Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon, these potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes (Russet, Yukon Gold, or Red potatoes work well), peeled and cubed
- Bacon:
- 8 oz bacon, chopped
- Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- Dairy:
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Seasoning:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Add the cubed potatoes to a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork (about 15-20 minutes). Drain the potatoes well.
- Sauté Garlic (Optional):
- If using garlic, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the remaining bacon grease and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Mash the Potatoes:
- Return the drained potatoes to the pot or place them in a large bowl.
- Add the butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the sour cream if using.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked bacon and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer and Top:
- Transfer the potato mixture to a greased baking dish (9×13 inch).
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- Sprinkle paprika over the top if desired.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
- Serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the potatoes.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
- Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or corn for a heartier dish.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you do not want to bake the potatoes, you can combine all ingredients in the pot, and heat over a low heat untill the cheese is melted.