These Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Bacon are the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy mashed potatoes with melty cheese and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, holiday feasts, or any time you’re craving something rich and satisfying.
A Family Favorite: Why We Can’t Get Enough of Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon
In our household, mashed potatoes have always been a staple, but when we added cheese and bacon to the mix, it quickly became a dish that we couldn’t resist. The first time I , my husband declared it the best mashed potatoes he’d ever had. The kids? They couldn’t get enough of it! Now, it’s our go-to side for everything from Sunday roasts to weeknight dinners. The combination of creamy, with the salty, crunchy bacon is just pure comfort in every bite. It’s a dish that brings us all to the table with smiles, and I’m sure it will do the same for you!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon
Creamy and Cheesy: These mashed with gooey melted cheese, making them extra indulgent.
Crispy Bacon: The addition of crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch that takes this dish to the next level.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this dish fits right in.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a ready in no time.
Versatile: Customize it with your favorite cheeses or add herbs like chives for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients Notes For Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet texture.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix in some mozzarella or Parmesan.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds the best crunch and flavor.
Butter and Cream: Essential for that rich, creamy consistency in your mashed potatoes.
Garlic: Optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor when sautéed with the bacon.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon
Cook the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
Mash the Potatoes: Add butter and cream to the pot, mashing the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cheese until melted and well combined.
: While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces.
Combine and Serve: Stir half of the . Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving and a sprinkle of extra cheese, if desired.
Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with fresh chives or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage Options
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: These mashed potatoes can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or side.
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon, a rich and savory dish loaded with melted cheese and crispy bacon.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are cooking, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add the sour cream, milk, butter, and minced garlic (if using) to the drained potatoes. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer, depending on your preference.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cooked bacon into the mashed potatoes. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Top with More Cheese: Transfer the cheesy mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the rest of the bacon on top.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the mashed potatoes with chopped green onions or chives. Serve hot.