When I first discovered bacon blue cheese mashed potatoes, I knew I’d found the ultimate comfort food upgrade. These potatoes transform a humble side dish into something extraordinary by combining creamy, buttery potatoes with tangy blue cheese and crispy bacon. I’ll show you how to balance these bold flavors perfectly while achieving that ideal texture. The result is a sophisticated yet approachable dish that will have everyone at your table wondering about your culinary secret.
Key Takeaways
- Russet potatoes provide the ideal creamy base for mixing with crispy bacon and tangy blue cheese.
- The recipe uses 3 pounds of potatoes, 3 ounces of bacon, and 4 ounces of blue cheese for balanced flavors.
- Warming milk and butter before adding to potatoes ensures a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Blue cheese can be substituted with Gorgonzola or Roquefort depending on flavor preference.
- These potatoes pair perfectly with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or can be served at holiday dinners.
Why You’ll Love these Bacon Blue Cheese Potatoes
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that elevates traditional mashed potatoes to new heights, these Bacon Blue Cheese Potatoes won’t disappoint.
I’ve created a dish that combines the creamy richness of perfectly mashed russets with two bold flavors that complement each other beautifully. The crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch that contrasts with the velvety potato base, while the tangy blue cheese melts slightly, creating pockets of sharp flavor throughout.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility—it’s elegant enough for holiday dinners but simple enough for weeknight meals. The butter-milk mixture guarantees these potatoes remain luxuriously creamy, never gluey or dry.
I particularly love how the kosher salt boosts all the flavors without overwhelming them.
What Ingredients are in Bacon Blue Cheese Potatoes?
When you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist, these mashed potatoes deliver serious flavor. The combination of crispy bacon and tangy blue cheese transforms ordinary spuds into something truly special. Trust me, once you try this decadent version, regular mashed potatoes might seem a bit boring in comparison.
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 6 medium potatoes)
- 2-3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 ounces bacon (about 6 slices)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
For the best results, don’t skimp on any of these ingredients. The whole milk and real butter are crucial for creating that luxurious, creamy texture.
And while blue cheese can be polarizing, it really softens when folded into the warm potatoes. You could peel the potatoes if you prefer a silkier texture, or leave the skins on for a more rustic, nutritious version.
Either way, the bacon-blue cheese combo creates an irresistible flavor profile that enhances this side dish to star status.
How to Make these Bacon Blue Cheese Potatoes
Start by prepping 3 pounds of russet potatoes, cutting them into 2-inch chunks. Some folks peel them, but honestly, that’s up to your preference.
Place these chunky potatoes in a large pot with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and enough cold water to cover them completely. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer until they’re tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, about 20 to 25 minutes.
While they’re cooking away, you can focus on the star of the show—the bacon. In a large skillet, cook 3 ounces (about 6 slices) of bacon over medium heat until it reaches that perfect crispy texture, usually around 5 to 8 minutes.
Transfer the crispy goodness to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool down. Meanwhile, combine 3/4 cup of whole milk, 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter (cut into pieces), and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a microwave-safe container and warm it for about 45 seconds.
Once your potatoes are done and drained, return them to the pot, pour in the warm milk mixture, add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and mash everything to your desired consistency.
For perfect, fluffy results every time, consider using a professional rice cooker to steam your potatoes before mashing.
Could there be anything more comforting than freshly mashed potatoes? The final touch is folding in your crumbled bacon and topping it all with 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese. The cheese will start to melt slightly from the heat of the potatoes, creating pockets of tangy flavor throughout.
Bacon Blue Cheese Potatoes Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore how to make these potatoes your own.
I recommend trying Gorgonzola or Roquefort if you want a stronger blue cheese flavor, or goat cheese for a milder, tangier option. You can even substitute half the blue cheese with sharp cheddar for a more approachable flavor profile.
For the bacon component, pancetta creates an elegant Italian twist, while smoked ham offers a less fatty alternative.
Vegetarians can use smoked paprika and butter for that smoky essence without the meat.
Consider adding roasted garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even caramelized onions to enhance the flavor complexity.
For a lighter version, replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt, which maintains creaminess while reducing calories.
What to Serve with Bacon Blue Cheese Potatoes
These rich and indulgent bacon blue cheese potatoes deserve companions that can stand up to their bold flavors while creating a balanced meal.
I recommend pairing them with a simply grilled steak or a roasted beef tenderloin to create a classic steakhouse experience at home. For poultry options, try a rosemary-garlic roasted chicken or herb-crusted turkey breast.
If you’re looking for lighter accompaniments, consider serving these potatoes alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, or steamed asparagus with lemon.
The vegetable’s brightness will cut through the potatoes’ richness. For a complete dinner party menu, add a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that can match the potatoes’ intensity without being overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up our exploration of these decadent bacon blue cheese mashed potatoes, I’m confident you’ll find this dish to be a showstopper at your next dinner gathering.
The combination of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and tangy blue cheese creates a sophisticated twist on a comfort food classic that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. You might try varying the intensity of the blue cheese based on your guests’ preferences or experimenting with different bacon varieties for subtle flavor changes.
Remember that good-quality ingredients make all the difference—particularly when it comes to the blue cheese and bacon.
Whether served alongside a holiday roast or as an enhanced weeknight side, these potatoes deliver exceptional flavor without excessive effort.
For the smoothest texture, consider using a potato ricer which has been improving mashed potato consistency since its invention in the late 19th century.
