Loaded mashed potatoes recipe

If you love rich, comforting dishes that bring everyone to the table, this Loaded mashed potatoes recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Filled with creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives, it transforms a classic side into a hearty, flavor-packed dish.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this Loaded mashed potatoes recipe delivers the perfect balance of taste, texture, and indulgence.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe

The reason this dish is always a crowd favorite?

• Ultra creamy and fluffy
• Loaded with cheese, bacon, and flavor
• Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving & Christmas
• Great for weeknight dinners too
• Uses simple ingredients
• Super customizable
• Comfort food at its absolute best

Pinterest audiences especially LOVE loaded potato recipes because they’re easy, indulgent, and always photogenic.

🥔 Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Here’s a clean, quick ingredients table:

Ingredients Table

Optional but delicious add-ins:

• Chives
• Cream cheese
• Paprika
• Parmesan cheese
• Crispy fried onions

👩‍🍳 How to Make the Best Loaded Mashed Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is so simple that once you make it once, you’ll never forget how to do it.

1. Boil the Potatoes

• Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
• Add them to a pot of salted water.
• Boil until fork-tender (around 15–20 minutes).

Tip: Don’t overcook or the potatoes get gummy.

2. Drain & Mash

• Drain the potatoes completely.
• Add butter while they’re hot and start mashing.
• Add milk/cream little by little until creamy and smooth.

The potatoes should be fluffy — not runny.

3. Add the Flavor Mix

Stir in:

• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Watch the cheese melt into the potatoes… pure happiness.

4. Fold in the Good Stuff

Now add:

• Crispy bacon (save some for topping!)
• Green onions
• Extra cheddar if you want

Mix gently so everything stays light and fluffy.

5. Finish & Serve

Top with more cheese, bacon, and green onions. Serve warm and enjoy your perfect loaded mashed potatoes recipe masterpiece.

🧡 What Makes These Loaded Mashed Potatoes So Good?

These potatoes combine everything comforting:

• creamy mashed potatoes
• melted cheese
• smoky bacon
• cool sour cream
• fresh green onions
• buttery richness

Each bite is soft, warm, savory, satisfying… the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and smile.

🍽️ How to Serve Loaded Mashed Potatoes

These are unbelievably versatile!

Holiday Side Dish Ideas

• Thanksgiving turkey
• Christmas ham
• Easter roast

Weeknight Dinner Pairings

• Grilled chicken
• Steak
• Meatloaf
• Salmon
• Veggie stir fry

Lunch Bowl Ideas

• Add shredded chicken
• Add sautéed mushrooms
• Add chili on top

These potatoes make even simple meals feel fancy and comforting.

🔥 Optional Variations You’ll Love

• Loaded Ranch Mashed Potatoes: Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning. Game changer.
• Extra Cheesy Version: Mix in mozzarella + sharp cheddar for a stringy, gooey finish.
• Spicy Loaded Potatoes: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce.
• Loaded Garlic Potatoes: Add roasted garlic cloves — super flavorful.
• Loaded Mashed Potato Bake: Spread into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.

📌 Additional Tips Before the FAQs

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest mash.
• Don’t overmix or potatoes become gluey.
• Add milk gradually — you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
• Want extra richness? Add 2 tbsp cream cheese.
• Always taste and adjust salt at the end.
• If serving later, keep warm in a covered dish.
• For smoky depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika.

These tiny details make the flavor pop!

❓ FAQs About Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk.

2. How do I reheat mashed potatoes without drying them out?

Warm them on the stove with butter and milk.

3. Can I make this without bacon?

Absolutely — use mushrooms, vegan bacon, or skip it entirely.

4. Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

Yes, but add extra butter or cream so they stay creamy after thawing.

5. What’s the best potato for this recipe?

Yukon Gold for creamy texture, Russet for fluffy texture.

🎯 Final Thoughts

This loaded mashed potatoes recipe is everything comfort food should be — creamy, cheesy, warm, and bursting with flavor. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for holidays.

And trust me, once your family or guests try this, they’ll ask for it again and again.

Save

Loaded mashed potatoes recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet
• 4 tbsp butter
• ½ to ¾ cup milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled
• ¼ cup green onions chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: chives
• Optional: cream cheese
• Optional: paprika
• Optional: parmesan cheese
• Optional: crispy fried onions

Instructions

 

• Boil the Potatoes

  Peel and chop potatoes into chunks.

  Add to a pot of salted water and boil 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.

  Do not overcook to avoid gummy texture.

  Drain & Mash

  Drain potatoes well.

  Add butter while hot and mash.

  Gradually add milk or cream until smooth and fluffy.

  Add Flavor Mix

  Stir in sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  Mix until cheese is melted and well combined.

  Fold in Toppings

  Add crumbled bacon, green onions, and extra cheddar if desired.

  Fold gently to keep texture light.

  Finish & Serve

  Top with more cheese, bacon, and green onions.

  Serve warm.