Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes With Optional Bacon Recipes

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a Dutch oven, adding water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until tender, 10-15 minutes. Drain; return to pan. Mash with cream cheese, sour cream, butter and milk. Stir in bacon, cheeses, onions and seasonings. Cover; refrigerate overnight., Transfer to a greased 3- or 4-quart slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 3 to 3-1/2 hours.

Steps:

• Toss the potatoes, butter, 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 cup of water, then cover and cook on high until the potatoes are tender, about 4 hours. (The potatoes might have browned lightly in spots but that is okay.)
• Remove the lid and add the sour cream and 1 1/2 cups warm milk to the potatoes. Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes until they are mostly smooth. If the potatoes need to be thinned out, stir in the remaining 1/2 cup warm milk. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with chives.

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.