Mashed Potato with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Mashed Potato with Bacon: the ultimate comfort food just got even better! Imagine a creamy, dreamy cloud of mashed potatoes, infused with the smoky, savory goodness of crispy bacon. Are you drooling yet? I know I am! This isn’t just your average side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Mashed potatoes have a long and storied history, dating back to the introduction of the potato to Europe in the 16th century. They quickly became a staple, offering a simple yet satisfying way to nourish families. Adding bacon, however, elevates this humble dish to a whole new level of indulgence. Think of it as a modern twist on a classic, a culinary hug on a plate.

People adore Mashed Potato with Bacon for so many reasons. The creamy texture of the potatoes perfectly complements the salty, crunchy bacon. It’s a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or a crowd-pleasing dish for a holiday gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. The rich flavor and satisfying texture make it a comforting and irresistible treat for all ages. Get ready to experience mashed potatoes like never before!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preparing the Potatoes:

1. Get those potatoes ready! Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water – make sure the water level is at least an inch above the potatoes. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without much resistance.
4. Don’t overcook them! Overcooked potatoes will absorb too much water and result in watery mashed potatoes.
5. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Give them a good shake to remove any excess water. Return the drained potatoes to the pot.

Creating the Creamy Base:

1. While the potatoes are draining, let’s warm up the milk and melt some butter. In a small saucepan, combine the milk and 4 tablespoons of the butter. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted and the milk is warm, but not boiling. Warming the milk helps it incorporate smoothly into the potatoes and prevents them from becoming gluey.
2. Don’t skip this step! Cold milk can shock the potatoes and affect their texture.
3. Once the potatoes are back in the pot, use a potato masher or a ricer to mash them. A ricer will give you the smoothest, fluffiest mashed potatoes, but a masher works just fine too. If you’re using a masher, be sure to get all the lumps out.
4. Gradually pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the mashed potatoes, mixing continuously with the masher or a wooden spoon. Add the milk slowly to control the consistency. You might not need all of it, depending on the type of potatoes you’re using.
5. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder to the potatoes. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated and the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and season! Now’s the time to taste your mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon will also add saltiness, so don’t overdo it at this stage.

Bacon Bliss and Final Touches:

1. While the potatoes are cooking, let’s get that bacon crispy! Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Alternatively, you can bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
2. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
3. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. You can use your hands or a knife to chop it up.
4. Now, stir most of the crumbled bacon into the mashed potatoes, reserving some for garnish. If you’re using cheddar cheese, stir it in at this point as well.
5. Almost there! Give everything a final mix to ensure the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the mashed potatoes.
6. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl.
7. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Drizzle the melted butter over the mashed potatoes.
8. Garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped fresh chives.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your decadent mashed potatoes!

Tips and Variations:

• Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are the classic choice for mashed potatoes because they are starchy and fluffy. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they will result in gluey mashed potatoes.
• Cream Cheese: Using softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth and creamy texture. If you forget to soften it, you can microwave it for a few seconds until it’s soft enough to mix in.
• Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will add a similar tanginess and creaminess.
• Garlic Infusion: For a more intense garlic flavor, you can infuse the milk with garlic cloves. Simply add a few cloves of garlic to the milk while it’s heating up, and remove them before adding the milk to the potatoes.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Rosemary, thyme, or parsley would all be delicious additions to these mashed potatoes.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
• Make Ahead: You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them later. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and microwave or heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t have bacon, you can use pancetta or prosciutto as a substitute. You can also use vegetarian bacon bits for a meat-free option.
• Serving Suggestions: These mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, or any other main course. They are also delicious on their own as a comfort food meal.

Troubleshooting:

• Lumpy Mashed Potatoes: If your mashed potatoes are lumpy, try using a ricer or a potato masher with smaller holes. You can also add a little bit more milk or cream to help smooth them out.
• Watery Mashed Potatoes: If your mashed potatoes are watery, it’s likely because the potatoes absorbed too much water during cooking. To fix this, you can try cooking them over low heat for a few minutes to evaporate some of the excess moisture. You can also add a tablespoon or two of instant mashed potato flakes to absorb the extra liquid.
• Gluey Mashed Potatoes: Gluey mashed potatoes are usually caused by overmixing or using the wrong type of potatoes. Avoid overmixing the potatoes, and use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds.
• Dry Mashed Potatoes: If your mashed potatoes are dry, add more milk or cream until they reach the desired consistency.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 12-15 grams
• Cholesterol: 75-100 mg
• Sodium: 400-500 mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Fiber: 3-4 grams
• Sugar: 5-7 grams
• Protein: 8-10 grams

Enjoy your creamy, bacon-filled mashed potato masterpiece! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This isn’t just your average side dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this Mashed Potato with Bacon recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The creamy, dreamy potatoes combined with the salty, smoky bacon create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve at a holiday gathering. Plus, who can resist the allure of bacon? It adds a depth of flavor that takes ordinary mashed potatoes to extraordinary heights.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how you can make this recipe your own! While it’s fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking.

* For a cheesy twist: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda cheese at the end. The melted cheese will add a gooey, decadent element that’s simply irresistible.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. This is especially delicious if you’re serving the mashed potatoes with grilled meats or spicy dishes.
* Herbaceous delight: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can add a bright, aromatic touch. Simply chop them finely and stir them in just before serving.
* Garlic lover’s dream: Roast a head of garlic and mash it into the potatoes for a rich, savory flavor. The roasted garlic will add a subtle sweetness that complements the bacon perfectly.
* Loaded baked potato style: Top your mashed potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and extra bacon bits for a truly indulgent experience.
* Make it a meal: Serve the mashed potatoes with a fried egg on top for a satisfying and comforting meal. The runny yolk will add richness and flavor to the potatoes.
* Holiday perfection: For Thanksgiving or Christmas, consider adding roasted Brussels sprouts or caramelized onions to the mashed potatoes for a festive touch.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and find your own favorite variations. The possibilities are endless!

Ready to Get Cooking?

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to your table. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. After all, cooking should be fun!

Once you’ve made this amazing Mashed Potato with Bacon, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy cooking!