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Loaded Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

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Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes paired with tangy cream cheese, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar—it’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly-sized chunks. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  3. While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain, then crumble into small pieces.
  4. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese, butter, and milk. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash until smooth and creamy.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, saving the rest for the topping.
  7. Optional: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh chives before serving for extra flavor and color.

Notes

[‘Don’t overmix the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture.’, ‘Use softened butter and room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother blend.’, ‘Roast garlic for deeper flavor before adding to the mashed potatoes.’, ‘Prepare the mashed potatoes a day in advance and reheat gently with a splash of milk.’, ‘Customize the cheese by swapping cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed potatoes, cream cheese, loaded potatoes, comfort food, side dish, holiday recipe, bacon, cheddar cheese, creamy potatoes

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/loaded-cream-cheese-mashed-potatoes-recipe-that-everyone-loves/