Imagine a side dish so irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon that it steals the spotlight from the main course. These Bacon Cheddar Mashed Potatoes are not just a side dish—they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary potatoes into a decadent masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the classic richness of mashed potatoes with the irresistible crunch of bacon and the sharp tang of cheddar cheese.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the potatoes. Peel and cube 2 pounds of potatoes into uniform pieces, about 1-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking.
- Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
- Bring the pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the bacon. Cook 4 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Once the potatoes are done cooking, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. This will help steam off any excess moisture.
- Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the hot potatoes and let it melt. Then, using a potato masher or a fork, begin mashing the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.
- Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of milk while continuing to mash the potatoes. Adjust the amount of milk based on your preferred creaminess.
- Once the potatoes are mashed and creamy, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
- Finally, stir in the crumbled bacon and season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Serve the mashed potatoes warm, garnished with additional crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious mashed potatoes with bacon and cheddar!
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Salt your potato water generously to enhance the overall flavor from the start.
- Always start with cold water when boiling potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- For extra smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher.
- Let butter and milk be at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don't overmix the potatoes to avoid a gluey consistency.
- Use high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact.
- Cook bacon until crispy for the best textural contrast.
- Warm your serving dish to keep the potatoes hot and creamy.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute some milk with Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
