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Kid-Approved Loaded Mashed Potato Bar with Bacon

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A fun and customizable loaded mashed potato bar with creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and all your favorite toppings. Perfect for picky eaters and budget-friendly family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for boiling water
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 green onions, sliced thin
  • ½ cup butter, softened (for extra pats on top)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup chives (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
  • ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional)
  • ¼ cup crispy fried onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil the potatoes: Place peeled and quartered potatoes in a large stockpot. Cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until a fork slides in with no resistance.
  2. Cook the bacon: While potatoes boil, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cut bacon into small pieces before cooking. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  3. Drain and dry the potatoes: Drain potatoes in a colander. Return to the pot and let sit over low heat for 1-2 minutes, shaking occasionally, to dry out excess moisture.
  4. Mash the potatoes: Press potatoes through a ricer into a large mixing bowl, or mash with a masher until smooth. Add softened butter, cream cheese, warm milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir gently until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Set up the toppings bar: Transfer mashed potatoes to a large serving bowl. Arrange toppings in separate bowls: crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced green onions, and any optional toppings.
  6. Serve immediately: Spoon a generous portion onto each plate and let everyone add their favorite toppings.

Notes

For fluffier potatoes, don’t skip the drying step after draining. Warm the milk before adding to prevent cooling the potatoes. Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth incorporation. Don’t overmix to avoid gluey texture. Cook bacon until very crispy for best contrast. Leftover mashed potatoes (without toppings) can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded mashed potatoes, bacon, potato bar, kid-friendly, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/kid-approved-loaded-mashed-potato-bar-with-bacon/