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Best Loaded Mashed Potato Bar with Bacon and Chives

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A creamy, customizable mashed potato bar with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, sour cream, and fresh chives. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe lets everyone build their own dream bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crispy fried onions, cooked crumbled sausage, sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, jalapeños, or extra butter pats

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon first. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer—don’t overlap them. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until crispy and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
  2. Boil the potatoes. While the bacon cooks, peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  3. Drain and dry the potatoes. Drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and place it back on the hot burner (turned off) for about 1 minute to remove excess moisture.
  4. Mash the potatoes. Add the softened butter and cream cheese to the hot potatoes. Start mashing with a potato masher, using a gentle rocking motion. Once the butter and cream cheese are mostly incorporated, pour in the warm milk slowly while continuing to mash. Add the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Keep the potatoes warm. Cover the pot with a lid to keep the mashed potatoes warm while you set up the toppings bar. If making ahead, transfer to a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting for up to 2 hours.
  6. Arrange the toppings bar. Place the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives in separate small bowls. Add any optional toppings. Arrange them around the pot of mashed potatoes.
  7. Serve immediately. Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes into each bowl. Let everyone add their favorite toppings.

Notes

For extra creamy potatoes, use Yukon Golds and add cream cheese. Warm the milk and cream cheese before adding to prevent lumps. Make bacon in the oven for easy cleanup. Leftover mashed potatoes (without toppings) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded mashed potatoes, mashed potato bar, bacon, chives, comfort food, party food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/best-loaded-mashed-potato-bar-with-bacon-and-chives/