Garlicky Cheese and Bacon Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Category: Potato | Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, Kid-Friendly, Under 60 Mins, Oven
Description:
If you’re looking for a hearty and indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian main, these Garlicky Cheese and Bacon Mashed Potatoes are sure to be a hit! This recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with aromatic garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a burst of flavor from chili powder and oregano. The best part? It’s baked to golden perfection, with more cheese melted on top to create a gooey, irresistible finish. Serve these with grilled chicken, pork chops, steak, or enjoy them as a standalone vegetarian dish with some creamy avocado on the side. And because it’s versatile, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, making this the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 3 large, peeled and cubed |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Bacon bits (or cooked bacon) | 4 tbsp |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 1/2 cups, shredded |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (for topping) | 6-7 slices (or more, to cover) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 655.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 38.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 24.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 117 mg |
| Sodium | 615 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 51.3 g |
| Fiber | 6.5 g |
| Sugar | 2.7 g |
| Protein | 27.4 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the potatoes and garlic:
Begin by peeling and cubing the russet potatoes. Place them in a large saucepan, and add the minced garlic. Fill the pan with enough water to fully submerge the potatoes and garlic. If you’d like, add a pinch of salt to the water for extra flavor. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the pot. -
Mash the potatoes:
Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes and garlic together until they reach your desired consistency. (If you like your mashed potatoes a bit chunky, stop mashing once most of the larger pieces have broken up.) Add the butter and half-and-half to the mixture, stirring until the butter is melted and the potatoes are smooth and creamy. -
Season the mashed potatoes:
Stir in the dried oregano, chili powder, and bacon bits (or crumbled cooked bacon). Then, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it is evenly distributed and melted into the potato mixture. The cheese will create a rich, creamy texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients. -
Prepare the baking dish:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the mashed potato mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom. -
Top with cheese:
To finish off the dish, place the slices of sharp cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes, covering the entire surface. Feel free to add more cheese if you prefer a cheesier, gooier top layer! -
Bake to perfection:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the mashed potatoes are slightly golden. -
Serve and enjoy:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If you like, you can add a touch of salt and pepper to taste, though the cheese and bacon bits will likely provide plenty of flavor on their own. Serve the Garlicky Cheese and Bacon Mashed Potatoes as a perfect side to grilled meats or as a delicious vegetarian meal with some fresh avocado on the side.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish completely vegetarian, use plant-based bacon bits or skip the bacon altogether and add extra cheese or sautéed vegetables like onions and mushrooms for a savory, meaty texture.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to swap out the sharp cheddar cheese for other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time, transfer them to the baking dish, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just allow extra time for baking if the dish is chilled.
These Garlicky Cheese and Bacon Mashed Potatoes make for an incredibly satisfying meal or side, packed with bold flavors and creamy textures. Whether paired with your favorite grilled meats or enjoyed on their own with a side of avocado, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
