Loaded Rustic Mashed Potatoes Cooks Country Recipes

Steps:

• Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in large saucepan, add water to cover by 1 inch; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender and paring knife can be easily slipped into and out of potatoes, 18 to 22 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook bacon in 10-inch skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate. Combine half-and-half and butter in 2-cup liquid measuring cup and microwave, covered, until butter is melted and mixture is warm to touch, about 2 minutes.
• Drain potatoes and return them to saucepan. Using potato masher, mash potatoes until smooth and no lumps remain. Stir in half-and-half mixture, pepper and salt just until fully combined. Stir in cheddar, sour cream, chives and bacon until incorporated; try not to overwork.

Steps:

• Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels.
• Place potatoes into a large pot of lightly salted water; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Mash butter into the potatoes with a potato masher or electric hand mixer until melted completely into the potatoes; add sour cream and continue to beat until combined. Crumble bacon into the potato mixture; add Cheddar cheese and chives and stir. Season potatoes with salt and pepper.