Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan

Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan are the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, buttery potatoes with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan. Do you love that rich, irresistible flavor but struggle to get your mashed potatoes perfectly smooth? With a few simple tips, you can make them silky, flavorful, and ready in no time.

Let’s cozy up and whip up some deliciousness together!

Ingredient Notes

• Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is best — it lets you control the saltiness of the dish.
• Milk & Cream: Warm both before adding to the potatoes to keep them silky and smooth.
• Bacon: Fry until crispy, then drain on paper towels for the perfect crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, savory finish that elevates the flavor.
• Salt: Season both the boiling water and the mashed potatoes to enhance the flavor throughout.

How To Make Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Parmesan

Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick slices. Place the slices in a large pot and cover them with cold water, then add a pinch of salt.
• Starting with cold water ensures the potatoes cook evenly, so your mashed potatoes turn out perfectly creamy.

Boil the Potatoes:

• Bring the pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Cook the Bacon:

• While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon slices in a separate pan until they are crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.

Drain and Mash the Potatoes:

• Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot.

• Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a fork until they are smooth and free of lumps.

Add Butter and Cream:

• Place the pot of mashed potatoes over low heat and add the cream, hot milk, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.

Season the Mashed Potatoes:

• Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped bacon, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and stevia sugar (if using) to the mashed potatoes. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.

Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to taste.

Serve Warm:

• Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired.

• Serve the mashed potatoes warm as a delicious side dish or as a comforting main course.

Enjoy the creamy goodness of these mashed potatoes with the irresistible flavors of bacon and Parmesan cheese!

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Dairy-Free: Replace the cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free version of the recipe.

• Vegan Bacon: Use vegan bacon or tempeh bacon instead of traditional bacon to make the recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

• Butter Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free or vegan option.

• Low-Fat: To reduce the fat content, use low-fat milk or broth instead of cream, and reduce the amount of butter or use a light butter spread.

• Sweet Potato Variation: Switch out some or all of the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a unique twist on the recipe. Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower for a cozy, earthy combo.
• Grilled Steak: A juicy steak and creamy potatoes—classic and irresistible.
• Herb Chicken: Try with herb-roasted chicken or turkey for a hearty, flavorful meal.
• Mushroom Gravy: Top with creamy mushroom gravy for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Fresh Salad: Add a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Mashed Potatoes FAQ

More Favorite Potato Recipes

Crispy Potato Balls

Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

Roasted Peppers Potato Salad

Crispy Parmesan Potato Rosti

Oven Roasted Potatoes