Illustration of a smiling grandma in a chef hat and apron, holding a wooden spoon, with the text GrandmaRecipe.com below her.Search

dinner

Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potatoes

By Grandma Millie

Be the first to rate this recipe

A serving of Loaded Mashed Potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, and chives.

Loaded mashed potatoes bring all the cozy comfort of holiday tables and family gatherings in one creamy, cheesy bowl. Fluffy Yukon Golds are hand mashed with butter and sour cream, then swirled with sharp cheddar and smoky turkey bacon bits for that classic loaded flavor. Fresh chives add a bright pop, while cracked black pepper and a touch of garlic powder deepen the warmth. Every forkful is rich, satisfying, and made for sharing, the kind of side dish that disappears fast and leaves everyone smiling.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Serves: 6 servings
Calories: 350
Jump to RecipeFull recipeCommentsPrint / PDF

Recipe card

Print / PDF

Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Rate this recipe

Be the first to rate

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes

Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or a milk substitute)
  • 4 tbsp butter (unsalted for flavor)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild based on preference)
  • 4 strips bacon, chopped (use turkey bacon as a substitute)
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives (fresh for garnish)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot — For boiling potatoes
  • 1 Potato masher — For mashing the potatoes
  • 1 Serving dish — For serving the loaded mashed potatoes

Method

  1. 1

    Step 1: Peel and Cube Potatoes – Start by peeling your potatoes. Cut them into even cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

  2. 2

    Step 2: Boil the Potatoes – Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until they are tender.

  3. 3

    Step 3: Drain and Return to Pot – Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well. Return the potatoes to the pot to keep them warm.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Add Ingredients and Mash – Add butter, milk, and sour cream to the potatoes. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.

  5. 5

    Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Bacon – Mix in half of the cheese and the chopped bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.

  6. 6

    Step 6: Transfer and Top – Transfer the loaded mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Top with the remaining cheese, bacon, and a sprinkle of chives.

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories350
Fat20g
Protein10g
Carbs35g

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Mashed Potatoes

  • Indulge in creamy, dreamy textures that melt in your mouth.
  • Enjoy the savory goodness of cheese and crispy turkey bacon.
  • Elevate your dish with fresh chives for a burst of flavor.
  • Perfect for gatherings, making every meal feel special.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and spices!

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients for your Loaded Mashed Potatoes!

Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potatoes displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 4 large russet potatoes – peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup milk – whole milk or a milk substitute
  • 4 tbsp butter – unsalted for flavor
  • 1/2 cup sour cream – for creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp or mild based on preference
  • 4 strips bacon, chopped – use turkey bacon as a substitute
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives – fresh for garnish
  • salt – to taste
  • pepper – to taste

How to Make Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food! This Loaded Mashed Potatoes recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. With a little extra time for toppings, you’ll have a delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step-by-step process of making Loaded Mashed Potatoes, including peeling, boiling, mashing, and adding toppings.

Step 1: Peel and Cube Potatoes

Start by peeling your potatoes. Cut them into even cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes until they are tender.

Step 3: Drain and Return to Pot

Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well. Return the potatoes to the pot to keep them warm.

Step 4: Add Ingredients and Mash

Add butter, milk, and sour cream to the potatoes. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Bacon

Mix in half of the cheese and the chopped bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Transfer and Top

Transfer the loaded mashed potatoes to a serving dish. Top with the remaining cheese, bacon, and a sprinkle of chives.

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategorySide Dish
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Extra Time0 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves6
Best ServedHot and cheesy with toppings!

Pro Tips for Making Loaded Mashed Potatoes

  • Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture.
  • Warm your milk and butter before adding for smoother mixing.
  • Don’t overmix; a few lumps add character and creaminess.
  • Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
  • Top with fresh herbs just before serving for a pop of color.

How to Serve this Loaded Mashed Potatoes

  • Top with crispy turkey bacon bits for a savory crunch.
  • Garnish with fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color.
  • Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
  • Pair with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
  • Enjoy as a hearty side dish at your next barbecue or potluck.
  • Mix in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
  • Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare and store your Loaded Mashed Potatoes with ease:

Storing Loaded Mashed Potatoes Leftovers

  • Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing Loaded Mashed Potatoes

  • Cool the mashed potatoes completely before freezing.
  • Scoop into freezer-safe bags or containers.
  • Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Loaded Mashed Potatoes

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
  • Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add a splash of milk or cream for creaminess.
  • Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Loaded Mashed Potatoes! With creamy textures, cheesy goodness, and a sprinkle of chives, this dish is sure to bring back warm memories. It’s simple to make and oh-so-rewarding. So grab your fork and dig in—your taste buds will thank you!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What is best to add to mashed potatoes?
The best additions to mashed potatoes include butter, cream, sour cream, and cheese for a rich flavor. You can also mix in garlic, herbs, or even roasted vegetables to elevate the taste. For loaded mashed potatoes, consider adding crispy bacon bits, chives, or green onions for that extra kick!
What does Gordon Ramsay put in his mashed potatoes?
Gordon Ramsay is known for his creamy mashed potatoes, which he enhances with butter, cream, and sometimes a touch of garlic. He emphasizes the importance of using high-quality potatoes and recommends mashing them by hand for the best texture. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste!
What to put in a loaded potato?
For a loaded potato, you can add a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, and crispy bacon bits. You might also consider adding sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for a delicious twist. The key is to mix and match your favorites!
What are good toppings for mashed potatoes?
Good toppings for mashed potatoes include shredded cheese, green onions, crispy bacon bits, and sour cream. You can also try adding sautéed garlic, herbs like parsley or chives, or even a drizzle of gravy for a comforting finish. Get creative and customize them to your taste!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

Comments

Made this recipe? Share how it turned out for your family.

No comments yet — be the first to leave a note.

More to cook

Related Dinner recipes

More cozy favorites from the same kitchen shelf.

Browse all dinner →
A bowl of marinara pasta garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

dinner

Marinara Pasta

Marinara pasta celebrates the comfort of classic Italian flavors with tender pasta tossed in a rich, tomato-based sauce. Ripe tomatoes simmer with garlic, onion, and herbs, creating a balanced blend of savory depth and gentle brightness. A touch of balsamic vinegar enhances the natural sweetness, while fresh basil adds a fragrant finish. Simple to prepare and made with everyday ingredients, marinara pasta is a timeless, satisfying dish perfect for easy weeknight meals or relaxed family dinners.

Continue reading →