Few side dishes are as universally loved as a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. Soft, buttery, and endlessly comforting, they’re a staple at family dinners, holiday tables, and cozy weeknight meals. But if you want to take this classic comfort food to the next level, Super Bacony Mashed Potatoes are the answer.
This recipe builds on traditional mashed potatoes with one irresistible addition: crispy bacon and its flavorful drippings. By folding crunchy bacon bits directly into the mash—and enriching the potatoes with savory bacon fat—you get layers of texture and bold flavor without complicating the cooking process. The result is a side dish that’s familiar yet exciting, indulgent yet balanced, and guaranteed to steal the spotlight on any plate.
Originally developed by Milena Manolova for tacoscaliforniagrill, this recipe proves that sometimes the smallest tweaks make the biggest difference.
Why Bacon Makes Mashed Potatoes Better
Bacon doesn’t just add saltiness—it adds depth. When used thoughtfully, bacon enhances mashed potatoes in several ways:
- Crispy texture contrasts with creamy potatoes
- Rendered bacon fat replaces some butter for richer flavor
- Smoky notes balance the natural sweetness of potatoes
- Savory aroma makes the dish irresistible
Instead of overpowering the potatoes, bacon complements them, turning a simple side into a crave-worthy comfort dish.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
For the creamiest, fluffiest mash, this recipe uses russet potatoes. Their high starch content makes them ideal for mashing, producing a light and airy texture that absorbs butter, milk, and bacon fat beautifully.
Other potato varieties can work, but russets deliver that classic mashed-potato feel most people love.
Flavor Profile: Rich, Savory, and Comforting
These super bacony mashed potatoes hit all the right notes:
- Creamy: Butter and hot milk create a smooth, velvety base
- Savory: Bacon fat and crispy bits infuse deep flavor
- Herbaceous: Fresh thyme adds subtle freshness
- Balanced: Black pepper cuts through the richness
It’s comfort food at its finest—familiar, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients Overview
You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this dish shine:
- Bacon
- Russet potatoes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh thyme
- Butter
- Hot milk
That’s it. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment—just smart use of ingredients you likely already have.
Super Bacony Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep & Cook Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Course: Side Dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3: Arrange the Bacon
Lay the bacon slices flat on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
Step 4: Bake the Bacon
Place the sheet on the middle rack and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Potatoes
While the bacon cooks, peel the russet potatoes and cut them into quarters.
Step 6: Boil Water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 7: Cook the Potatoes
Add the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for about 20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Step 8: Chop the Bacon
Once cooled slightly, chop the crispy bacon into small pieces.
Step 9: Reserve the Bacon Fat
Carefully collect the rendered bacon fat from the parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 10: Drain and Season the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly. Add salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme.
Step 11: Mash the Potatoes
Roughly mash the potatoes using a potato masher.
Step 12: Add Bacon Fat, Butter, and Milk
Add the reserved bacon fat, butter, and hot milk. Continue mashing until the potatoes reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 13: Fold in the Bacon
Mix in most of the chopped bacon, reserving a small portion for garnish.
Step 14: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, topped with the remaining bacon bits and extra fresh thyme if desired.
Texture & Taste Breakdown
What makes these mashed potatoes stand out is the balance of textures:
- Smooth and creamy base from well-mashed russets
- Crunchy bacon bits in every bite
- Velvety richness from butter and bacon fat
- Light herbal finish from fresh thyme
Each spoonful feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
Serving Suggestions
Super bacony mashed potatoes pair beautifully with:
- Roast chicken or turkey
- Steak or pork chops
- Beef stews or pot roast
- Meatloaf
- Fried eggs for a cozy breakfast-for-dinner option
They’re versatile enough to complement both casual meals and special occasions.
Make-Ahead & Leftover Ideas
Make Ahead
- Prepare the mashed potatoes a few hours in advance
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk before serving
Leftover Ideas
Leftover bacony mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile:
- Roll into loaded mashed potato balls and fry or bake
- Use as a topping for shepherd’s pie
- Turn into crispy potato pancakes
The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious.
Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes
- Use hot milk: Cold milk can make potatoes gluey
- Don’t overmix: Overworking potatoes can lead to a gummy texture
- Season gradually: Bacon adds salt, so taste as you go
- Save some bacon for garnish: It adds visual appeal and extra crunch
Customization Ideas
Want to tweak the recipe? Try these variations:
- Add sour cream or cream cheese for extra tang
- Swap thyme for chives or rosemary
- Add roasted garlic for deeper flavor
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for a loaded-potato feel
Final Thoughts
These Super Bacony Mashed Potatoes prove that comfort food doesn’t need reinvention—just a thoughtful upgrade. With crispy bacon, savory drippings, and creamy potatoes working together, this dish feels indulgent yet familiar, making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s guaranteed to impress without adding stress in the kitchen, this is the one. Rich, hearty, and unapologetically comforting, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.