Cheddar-Bacon Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes have to be one of my favorite foods. And with bacon and cheese? Yes please!

Over the weekend I made Lager Braised Beef Short Ribs. The author of the inspiration recipe served them with cheddar-bacon grits. I decided to use potatoes instead of grits.

I don't measure my ingredients when making mashed potatoes - you just have to go by look, feel, and taste. So here is a loose recipe for the potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs red potatoes
• Salt
• Butter - approximately 2-3 tablespoons
• Whole milk - approximately 3/4 cup
• 2 handfuls of shredded cheddar cheese
• 5 pieces of cooked bacon, crumbled
• Next time I will also add a tablespoon or two of sour cream

Directions

• Put potatoes in a large pot of water; bring to a boil. Cook until fork tender, drain water and return pot of potatoes to burner over low heat.
  
• Add butter, salt, and most of the milk.
• Mix with a hand mixer until creamy and smooth, adding more of the above ingredients as needed.
  
• Add cheese and bacon near the end, and garnish with more of the bacon.

YUM!!! Even better, these potatoes turn into great potato pancakes for breakfast the next day!