Description
This hearty Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese recipe combines creamy Yukon gold potatoes with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and sharp Cheddar cheese for a flavorful comfort food side dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Dairy
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (about 7-8, peeled)
- ½ cup milk (regular, oat, or soy)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Meats and Aromatics
- 6 ounces bacon (about 5-6 strips)
- ½ red onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Seasonings and Others
- ½ lemon (juice)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (plus more for water)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Parsley or chives (finely chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Add peeled Yukon gold potatoes to a large pot and cover them with water by at least 1 inch. Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt into the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for 15-25 minutes, until they are very tender and can be easily pierced or mashed.
- Cook the Bacon and Onion: While the potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add whole strips of bacon and cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp. Remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, chop into smaller pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet. Add the finely diced red onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mash Potatoes with Onion: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked potatoes from the pot to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher until there are no large lumps. Add the milk, melted butter, shredded Cheddar cheese, lemon juice, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and black pepper to the pot. Continue mashing until the potatoes reach your preferred creamy consistency.
- Combine with Bacon and Serve: Stir the chopped bacon into the mashed potatoes and mix well. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired for a fresh herbal note. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting mashed potato dish!
Notes
- For creamier mashed potatoes, use warm milk when mixing in to maintain heat and smooth texture.
- You can substitute Cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere for variation.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the bacon used.
- If you prefer less onion flavor, reduce the red onion quantity or sauté until caramelized for sweetness.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; mashed potatoes can harden as they cool.
