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
Scale
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
