Garlic-Infused Mashed Plantains with Cheese
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 (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, shredded cheddar cheese 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.
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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Infused Mashed Plantains with Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic-Infused Mashed Plantains with Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Infused Mashed Plantains with Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Garlic-Infused Mashed Plantains with Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Garlic-Infused Mashed Plantains with Cheese vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
