If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful side that steals the show at any meal, this Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are generously mixed with rich cream cheese, melty cheddar and mozzarella, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, then baked until bubbling and golden. This recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that transforms your typical mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing, irresistible dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and indulgence. From the creamy dairy components to the crispy savory bacon and fresh chives, every element works harmoniously to make this dish unforgettable.
- Potatoes (2 ½ pounds, Russet or Yukon Gold): Choose starchy Russets for fluffy mash or Yukon Golds for a naturally buttery texture.
- Bacon (8 slices, chopped): Adds smoky, crispy goodness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Gives extra creaminess and a slight tang that enriches the mash.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Infuses richness and smoothness into the potatoes.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Enhances tangy flavor and silkiness.
- Milk (½ cup): Keeps the mash moist without watering it down.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided): Offers sharp, cheesy depth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup, divided): Melts beautifully for gooey, stretchy goodness.
- Chives (¼ cup, minced, divided): Adds a pop of fresh, oniony brightness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes, then place them in a large saucepan with cold water and a generous pinch of salt. Boil until they’re fork-tender. This ensures your potatoes will mash effortlessly and have just the right texture to soak up all those rich flavors later.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are boiling, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until it’s perfectly crispy. Drain it on paper towels to get rid of excess grease. This crispy bacon is key because it adds a wonderful texture and smoky punch to the dish.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes well, then transfer them to a large bowl. Mash until fluffy and lump-free. Add the softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, milk, half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and half of the minced chives. Season generously with salt and pepper. For extra creaminess and fluffiness, feel free to use a hand mixer. The combination of all these rich ingredients is what makes this Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes Recipe truly memorable.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed potato mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top, then scatter the crispy bacon and leftover chives over the surface. Bake for about 30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. This final step gives the dish that signature melty, golden crust everyone loves.
How to Serve Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chives are the classic garnish here, adding a lovely splash of color and mild oniony flavor that cuts through the richness. For extra flair, a dollop of sour cream or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika can add visual contrast and a hint of smoky heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty vegetable stew. Since it’s rich in flavor and texture, complement it with lighter, fresh sides like steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheesy bacon mashed potatoes in individual ramekins or hollow out baked potatoes and fill them with the mash mixture topped with cheese and bacon. This makes for a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesy bacon mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture just right for reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but be mindful that cheeses can sometimes change texture. To freeze, place the potatoes in a freezer-safe container and cover tightly. Use within 2 months for best results.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the mashed potatoes in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes, or gently microwave in shorter bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps restore creaminess lost in storage.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic for this Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes Recipe, feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep the ratios similar to maintain creaminess.
Is it necessary to bake the mashed potatoes after mixing?
The baking step isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It melts the remaining cheese and crisps the bacon on top, creating a delightful golden crust that enhances both flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and use smoked paprika or crispy fried onions to add that savory depth often provided by bacon. This way, the dish stays rich and satisfying without the meat.
What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes give you a fluffy texture, perfect for smooth mashed potatoes, whereas Yukon Golds provide a creamier, buttery taste right from the start. Either works well—choose based on your preferred mash consistency.
How do I make the mashed potatoes extra fluffy?
Use a hand mixer instead of a potato masher and be careful not to overmix, or the potatoes may become gluey. Adding cream cheese, butter, and milk while mashing also helps achieve an incredibly light and fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves a rich, comforting side dish packed with flavor and made from simple ingredients. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these mashed potatoes bring warmth and joy to the table like no other. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes!
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Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bacon and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, baked to golden perfection for a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 ½ pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
Bacon and Cheese Mixture
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup chives, minced, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, then drain them well.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes are cooking, brown the chopped bacon in a pan over medium heat until it is crispy. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Mash Potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the drained potatoes until fluffy. Add the softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the minced chives. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly, or use a hand mixer for an extra fluffy texture.
- Bake: Transfer the cheesy potato mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cooked bacon, and chives evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy mashed potatoes immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for fluffiness or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the mash.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding to make mixing easier.
- You can substitute milk with half-and-half for a richer dish.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
