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Creamy Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Best Side Dish

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Rich, velvety mashed potatoes made with Yukon Golds, butter, heavy cream, and finished with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for the ultimate comfort food side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or Whole Milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream, full-fat
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Crispy Bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 stalks Green Onions, sliced thinly
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Chives, chopped
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel potatoes and cut into even 1.5-inch chunks. Place in a large stockpot.
  2. Cover potatoes with cold water by an inch and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Do not overcook.
  4. Drain potatoes in a colander. Return to the hot pot and let sit on the warm burner for 1-2 minutes to steam dry excess moisture.
  5. Mash the hot potatoes using a potato masher or food mill until mostly smooth.
  6. While mashing, warm the butter, heavy cream, and minced garlic in a small saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling.
  7. Slowly pour the warm butter mixture into the mashed potatoes while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Add in batches until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Remove pot from heat. Fold in sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon. Stir gently.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, and chives. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always start potatoes in cold salted water to ensure even cooking. Warm your dairy before adding to prevent a gummy texture. Do not overmix the potatoes once dairy is added, as this releases starch and makes them gluey. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use plant-based butter and sour cream. If potatoes are too thick, add more warm milk; if too thin, cook on low heat to evaporate excess liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, loaded mashed potatoes, comfort food, side dish, yukon gold potatoes, bacon mashed potatoes, sour cream potatoes

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