Back in 2013, a few friends and  I decided to host a online party where we each bring a virtual dish to the party and share the recipe.

I decided to bring a side dish to the party, so today I'll be sharing a recipe for Cheesy Jalapeno Mashed Potatoes.

Mashed potatoes are simple because it's easy to make a lot: just make a ton of potatoes, add butter, milk, salt, and pepper and you're ready to go! For this recipe, you will make mashed potatoes like you normally do, then add a sauce that brings a whole lot of life to the dish.

It's cheesy, it's got a little kick (but not too much - don't want to scare off your guests or make the kids cry), and it's great comfort food.

 Mashed Potatoes:

• diced potatoes, cooked
• salt, butter, pepper

Make potatoes like you normally would, and set aside.

Sauce:

• 5 jalapeños, seeded and diced
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 8 oz package cream cheese
• ½ bunch cilantro
• ¼ cup mayo
• juice of one lime
• 1-2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

Chop your jalapeños and take the seeds out. You might want to wear gloves while chopping to avoid irritation.

Saute jalapenos and 2 T butter in a pan until browned and soft. In a separate pan, melt the remaining 4 T of butter and set aside.

This dish would be perfect for new Land O Lakes® Butter half sticks. You'll have the perfect amount for this dish, and won't have to waste the rest.

Add cooked jalapenos to a food processor along with melted butter, cream cheese, cilantro, mayo, lime juice. Pulse until well chopped and mixed.

Add mixture back to the pan, return to medium heat, and stir in cheese until melted.

Take sauce, stir into your mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

The potatoes go perfectly with grilled meat and side of veggies. The sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for chips, on tacos, or as a spread for hamburgers!

Ready for dessert, appetizers, main courses, or even a tablescape? Visit my friends below to check out delicious recipes that will be perfect for upcoming spring and summertime parties. I'm getting hungry just looking at them!