Loaded Mash Potato Recipe
Bacon, Cheese, Green Onions
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Ingredients
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Mashed Potatoes
Toppings (Loaded)
Method
Mashed Potatoes
- 1
Prepare and boil potatoes
Place peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes depending on piece size.
- 2
- 3
Mash and season
Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes until mostly smooth. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 ounces softened cream cheese; stir until incorporated. Gradually add 1 cup warmed whole milk and up to 2 tablespoons cream or half-and-half if using, until you reach desired creaminess. Season with 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste). Keep warm on the lowest heat or cover.
Toppings (Loaded)
- 4
Cook and chop bacon
While potatoes cook, place bacon slices in a cold skillet in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp (about 8–10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1–2 teaspoons of bacon fat for optional flavoring (see note).
- 5
Prepare green onions and cheese
Thinly slice the green onions, keeping whites and greens separated. Shred 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and set aside.
- 6
Assemble loaded mash
Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl or keep in the pot off heat. Fold in about half (1/2 cup) of the shredded cheddar and half of the chopped bacon if you prefer mix-in distribution, or leave the mash plain and top as desired. Spoon dollops of sour cream (about 1/2 to 1 cup distributed over the top). Sprinkle remaining cheddar, the rest of the chopped bacon, and the green onion whites over the potatoes. Finish with sliced green onion greens, a light dusting of smoked paprika or chopped chives if using, and an additional grind of black pepper. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- 7
Optional broil for a bubbly topping
For a bubbly, browned cheese top: preheat broiler. Place mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle the remaining cheddar evenly on top, and broil 2–4 minutes until cheese melts and begins to brown—watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from oven and add bacon pieces, sour cream dollops, and green onions before serving.
- 8
Serve
Serve hot as a side; yields about 4 generous servings. Provide extra sour cream, chopped green onions, and bacon on the side so diners can customize.