These Loaded Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food!
They are creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions. An irresistible addition for any meal that everyone will love.
About the Recipe
This loaded mashed potatoes recipe is a must-try for any occasion. It brings together the comforting creaminess of classic mashed potatoes with a delicious twist.
The addition of cream cheese, melty cheddar cheese and smoky bacon adds the best flavor and makes this side dish hard to resist. It's the goodness of a loaded baked potato in mashed potatoes!
Whether you are looking to elevate your everyday meals or looking for an impressive side for a special gathering, these mashed potatoes are your ticket! Everyone will love the flavor-packed and heartwarming goodness of this potato dish.
If you are looking for more awesome potato recipes, check out our: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes, Sautéed Sweet Potatoes, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, or Easy Cheesy Au Gratin Hasselback Potatoes.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Delicious - While classic mashed potatoes are always a hit, these loaded ones add an exciting twist. The combination of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors makes them truly unique.
Comforting -These creamy mashed potatoes, combined with cream cheese and cheddar, bring a comforting warmth to your plate. They're ideal for those days when you're seeking a cozy and satisfying side dish.
Versatile - Whether it's a casual family dinner, a Christmas dinner feast, or a potluck gathering, these loaded mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit with everyone. They're a crowd-pleaser through and through.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this potato recipe:
- Potatoes - You will use 3 pounds of peeled and diced Yukon gold potatoes.
- Butter - I like to use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Kosher salt & black pepper
- Cream cheese - Use room temperature cream cheese for best results.
- Milk - I prefer whole milk for this recipe for the best flavor and creamy texture. You could use skim milk for a lighter mashed potato or heavy cream for extra decadent mashed potatoes.
- Sour cream - Use sour cream in the mashed potatoes to make them extra creamy. You can also top with a dollop of sour cream before serving!
- Cheddar cheese - Use freshly shredded or pre-shredded cheese. I love using sharp cheddar cheese in this recipe.
- Bacon - Use 4 slices of cooked and chopped bacon.
- Green onions - You can also use fresh chives.
Directions
Let's make these creamy potatoes together!
Step 1: Place potatoes in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover the potatoes. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 2: Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Let them cool for 5 minutes and then mash with a potato masher.
Step 3: Add the butter, salt, pepper, cream cheese, milk, and sour cream. Stir until combined. Add the cheese and bacon and stir well.
Step 4: Garnish with green onions on top of the potatoes, serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this perfect side dish:
Uniform potato chunks - Try to dice your potatoes in uniform sized chunks. This ensures that they cook evenly, resulting in a consistent texture when mashing.
Don’t overcook - Be mindful not to overcook the potatoes. They should be fork tender but not mushy. Overcooking can make them too watery.
Season to taste - Adjust the salt and black pepper to your liking. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Utilize Leftovers - Use leftover mashed potatoes as the base of this recipe, and add in the bacon bits, cheese, and green onion.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for the best loaded mashed potatoes. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Potato masher - All you need to mash potatoes is an old fashioned potato masher. This one is great and affordable!
Large pot - A quality large pot is important for any home cook! It's a go-to for making soups, pastas, and dishes for a crowd.
Serving dish - I love this bowl for a serving dish. This casserole dish also doubles as a serving dish!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this delicious side dish.
Cheese - While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to use other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
Bacon - Substitute bacon with crispy pancetta or turkey bacon for a leaner option, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Green onions - Swap green onions for chives, finely chopped shallots, or even caramelized onions for a different twist.
Additions - Roast a few cloves of garlic and mix them into the potatoes for a robust garlic flavor. Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the mashed potatoes for an herbal aroma and flavor.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside these fluffy potatoes:
Bavette Steak - This incredible recipe for Bavette Steak is flavor-packed and simple to make. It is a great option for when you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a grilling party, enjoying a romantic dinner, or simply indulging in a flavorful meal.
Easy Baked Chicken Thighs - Change up Thanksgiving with this roasted Turkey Tenderloins recipe! This is a great alternative for a whole turkey, especially when you only have a small crowd. It's also a great option if you only prefer white meat.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken - This recipe for spinach and feta stuffed chicken is a great dish to add to your week’s meal plan. These juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are stuffed with a delicious spinach and feta mixture, quickly seared until golden brown and then baked in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yukon golds work wonderfully due to their natural creaminess. However, you can also use russet potatoes for a slightly fluffier texture. You can even experiment with red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
Yes! You can make these ahead of time and reheat them gently on the stove or in the oven. Just be sure to stir occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency.
Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative can be used as a substitute for sour cream while maintaining a creamy texture and a hint of tanginess.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage instructions for this side dish recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Freezer Storage: While it's possible to freeze these mashed potatoes, they can become slightly watery upon thawing. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, be prepared for a potential change in texture.
Other Recipes to Try
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lb yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced in chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 4 sliced bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onion diced
Instructions
- Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, until tender.
- Drain potatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Let cool for 5 minutes, then mash with a potato masher.
- Add butter, salt, black pepper, cream cheese, whole milk, and sour cream to the potatoes. Stir until combined. Add in the cheddar cheese and bacon. Stir well.
- Top with green onion and serve.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Allie says
These loaded mashed potatoes were a HUGE hit at Friendsgiving last week! Everyone asked me for the recipe.
Christina Musgrave says
Yay! Thanks so much!