Garlic-Infused Mashed Plantains with Cheese

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-11 · Updated 2026-04-11

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A creamy, savory Puerto Rican staple made with tender plantains mashed with garlic and melted cheese, perfect as a side or light meal. This Puerto Rican-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs green plantains, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

4 medium (1.5 lbs total), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks green plantains
2 tbsp olive oil
3, minced garlic cloves
1/4 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Place plantain chunks in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat; reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender, then drain thoroughly.
Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat; add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Return drained plantains to the pot, add sautéed garlic, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/4 tsp salt; mash with a potato masher until smooth, then stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.