When I think of party food, the first thing that comes to mind is usually something fried or covered in cheese. But lately I’ve been shaking things up and serving baked potatoes instead. I know, I know, baked potatoes might not seem like the most exciting party food, but trust me, they are the perfect party food, especially when you add extra special toppings like a appetizing cheddar. We bring you three pairings that turn the basic baked potato recipe on its head, all of which feature cheeses that are a party in your mouth on their own.
For this baked potato recipe, we worked with a few flavors of Wood River Creamery. Their cheeses feature delicious flavor combinations (think Mango Habanero and Chipotle Garlic, for example!) and are aged until perfection. These one-of-a-kind cheddar gruyere cheeses are created and handcrafted in small batches by master cheesemakers and staff in Wisconsin. Oh, and they’re nationally recognized by discerning cheese experts.
Alright, now back to the potatoes. There are many ways to top a baked potato, but you will always, always, always need some sort of dairy product. Don’t neglect a simple cheese topping, because sometimes the simplest things done well make the best meals. If you’re craving simple, perfect baked potatoes, add freshly grated Wood River Creamery Cheddar Gruyere, salt and pepper. It will definitely be a success. You can even get creative with the type of potato you use. Sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, or Yukon Gold potatoes would all work well.
Basic Baked Potato Recipe
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
- Wash and dry four large russet potatoes
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 60 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
Top with additional Wood River Creamery Cheddar Gruyere. Serve immediately. Appreciate!
Easy, huh?
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are some ways to take things to the next level.
Pairing #1: Gruyère with black truffle cheddar from Wood River Creamery, sour cream, caviar and chives
For a luxurious take on the humble baked potato, top it with caviar and chives. The salty taste of the caviar will offset the richness of the potato, while the chives will add a touch of freshness. Wood River Creamery’s Black Truffle Gruyere Cheddar is an earthy, aromatic cheese that complements and balances these flavors. It’s a casual and refined meal. My favorite kind of fantasy.
Pairing #2: Smoked cracked pepper from Wood River Creamery, crispy pork belly and fresh herbs
This pairing is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The crispy pork belly provides a nice crunch, while the smoked cracked pepper from Wood River Creamery adds a bit of smokiness that enhances the overall flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love pork belly? It’s basically bacon without all the guilt. Yum!
Pairing #3: Wood River Creamery Mango Habanero and Cheddar Gruyere, Mango Salsa and Pickled Onions
If you’re looking for something with a little spice, this is the pairing for you. Mango salsa adds flavor without too much heat, while Wood River Creamery Mango Habenero Cheddar Gruyere cheese provides a bit of sweet tang. It’s simple but so delicious.
I hope this helps you for your next dinner party! Remember, it’s all in the toppings. Many thanks to Wood River Creamery Cheddar Gruyere for taking these potatoes to the next level!
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Wood River Creamery. The compensation we receive in exchange for placement on Wit & Delight is used to purchase props, hire a photographer, write/edit the blog post and support the wider team behind Wit & Delight.
While compensation Is received in exchange for a blanket, all thoughts and opinions are always my own. Sponsored posts like these allow us to continue developing dynamic, non-sponsored content. Thank you for supporting our partners!
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning to play tennis and it’s forever test the limits of your creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.