Ingredients:
- 5 large russet potatoes, peeled
- 5 strips of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup French fried onions
Instructions:
- Preparation of Ingredients:
- Start by peeling the russet potatoes. This will ensure a smooth texture for your mashed potatoes.
- Cook the bacon strips until crispy, then set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Measure out the other ingredients: cheddar cheese, butter, milk, sour cream, and chives. Having everything prepared before you begin cooking makes the process smoother.
- Cooking Potatoes:
- Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. This helps in cooking the potatoes evenly.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander. Removing as much water as possible prevents your mashed potatoes from becoming watery.
- Mashing Potatoes:
- Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the butter and use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until the butter is fully incorporated. If you prefer very smooth mashed potatoes, you can also use an electric mixer on low speed.
- Stir in the milk, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Fold in half of the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish. Spread out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Adding the Toppings:
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles over the top. Then, evenly distribute the French fried onions.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Serving:
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish with extra chives if desired and serve warm.
This hearty dish is perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish during the holidays or family gatherings. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and crunchy onions provides a comforting balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy your cooking!
