Loaded mashed potatoes, a cross between mashed potatoes and a loaded baked potato, will never be mistaken for bland potatoes. Rich and creamy, these cheesy potatoes will have guests reaching for seconds!
Try Something New: Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Introduce something new at your next gathering by serving loaded mashed potatoes. While mashed potatoes are de rigueur for many holiday tables, they can wear a festive look with a topping of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes are a Favorite
These potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Their creamy texture, combined with the delightful toppings, makes them an instant favorite at any gathering. The surprising part? Everyone loves them! Whether it’s the appetizing look or the classic comfort of mashed potatoes that draws people in, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Use Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes form the base of this dish. While other types of potatoes can be used, Yukon Golds give this dish a distinct, rich, buttery flavor. Mixed with butter, cream cheese, and sour cream, this side dish has a creamy consistency that’s hard to resist. When topped with melty cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon, this appetizing side looks as good as it tastes. It’s no wonder it has secured a spot as a staple side dish at many holiday feasts!
Crisp Bacon: The Perfect Finishing Touch
One of the standout features of this recipe is the crispy bacon, added just before serving. Unlike traditional methods, where bacon is cooked with the potatoes, adding it in at the end ensures that it retains its crunch. This not only enhances the overall dish but also allows those who prefer a vegetarian option to simply omit the bacon, making it versatile for all guests.
Prep Made Easy for Loaded Mashed Potatoes
With a reasonable prep and cook time, you can whip up these loaded mashed potatoes in no time. They are simple enough for a beginner to tackle yet impressive enough to wow seasoned chefs. The recipe allows for some flexibility; feel free to customize the toppings or substitute the cheddar cheese with another type, such as Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack, based on your personal preferences.
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Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt + extra for salting the water
- pepper to taste
- ¼ cup butter
- â…” cup evaporated milk
- â…“ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (see note below for gluten-free)
- ½ cup mild cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 5 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
Instructions
- Peel and slice the potatoes and place them in a pan of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes or until tender.
- Remove from the heat and drain well in a colander. Preheat the oven to broil.
- Place the cooked potatoes in a mixing bowl. Then heat 2/3 cup of evaporated milk and the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the milk is warm and the butter is melted. Stir until the butter completely melts.
- Add the milk mixture, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and sour cream to the potatoes. Stir by hand to combine. Then, use the mixer to whip the potatoes until smooth. Add more warm milk if the potatoes are too stiff. Do not overmix.
- Use cooking spray to coat an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or an equivalent-size dish. Spoon the potatoes into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the potatoes. Add more cheese if needed to make a thin coating over the entire top. Broil for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts
- Remove potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with the bacon and green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
Gluten-Free Option
- Use full-fat cream cheese to make this dish gluten-free. Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese may contain fillers with gluten.
- Check that your bacon doesn’t contain any gluten fillers.