Kicked Up Bacon Cheese Mashed Potatoes

By sadams1001

Ingredients

• 4 baking potatoes such as russets, about 3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• 1/2 pound sharp Cheddar, grated
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Preparation

Step 1

Place the potatoes and 1 teaspoon salt in a heavy 4-quart saucepan and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 minutes. Drain in a colander and return to the cooking pot. Add the cream, butter, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Place the pan over medium- low heat and mash with a potato masher to incorporate the ingredients and achieve a light texture, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the bacon, grated cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives and stir until thoroughly combined. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.