Loaded Mashed Potatoes

• servings: 8 servings
• active time: 20 minutes
• total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds russet potatoes (about 3 large potatoes or 6 medium), peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces

6 slices bacon, preferably center-cut

1/2 cup whole milk

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

1 large bunch fresh chives, finely chopped until you have 1/4 cup

1 cup sour cream (8 ounces)

Directions

Step 1

Place 3 pounds peeled and chopped russet potatoes in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, about 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender and can be easily poked with a paring knife, 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the milk mixture and prepare the mix-ins.

Step 2

Place 6 slices bacon in a large skillet in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, flipping halfway through, until crisp, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces.

Step 3

Place 1/2 cup whole milk, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted, 2 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Step 4

When the potatoes are ready, drain through a heatproof colander. Place the colander over the pot. When cool enough to handle but still warm, return to the pot and mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth (a few lumps are fine). (Alternatively, pass the potatoes through a ricer or food mill back into the pot.)

Step 5

Add the warm milk mixture, bacon, cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and all but 1 tablespoon of the chives. Stir to combine (the cheese won’t be completely melted). Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with the reserved chives and serve.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Serves 8
• Calories: 476 cal
• Total Fat: 32.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 16.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 608.3 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 33.9 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.3 g
• Total Sugars: 3.0 g
• Protein: 14.4 g