Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe
If you are craving a comforting dish that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table, then the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines creamy mashed potatoes loaded with layers of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh, bright chives for that perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it an irresistible side or even a main for any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the foundation of this recipe, each one playing an essential role. From the starchy potatoes providing a perfect fluffy base, to the cheese that delivers gooey richness, and the bacon adding crisp, smoky depth—every ingredient counts in making this dish unforgettable.
- 2 ½ pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold): These varieties are perfect for smooth, creamy mashed potatoes thanks to their fluffy texture.
- 8 slices bacon, chopped: Crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the potatoes.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese enriches the mash with silkiness and a subtle tang.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter adds that luscious, velvety feel and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream: This brings moisture and a slight tartness to balance the richness in the dish.
- ½ cup milk: Milk helps loosen up the potatoes to the ideal creamy consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp cheddar infuses the mash with bold cheesiness and a golden color when baked.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Mozzarella melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey texture on top.
- ¼ cup chives, minced, divided: Fresh chives add a gentle oniony brightness and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Cook Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) because you’ll bake the dish later to perfection. Place your peeled and cubed potatoes into a large saucepan, cover them completely with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Cooking them in salted water seasons the potatoes from within. Boil them until they are fork-tender, which means a fork slides in and out easily without resistance. Then drain them thoroughly to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
Step 2: Cook Bacon
While the potatoes are cooking, it’s time to fry the bacon until it becomes crispy and wonderfully fragrant. Once cooked, transfer the bacon pieces onto paper towels to soak up the excess grease. Those crispy bacon bits will add irresistible texture and a smoky punch to your cheesy mashed potatoes.
Step 3: Mash Potatoes
In a large bowl, mash the drained potatoes until fluffy and free of lumps. Now, mix in the softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with half of the minced chives. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. Using a hand mixer here can help get the creamiest, fluffiest result, but a sturdy masher works great too.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Transfer your cheesy potato mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top, followed by the crispy bacon pieces and the rest of the chives. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and oh-so-tempting. The baking step melds all the flavors beautifully, creating a luscious crust while keeping the inside irresistibly creamy.
How to Serve Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair at serving time is easy and so appreciated. Sprinkle a few additional fresh chives on top right before serving for that fresh oniony pop and vivid green color. If you love a little extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a pat of butter melting atop the dish right out of the oven never hurts.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe is a star side dish to pair with so many meals. Think roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or juicy pork chops. For a veggie contrast, roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans with garlic work beautifully. It’s rich and hearty enough to stand up to bold mains or be part of a comforting holiday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve your cheesy mashed potatoes in individual ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of bacon and chives for a charming presentation. Or turn it into loaded mashed potato bowls by adding toppings like caramelized onions, crispy fried shallots, or even a soft poached egg for an elevated touch. It’s all about turning this humble classic into something a little special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this fantastic dish, you’ll be happy to know it keeps well. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, but the cheese might firm up, so reheating gently is key.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for even longer, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe freeze quite well. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When frozen, the texture can firm up a bit, but with proper reheating, it’s just as comforting.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven at a low temperature to thaw the cheese and restore creaminess. Adding a splash of milk or cream while warming helps revive that fluffy, luscious texture. Microwaving is quick but takes extra care—heat in short bursts and stir in between.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella provide a perfect balance of sharpness and meltiness, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan for a unique twist.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon or substitute it with crispy smoked tempeh or mushrooms for that savory, smoky flavor without meat. The dish will still be cheesy and delicious.
Is it necessary to bake after mashing?
The baking step isn’t mandatory, but it really elevates the dish by creating a golden, bubbly cheese crust and warming everything through beautifully. If you’re short on time, serving it right after mixing is still tasty.
What’s the best potato for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they’re high in starch and create fluffy, smooth mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds are great too, offering a slightly buttery flavor and creamier texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and bacon mixture a day ahead, then bake it right before serving. This is perfect for busy days or entertaining guests without last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe that makes it a crowd favorite every time. Its creamy, cheesy base, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives come together in a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe is a must-try that will quickly become a beloved classic in your home kitchen.
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Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, crispy bacon, and fresh chives baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions, these cheesy mashed potatoes offer a rich, fluffy, and flavorful twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 ½ pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
Bacon and Cheese
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
Herbs and Seasoning
- ¼ cup chives, minced, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well once cooked.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes are cooking, chop the bacon into pieces and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Mash Potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the drained potatoes until fluffy. Add the softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the minced chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly, using a hand mixer for extra fluffiness if desired.
- Bake: Transfer the cheesy mashed potato mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, crispy bacon, and chives on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cheesy mashed potatoes immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Russet potatoes provide a fluffier texture, while Yukon Gold offers a creamier result; choose according to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat dairy such as cream cheese and sour cream.
- You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for smoky flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
