Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Take a classic side dish up a notch with these crowd-pleasing loaded mashed potatoes!

Loaded Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this loaded mashed potato recipe: 

• Bacon: You can’t have loaded mashed potatoes without freshly cooked bacon! 
• Potatoes: Opt for a starchy potato variety, like russets, if you prefer fluffy mashed potatoes. For creamier mashed potatoes, choose a waxy potato like (Yukon Golds). 
• Butter: You’ll need a stick of butter, cut into pieces. 
• Sour cream: Sour cream lends richness and tangy flavor. 
• Cheddar: Use pre-shredded Cheddar cheese or shred it yourself from the block. 
• Chives: Fresh chives add a welcome pop of color and flavor. 
• Seasonings: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and ground black pepper. 

How to Make Loaded Mashed Potatoes

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make loaded mashed potatoes:

1. Cook the bacon until crisp and brown, then drain on paper towels. 
2. Boil and drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot. 
3. Mash or beat the butter into the potatoes, then mash or beat in the sour cream.
4. Crumble the bacon into potato mixture, then stir in the cheese and chives. 
5. Season with salt and pepper.

How to Store Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Store your leftover loaded mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Can You Freeze Loaded Mashed Potatoes? 

We don’t recommend freezing loaded mashed potatoes, as the dairy-based ingredients do not tend to freeze and thaw well. 

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams