Blue Cheese Bacon Mashed Potatoes

True Blue Whipped Potatoes

🕒 Cook Time: 30 minutes | 🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🕒 Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽 Servings: Not specified | 🍽 Yield: Not specified

Description:

Indulge in the velvety goodness of True Blue Whipped Potatoes, a delectable dish that tantalizes the taste buds with the creamy allure of buttermilk, the savory crunch of caramelized onion and fennel, and the rich, tangy notes of blue cheese, all harmoniously blended with the comforting familiarity of russet potatoes and the irresistible allure of bacon. Whether as a cozy side or a sumptuous standalone, these potatoes are bound to become a cherished favorite at any table.

Ingredients:

• 3 russet potatoes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 fennel bulb
• 1 onion
• 1/2 cup bacon
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces blue cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook and Rice the Potatoes:

   • Start by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
   • Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
   • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender when pierced with a fork, typically about 15-20 minutes.
   • Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain them thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Add Butter and Whip Until Melted:

   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it is completely liquefied.
   • Pour the melted butter over the mashed potatoes in the mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer or a whisk, blend the butter into the potatoes until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

3. Add Buttermilk and Whip Until Smooth:

   • Gradually pour the buttermilk into the mashed potatoes, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution.
   • Continue to whip the potatoes with the mixer or whisk until the buttermilk is fully integrated and the potatoes are smooth and creamy in texture. Adjust the amount of buttermilk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Caramelize Onion and Fennel and Fold Into Potatoes:

   • Peel and thinly slice the onion and fennel bulb.
   • In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and fennel to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
   • Once caramelized, remove the onion and fennel from the skillet and fold them gently into the whipped potatoes until evenly distributed.

5. Sauté Bacon, Drain, and Add to Potatoes:

   • While the onion and fennel are caramelizing, chop the bacon into small pieces.
   • In the same skillet used for the onion and fennel, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
   • Once the bacon is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Add the drained bacon to the whipped potatoes and gently fold it in to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture.

6. Fold in Blue Cheese:

   • Crumble the blue cheese into small pieces and sprinkle it over the whipped potatoes.
   • Gently fold the blue cheese into the potatoes until it is evenly distributed and the potatoes are flecked with savory pockets of melted cheese.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Transfer the True Blue Whipped Potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
   • Serve the potatoes hot as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite main courses, or enjoy them as a satisfying standalone meal. 🥔🧀🥓

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 381.3
• Fat: 24.3g
• Saturated Fat: 12.3g
• Cholesterol: 52.7mg
• Sodium: 626.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 29.6g
• Fiber: 3.9g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 12.3g

Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of True Blue Whipped Potatoes, a delightful culinary creation that promises to elevate any meal with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests for a special occasion, these potatoes are sure to impress with their rich, comforting taste and elegant presentation. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the simple pleasures of homemade goodness with every delicious bite!