle Company, for example, offers a truffle-infused mash, which pairs perfectly with their high-quality steaks. Another favorite, Texas Roadhouse, provides a signature twist on mash with cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
A Taste of Austin's Mashed Potatoes
Throughout Austin, mashed potatoes have also been incorporated into dishes reflecting the region's culinary heritage. Combining influences from Tex-Mex, barbecue, and Southern-style cooking, you can find innovative adaptations such as green chile mash, chorizo-stuffed mash, and smoked gouda mash.
Best Mashed Potatoes in Austin
Steakhouse Specials
Many local steakhouses offer delicious mash as a side dish for their steaks. One example is Perry's Steakhouse & Grille, known for its upscale atmosphere and friendly customer service. With rave reviews for their mashed potatoes, diners recommend pairing them with a perfectly cooked steak.
Iconic Austin Eateries
For incredible potato-based delights, try Tacodeli in South Austin. Known for their tasty potato egg and cheese tacos, they have also been recognized as a top choice for mashed potatoes in Austin by Foursquare. Finally, don't forget Phoebe's Diner, a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. Their extensive selection of American classics includes some of the best mashed potatoes in town. You'll often find any new restaurant in Austin will feature mash on their menu as a staple.
Mashed Potatoes Pairings
Steak and Sides
A popular pairing with mashed potatoes is, of course, a beautifully cooked steak. Simple but great American food. Accompanying the steak and mashed potatoes side, a rich, flavorful gravy elevates the dish to new levels. For veggies consider adding steamed or sautéed green beans as a healthy side. This pairing also works well with pulled pork.
Chicken Combinations
Chicken dishes and in particular fried chicken are a particularly versatile option for pairing with mashed potatoes. Fried chicken, with its crispy skin, moist meat creates the perfect match for creamy or garlic-infused mashed potatoes. The rich texture of the fried chicken contrasts well with the soft mash. For a well-rounded meal, add some sweet corn as a side; its subtle sweetness contrasts with the other flavors.
Vegetarian Options
For a meat-free option, mashed potatoes offer plenty of versatility for a vegetarian. Consider a hearty, flavorful mushroom stroganoff or a rich, tomato-based eggplant parmesan as the main course. Pair with the classic flavors of mashed potatoes, enhanced with garlic or chives for added depth. Additionally, consider a side of crisp, smoky bacon-style tempeh or vegetarian sausage and finish off with a vegetarian apple pie to round out the meal.
Culinary Techniques and Ingredients
Preparing the Perfect Mash
To achieve perfectly fluffy and smooth mashed potatoes, start by selecting the right type of potato, such as Russet or Yukon Golds. These varieties are known to provide the best texture and flavor. When peeling and cutting the potatoes, maintain a consistent size for even cooking.
Boil the potatoes in salted water until they become tender, then drain and lightly rinse them under hot water. This step is crucial in removing any excess starch to avoid gummy or watery mash. Mash potatoes with a ricer or masher to break down the cooked potatoes gently until they reach the desired consistency.
To maintain the warmth and fluffiness of the potatoes, heat any cream, milk, butter, or flavorings before adding them to the mashed potatoes. Duck fat mashed potatoes are an indulgent way to add flavor to everyday mash. A common ratio is about 1/2 cup of milk or cream and 3 tablespoons of butter for every 1 pound of potatoes. Adjust the quantities according to personal preference and season with salt and pepper to create buttery mashed potatoes.
Unique Flavors and Additions
To elevate your mashed potatoes, consider adding flavors such as herbs, spices, and cheeses. Popular choices include:
Buttery: Add an extra tablespoon of butter to achieve a richer, creamier texture.
Sage: Finely chop fresh sage leaves and mix them in with the potatoes for an earthy, fragrant touch.
Cheese: Stir in shredded cheese varieties like cheddar, gouda, or gruyère during the final stages of mixing to create a gooey, cheesy mash.
Cream: Replace milk with heavy cream for an even smoother and richer potato dish.
Gourmet Side Dishes
Local Delicacies
When it comes to mashed potatoes in Austin, the city offers a plethora of unique gourmet side dishes to accompany a satisfying main meal. One popular location is Tacodeli (1500B Spyglass Dr, Austin, TX), where their potato egg and cheese tacos are a crowd favorite. It ranks high on the list of the 15 best places for mashed potatoes in Austin, according to Foursquare1.
A diverse selection of sides at local Austin eateries includes:
Boudin - A blend of cooked rice, pork, and liver, often served in a sausage casing
Salty mushrooms - A flavorful combination of mushrooms cooked with garlic and savory seasonings
Spinach - A classic choice, either sautéed or creamed for a decadent twist
