If garlic mashed potatoes aren’t enough, try loaded mashed potatoes. The buttery, creamy potatoes mix with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream and green onions. Every bite tastes like the best part of a loaded baked potato.
Table of Contents
Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Key Ingredients
Russet potatoes make a great base for loaded mashed potatoes because they mash up light and fluffy while still becoming rich and creamy with butter, sour cream, and cheese. I mash them until mostly smooth, leaving a little texture.
Sour cream adds a little tang that balances the butter and cheese. It also makes the potatoes extra creamy.
Cheddar melts into the potatoes and adds a sharp, cheesy flavor. I mix some into the mashed potatoes and save the rest for the top.
Bacon adds salty, smoky flavor and a little crunch. I cook it until crisp so it stays crunchy on top of the warm potatoes.
Tips & Tricks
Dry the potatoes after draining: After draining, put the potatoes back in the hot pot for about a minute. This helps the extra moisture cook off, so the potatoes don’t end up watery when you add the butter and sour cream.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the dairy, mix just until everything comes together. I stop as soon as the potatoes are creamy because overmixing can make them sticky and gummy.
Warm the milk first: Warm milk blends into the potatoes more easily and keeps them hot. Cold milk can cool the potatoes down and make them harder to mix smoothly.
Here’s how to make the loaded mashed potatoes:
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheddar, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions, a great side for any dinner.
Ingredients
- Mashed Potatoes
- 3 lbsrusset potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 4 tablespoonsbutter
- 1/2 cupsour cream
- 1/2 cupmilk (warm)
- 1 teaspoonsalt
- 1/4 teaspoonblack pepper
- Toppings
- 1 1/2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 8 slicesbacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 3green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- 1Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until a fork slides in easily.
- 2Drain well and return the potatoes to the hot pot for 1 minute to dry out.
- 3Add the butter and mash until mostly smooth.
- 4Stir in the sour cream, warm milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Mix just until combined.
- 5Fold in 1 cup of the cheddar until melted.
- 6Transfer to a serving dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar, the bacon, and the green onions. Serve hot.
Nutrition per serving
📌 Notes
- Warm the milk first so the potatoes stay hot and absorb it easily.
- Don't overmix once the dairy goes in, or the potatoes can turn gummy.
- Cook the bacon until crisp so it stays crunchy on top.
- For extra melty cheese, broil the topped potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes.
How to Pair
Loaded mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, cheesy, and savory. They pair well with hearty meats, roasted vegetables, and fresh sides that balance their richness. You can:
- Pair them with roasted broccoli, glazed carrots, or crisp green beans for color and freshness.
- Serve them with roast chicken, grilled steak, or barbecue ribs for a comforting dinner.
- Enjoy them with meatloaf, baked ham, or turkey during family dinners and holiday meals.
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