Hearty Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Bacon & Cheddar (Print Version)

Hearty, creamy Loaded Mashed Potatoes with bacon and cheddar. A comforting side dish, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains dairy, pork

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2.5 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
02 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
07 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

→ The 'Loaded' Bits

08 - 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
09 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (plus more for garnish)
10 - 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)

→ Optional Extras

11 - A dollop of sour cream for serving
12 - Fresh chives for extra garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, I peel my russet potatoes and cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks. Try to make them as uniform as possible, hon, so they cook evenly. This is where I always forget to salt the water the first time around, so learn from my mistakes! Pop them into a large pot, cover with cold water by about an inch, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until they’re fork-tender, usually 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in without resistance.
02 - While the potatoes are simmering away, it’s bacon time! I get a skillet nice and hot over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s super crispy. This usually takes me about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Let it cool a bit, then crumble it up. Honestly, I usually sneak a piece or two here; it’s impossible not to!
03 - Drain your tender potatoes really, really well. You don’t want any extra water making your Loaded Mashed Potatoes soggy. Return them to the hot, empty pot. Add the butter, cream cheese, and warm milk. Now, mash away! I use a potato ricer for the smoothest results, but a good old masher works too. Don't overmix, though; we’re going for fluffy, not gluey. Keep mashing until they’re mostly smooth, with just a few delightful lumps if you like that rustic vibe.
04 - Once your potatoes are mashed to your liking, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This is your chance to taste and adjust. I’m usually pretty heavy-handed with the pepper, but that’s just me! I’ve had moments where I’ve added too much salt, so always go little by little and taste as you go. It’s easier to add more than to fix an overly salty batch, trust me on that one.
05 - Now for the fun part: loading these mashed potatoes! Gently fold in most of your crumbled bacon and about two-thirds of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. I like to leave a little bit of both for garnishing later. Stir just enough to combine everything; you don’t want to overwork the potatoes. This step always smells incredible, all that cheesy bacon goodness coming together!
06 - You can serve your Loaded Mashed Potatoes immediately, topped with the remaining bacon, cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Or, if you want that extra bubbly, cheesy top, transfer them to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and melty. The smell of that warm, cheesy crust is just heavenly, a real showstopper.

# Notes:

01 - Always use warm milk and butter; it makes the mashed potatoes incredibly smooth.
02 - For easy cleanup, cook bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the oven.
03 - If you're out of cream cheese, a dollop of sour cream adds a similar tang and richness.
04 - Serve these Loaded Mashed Potatoes in a warm bowl right from the oven for ultimate comfort.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - potato masher or ricer
03 - large skillet
04 - mixing spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 15g

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