Creamy Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes are loaded with cheddar, bacon, and a buttery breadcrumb topping! The ultimate comforting side dish!
Equipment
Large Pot
9x13 Baking Dish OR Casserole Dish
Baking Sheet
Ingredients
6pcsBacon
4lbsYukon Gold or Russet Potatoes
1tbspChicken Bouillon Paste
4tbspSalted Butter, (1/2 stick)
4clovesGarlic, (diced)
1/2tspGarlic Powder
1tspOnion Powder
2tspSeasoned Salt, (more or less as desired)
1tspBlack Pepper
1/2cupHeavy Cream
8ozFrench Onion Dip, (or sour cream)
2cupsCheddar Cheese, (shredded, more for topping)
1/2cupParmesan Cheese
1/2cupFresh Chives, (diced)
Breadcrumb Topping
4tbspSalted Butter
1 cupPanko Breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place bacon strips onto a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven, blot with a paper towel. Allow the bacon to cool and then crunch into small pieces to form bacon bits. 6 pcs Bacon
Peel the potato skins and cut into large chunks. (optional, if you prefer to leave the skin on, you can) 4 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes
In a large pot, add water (enough to cover the potatoes) and chicken bouillon paste. Whisk together until smooth, then place potatoes into the water and bring to a boil. Boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and place into a large bowl. 1 tbsp Chicken Bouillon Paste
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, then add 4 tbsp butter, diced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, heavy cream, French onion dip, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, half of the bacon bits, and half of the chopped chives (or chopped green onions). Mix together until smooth and creamy. 4 tbsp Salted Butter4 cloves Garlic1/2 tsp Garlic Powder1 tsp Onion Powder2 tsp Seasoned Salt1 tsp Black Pepper1/2 cup Heavy Cream8 oz French Onion Dip2 cups Cheddar Cheese1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese1/2 cup Fresh Chives
Make the breadcrumb topping by adding 4 tbsp of butter to a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add in the breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat once slightly browned, be careful not to burn. 4 tbsp Salted Butter1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
Add the mashed potato mixture to a 9x13 baking dish or casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs and remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Remove the foil and Broil for 2-3 minutes for a nice golden crust, then remove and top with the remaining crispy bacon bits and chopped fresh chives.
Notes
Use starchy potatoes! Russets or Yukon Golds give you the creamiest texture. If you want a bit more structure, leave some skin on for rustic vibes.
Fully drain the potatoes. After boiling, let them steam-dry in the pot for a minute or two—excess water makes mashed potatoes gummy.
Mash gently! Over-mixing = gluey potatoes. Mash just until creamy and fold in the cheeses and dip with a spatula.
Don’t skimp on salt. Potatoes drink up seasoning! Taste after mixing and adjust before baking.
Do not use a food processor to blend the potatoes! This makes them super gluey and gummy. A potato masher works just fine.