These Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Cheese and Bacon aren’t quite as guilt-inducing as they look. Find out how to make this comforting side dish with some skinny modifications!
I was all set to make these cheesy mashed potatoes with stovetop BBQ chicken this weekend, but then I remembered that my brother-in-law was coming over and doesn’t eat cheese. (I won’t talk about the fact that that is nearly a crime in my opinion.) To my dismay, I had to switch gears and make Greek Salad with Chicken instead, which was a perfectly lovely dinner but sadly lacking bacon or BBQ sauce. Matt and I were both very excited to finally have this delicious meal last night.
Although it might be a stretch to call this recipe healthy, it is better for you than you might think for rich, creamy mashed potatoes with cheese. For one thing, it contains no butter. I’d like to say that this is because I set out to choose olive oil since it’s a healthier choice, but the truth is I ran out of butter! In the end, I’m glad because these dreamy potatoes were incredible without it. Who needs butter when you have cream cheese and colby jack (and bacon)?
These mashed potatoes with cheese are worthy of a holiday or special occasion but easy enough for a plain old weeknight. I hope you get to try them soon, and I bet they will become a regular star of your dinner table!
Print
Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Cheese and Bacon
This comforting side dish uses a few skinny modifications to make mashed potatoes with cheese a little healthier!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. russet potatoes peeled and diced into 1″ cubes
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 3 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese you can use full fat if you prefer
- 1/4 c. grated cheddar or colby-jack cheese 2% milk cheese would work
- 1/4 c. milk
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 green onions sliced
- 3 slices cooked bacon roughly chopped
Instructions
-
Place potatoes in a medium saucepan, and cover with an inch or two of water. Add about a teaspoon of salt, and heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Boil for approximately 10 minutes or until you can easily cut the potatoes with a fork. Drain and return to cooking pot.
-
Add olive oil and cream cheese, and mash with potato masher until cream cheese is incorporated and potatoes are as smooth as you like.
-
Add grated cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted and potatoes are steaming hot. Turn off heat, and stir in green onions and bacon, reserving some of each for sprinkling over individual servings if desired.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
Need a good potato masher? Try this one! (affiliate link)
You’ll also enjoy these side dish recipes!
Shannon says
These look super delicious and have all my favorite flavors in them. I can’t wait to try them for dinner!
Andi says
Thank you, Shannon! I think you will love them :)
Cate @ Chez CateyLou says
These look amazing – so rich and decadent! I was shocked to read that there is no butter – what a great surprise!!
Andi says
Thank you, Cate! I’m not sure how much better the cream cheese is than butter, but let’s just say it’s good for us ;)
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says
Eating no cheese is totally a crime! Ha! These mashed potatoes look ridiculously amazing. We love mashed potatoes at our house so I’ll be trying this recipe! Sharing all over the place!
★★★★★
Andi says
Thank you so much, Jen! xo
Sarah @ The Woks of Life says
Oooh this looks so good! Love mashed potatoes. I have to say I’ve never been more adventurous than maybe putting some roasted garlic in them, but I might have to try this!
Andi says
Bacon and cheese can only make potatoes better if you ask me :) I hope you get a chance to try them! Also, thanks so much for your email. Today got away from me, but I will reply tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by!
Serene @ House of Yumm says
Yumm!! Mashed potatoes is my go to comfort meal! Love them. Especially loaded mashed potatoes. But I think most things are better with bacon! I’ve never made mine with olive oil before, great idea. I’ve also never added cream cheese to mine! Another thing I will be sure to try out :) Thanks Andi! Hope you’re having a great week!
Andi says
Thanks, Serene! I actually haven’t made mashed potatoes in a long time, but now I am reminded of how much I love them and will be making them more often. My best friend in high school’s mom put mayonnaise in her mashed potatoes, which I did too for a while because it did make them rich and creamy. A while ago I tried cream cheese instead and never looked back ;) I’m going to have to look to see if you have your own version up on your blog that I could try!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I love mashed potatoes. I can fix them and that’s all I eat for dinner. Oh maybe I will poach an egg. These are an extra extra special version. I pinned it. I don’t want to forget it!!!!!!
Andi says
Thank you, Carol! These are definitely worthy of eating like a meal!