Kicked Up Bacon-Cheese Mashed Potatoes

By Ellan

Ingredients

• 4 baking potatoes, like russets, about 3 lbs., peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 3/4 teas. salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tab. butter
• 1/4 teas. ground black pepper
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1/2 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Place potatoes and 1 teas. 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 teas. salt, and black pepper. Place 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 bacon, grated cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives and stir until thoroughly combined. Season, to taste.