Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheddar

I have always been a fan of mashed potatoes, but not mashed potatoes with gravy. I like mashed potatoes that gets it flavor from what's in it not what's on top of it. So that is why these mashed potatoes appeal to me so much. Bacon and cheddar mix in with creamy mashed potatoes, yummy!

Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheddar

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds russet potatoes
• 10 slices turkey bacon, divided
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 1/4 cup chives
• 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated and divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Spray a 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut into 1 inch chunks.
3. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
4. Drain the potatoes and return to the pot.
5. While the potatoes are cooking, cook bacon until crispy. Cool and crumble.
6. Mash the potatoes. Add in the cream cheese, butter and sour cream. Stir until the cheese and butter is melted and all ingredients are well combined.
7. Add in the chives, 2 cups cheddar cheese, half of the bacon and pepper. Stir until well combined.
8. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
9. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until heated through and top is slightly golden.
10. Garnish with remaining bacon.

Enjoy!!!

Serves: 10
Calories: 469
Total Fat: 25.6g
   Saturated: 15.8g
   Polyunsaturated: 0.1g
   Monounsaturated: 0.7g
   Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 78mg
Sodium: 313.1mg
Potassium: 934.9mg
Total Carbs: 44.8g
   Dietary Fiber: 3.1g
   Sugars: 4.7g
Protein: 14.8g
Vitamin A: 20.3%
Vitamin C: 14.8%
Calcium: 28%
Iron: 24.3%
*The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the brands you use.
*Adapted from Sippity Sup.