Loaded Mashed Potatoes
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These Loaded Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy. Like a fully loaded baked potato in every bite! No peeling, no mixer, no problem. The hardest part is not eating it before it hits the table. Made with red potatoes for extra flavor and texture, this dish is perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners. You’ll want to dive in with a spoon!
Table of Contents
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
If there’s one dish that gets scraped clean every single time I make it, it’s this one right here.
These loaded mashed potatoes are like the love child of creamy mashed spuds and a fully loaded baked potato, and baby, they do not disappoint.
We’re talkin’ bacon, cheese, sour cream, butter… I mean, come on. What’s not to love?
They’re rustic, hearty, and just the right amount of indulgent. I also leave the red potato skins on for that down-home feel (and let’s be real, less peeling = more time to sip something fun).
It’s the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight from the main event. Holiday table? They’ll be gone first. Weeknight dinner? Watch ‘em dive in headfirst.
Honestly, if you’re showing up to a potluck with anything less than this bowl of magic, you’re missing an opportunity to be everyone’s favorite.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Red Potatoes: There’s more than one reason to use these!
You don’t have to peel them (giving you extra nutrients and a rustic texture), they aren’t quite as starchy, and there’s a natural sweetness to the flavor.
But if you want a smoother mash, peel them or swap with Yukon Gold. - Unsalted Butter: I prefer to salt as I go, so it helps to start with a neutral base.
- Heavy Cream & Sour Cream: For rich, indulgent flavor and texture! The tang of the sour cream plays so well with the savoriness of the garlic. Swap with plain Greek yogurt in a pinch.
- Garlic Paste: Adds bold garlic flavor with no prep mess. If needed, substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon won’t disappear as easily, though regular cut is fine if that’s what you have. Make sure it’s nice and crispy before crumbling.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sharp variety adds the most flavor, and you’ll want to shred it fresh off the block. The melt is creamier that way too!
- Fresh Chives: A loaded mashed potato favorite around here, but you can swap with green onions or leave them off.
VARIATIONS
Potato Swap: Use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes instead (peel if using russets).
Add Some Heat: Include a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a kick.
Flavor Mix-Up: Try Monterey Jack or gouda in place of cheddar for a different cheesy vibe.
Golden Topping: Scoop loaded mashed potatoes into a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake or broil until golden.
LOADED MASHED POTATOES RECIPE FAQ
For an easy meat swap, try browned and crumbled breakfast or Italian sausage. Or for a meat-free option, dice and sauté some veggies. Mushrooms or zucchini would be yummy.
Instant mashed potatoes! Sprinkle just a little bit at a time while you mix until the consistency is just how you like it.
That said, these should be plenty thick with the addition of heavy cream, sour cream, and all the fixin’s. I haven’t ever needed to make adjustments!
Stovetop reheating gives you the most control over the temperature and the texture, especially when all these mix-ins are involved!
Aim for more surface area (like a wide skillet) over a big pot, and add splash of milk or cream to loosen things up. Then, stir gently and not too often so they stay fluffy and creamy.
If you opted to make this loaded mashed potatoes recipe ahead of time, you’re better off adding everything to a baking dish and warming it in the oven. 20 to 30 minutes at 350°F should do it!
When it comes to mashed potatoes, texture is everything… and the secret is starch. Overworking it creates gluey potatoes, which is why I skip the hand mixer.
Even though my mama swore by hers, I’ve been using a good old-fashioned hand masher for 15 years, and I swear it’s the magic tool. It keeps the structure of the red potatoes intact while still giving you that creamy, dreamy finish.
By mashing while the potatoes are hot and folding in the ingredients by hand, you preserve the perfect balance of smooth and chunky.
The garlic paste blends in seamlessly, the fat from the butter and sour cream coats the starch molecules (hello, emulsion!), and the bacon and cheese melt into every pocket.
Making loaded mashed potatoes isn’t just about comfort food… it’s culinary chemistry that hits every nostalgic note.
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Mash while hot: Cold potatoes won’t absorb the butter and cream properly.
- Skip the mixer: Mashing by hand keeps them creamy and fluffy.
- Use room temp dairy: Butter should be softened and cream warmed slightly for the fluffiest results.
- Save the bacon grease and stir a little into the mash for next-level flavor.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Large pot
- Potato masher
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Casserole dish (optional for baked version)
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds skin on red potatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 8 slices)
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup)
- 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced chives, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Add chopped red potatoes to a large pot and cover with water, at least 1 inch above the potatoes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain and Return to Pot: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot over low heat.
- Mash by Hand: Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until mostly smooth, leaving a few lumps for texture.
- Add Mix-Ins: Add the butter, garlic paste, heavy cream, sour cream, chopped bacon, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and chives. Stir until fully combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with more chives before serving.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
