master-cooks | Super Bacony Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Super Bacony Mashed Potatoes offer a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, bringing savory bacon flavor into every creamy bite. Start by boiling peeled and cubed potatoes until tender, then drain and return them to the pot. While the potatoes cook, fry crispy bacon strips until golden brown, then crumble them into small pieces. In the same pan, sauté garlic in the bacon drippings to infuse even more flavor into the dish. Mash the potatoes with butter and a generous splash of milk or cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in the crumbled bacon, sautéed garlic, and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, gooey texture. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives for a hint of freshness. The result is a hearty side dish bursting with the irresistible aroma and taste of bacon, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. This recipe elevates simple mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleaser, offering layers of flavor and texture that make it a standout on any table. Whether served alongside roasted meats or as part of a larger spread, these potatoes are sure to satisfy any bacon lover's cravings.

Gather the ingredients for super bacony mashed potatoes

For this dish, you'll require bacon, russet potatoes (a starchy choice ideal for mashing), salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, butter, and warm milk.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set the oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 2: Prep baking sheet

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Transfer bacon to sheet

Arrange the bacon strips on the parchment paper.

Step 4: Cook bacon

Cook the bacon on the center rack for approximately 20 minutes, or until it becomes crispy.

Step 5: Prep potatoes

In the meantime, peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters.

Step 6: Boil water

In a big pot, bring water to a boil for the potatoes.

Step 7: Cook potatoes

Place the potatoes into the boiling water and let them cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are tender.

Step 8: Cut bacon

Dice the crunchy bacon.

Step 9: Reserve the bacon fat

Gather the bacon grease from the parchment paper.

Step 10: Drain potatoes and season

Remove the water from the potatoes and incorporate salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme.

Step 11: Mash

Coarsely mash the potatoes.

Step 12: Add bacon fat, butter, and milk

Incorporate bacon grease, butter, and warm milk. Mash the potatoes until they reach a creamy texture.

Step 13: Add bacon bits

Incorporate the majority of the chopped bacon, reserving some to sprinkle on top.

Step 14: Garnish and serve

Garnish with the leftover bacon and additional fresh thyme, if you like, before serving.

What substitutions can I make in this bacon mashed potatoes recipe?

These incredibly bacony mashed potatoes demonstrate how a single ingredient can elevate a dish. While bacon takes center stage in this recipe, you can apply the same concept with other ingredients. Be sure to cook and chop whatever you choose to ensure it blends seamlessly into the creamy mash, allowing you to savor it in every bite. For alternative meats, consider using pancetta, guanciale, or crispy prosciutto. You could also mix in crumbled sausage, a bit of ground meat, or diced steak for a unique twist.

For a salty kick, incorporate shredded cheese, or sprinkle it on top and broil for a delicious cheesy crust. Creamy mashed potatoes also pair wonderfully with vegetables. Enhance the dish with corn, sautéed mushrooms or peppers, caramelized onions, green beans, peas, or broccoli for added nutrition. If you're torn between options, try combining vegetables with bacon for a delightful burst of flavor and texture. This recipe features thyme for seasoning, but feel free to substitute with parsley, cilantro, chives, or dill to complement your meal.

What pairs well with bacon mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are a timeless accompaniment to various meats (grilled, sautéed, baked—you name it) and stews. Dishes with a rich, saucy base pair particularly well with this starchy side, as it absorbs plenty of sauce without altering its texture—unlike fries or roasted potatoes. On that note, bacony mashed potatoes would complement a hearty main dish beautifully. For instance, Philly cheesesteak-style sliders would make a fantastic handheld pairing with the equally indulgent potatoes.

If you're looking to cut back on meat but aren't ready to give it up entirely, this recipe is a perfect way to satisfy your savory cravings. When served with eggs, legumes, or other vegetables, you can enjoy the best of both worlds (well, bacon included). And speaking of turkey, bringing these incredibly bacony mashed potatoes to a holiday dinner party will surely earn you a warm welcome at any future Thanksgiving celebration.

Super Bacony Mashed Potatoes Recipe