Okay, y’all, this one is so straightforward, but I have to share because it’s just so good!

This cheesy side dish is perfect for pairing with any of your favorite American mains: meatloaf, baked chicken, fried chicken, pot roast, steak, or grilled veggies. May I suggest making it accompany some of my Simple Collard Greens with Sausage? In fact, these two dishes could constitute a whole meal just by themselves!

4 medium potatoes, scrubbed and free of blemishes
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1 heaping tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup grated white cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp thyme, ground between fingers
1/2 tsp oregano
dash paprika
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
salt to taste

1. Bring large pot of water to a boil. Cut potatoes into disks about 1/2 inch thick, and set to boil with a little salt.

2. Test whether potatoes are done with a knife; once they are cooked through, drain water and remove pot from heat.

3. Add remaining ingredients to mashed potatoes and mash to desired consistency. For this recipe, I prefer them a little chunky. Crumble a little thyme over them on the plate for a nice presentation.

Serves 2-4.