Bacon Mashed Potatoes

Side Dish

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 6-8 medium), peeled and cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons bacon fat (rendered from cooking the bacon)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup whole milk, gently warmed (you might not use it all)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand preferred; adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic (adjust to taste)

Method

Cook the Bacon and Reserve the Fat

  1. Chop 6 slices of bacon into small pieces.
  2. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 325°F until crisp.
  3. Transfer the crispy bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. Carefully pour the rendered bacon fat into a heatproof container (you'll need about 2 tablespoons for this recipe).

Boil the Potatoes

  1. Place the peeled and cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
  2. Add a good pinch of salt to the water (not the full 2 teaspoons).
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Drain and Mash

  1. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
  2. Allow them to sit for about 1 minute to let excess steam escape (this helps prevent watery mashed potatoes).

Add the Fats and Seasonings

  1. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic.
  2. Add the melted butter and reserved bacon fat to the potatoes.
  3. Add the sour cream and half of the warmed milk.
  4. Mash (or use a hand mixer on low speed) until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. If the mash is too thick, slowly add more warm milk until you get the texture you like.

Stir in the Bacon

  1. Gently fold in the crispy bacon bits, reserving a tablespoon or two for garnish if you'd like.

Taste and Adjust

  1. Give the potatoes a taste, then add more salt, pepper, or granulated garlic if needed.
  2. For extra richness, you can splash in a bit more melted butter or a spoonful of sour cream.