There is just something about a plate full of creamy mashed potatoes at a holiday dinner (okay, at any dinner). They are delicious on their own, topped with gravy, or mixed in with your veggies or turkey. These loaded mashed potatoes are extra special and need no other accompaniments. They will take your mashed potato side dish to the next level, and they’re perfect for any occasion! Perfect for your holiday dinner table, but they’re easy and quick enough to make, you can serve them with a Sunday roast dinner or a weeknight meal. If you’re a potato lover like myself, check out these Garlic Herb Instant Pot Potatoes, Roasted Red Potatoes, Cheesy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe, Try my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes to make the potato base, if you need to keep your stovetop free for other dishes, and load them up once they’re done!
Ingredients Needed:
Potatoes: Russet potatoes will yield a lighter, fluffier mash, and Yukon Gold potatoes will give a denser, more rich texture. Choose whichever you prefer! Seasonings: we’re using salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder to add flavor here. Bacon: choose your favorite kind of bacon for this recipe. If you’re using thin or regular cut bacon, you may want to use more than 4 slices. Milk: I use whole milk to add moisture and creaminess. You could also use half-and-half. Sour Cream: adds a bit of tanginess and helps achieve that creamy texture. Butter: salted butter enhances the richness of the taste and texture. Cheese: I love using cheddar cheese for its sharpness, but you can use your favorite kind. Onions: chopped fresh green onions will add a burst of flavor to these potatoes.
How to Make the Best Loaded Mashed Potatoes
This recipe is quick and easy to make! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.
Tips and Notes
Add-ins. You can add almost anything to your loaded mashed potatoes to make it an even more filling side dish, or to pair it well with your main dish. Try adding some sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, chopped roasted peppers, or even ham chunks instead of bacon! Start with cold water. Starting the potatoes in cold water ensures they cook evenly. Don’t over-cook. Overdone potatoes can become dry and gluey. The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a knife. Potato masher. A potato masher will work well to mash your potatoes. If you want them to be extra creamy, you can use a hand mixer to whip them before loading them up.
Loaded Mashed Potato Recipe Variations
Use other cheeses. Any kind of melty cheese will work well here. You could try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mozzarella cheese for a different flavor. Use salted butter. I use salted butter, but if you only have unsalted butter on hand, then add a dash of salt to the potato mixture. Fresh garlic. You can use minced garlic cloves if you prefer for this recipe, but I find that garlic powder packs a bit more of a punchy flavor. Garnishes. Chopped fresh chives, chopped cilantro, and scallions can be used instead of fresh green onions if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
These Mashed Potatoes are perfect for holidays or special occasions next to Roasted Green Beans, Homemade Creamed Corn, Honey Glazed Carrots, my Homemade Stuffing Recipe, or any of your favorite holiday side dishes! They’re also easy enough to make for a normal weeknight meal! Try them with my Baked Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Meatloaf, or these Instant Pot Pork Chops with Gravy.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Try
3 Ingredient Boursin Pasta
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup (with hidden veggies!)
Grape Salad Recipe
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
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