Baking Banquet: BAKED & LOADED MASHED POTATOES

Adapted from:http://www.sippitysup.com/mashed-potatoes-bacon-cheddar

Ingredients:

3 potatoes less than 5 pounds russet potatoes

3 red potatoes

10 - 12 slices bacon

4-8 oz cream cheese

½ cup butter, melted

1 Tablespoon sour cream

¼ cup chives, minced

2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, grated (or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

2 - 4 teaspoons kosher salt

½ teaspoon pepper

Paprika

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel potatoes, and cut into 1-inch chunks. Place in a large saucepan, and add enough cold water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender and easily pierced with a paring knife, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a colander to drain; return to pan, cover, and set aside.
Meanwhile Cook Bacon (I use the microwave)

Mash the potatoes in pan until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese, butter, and sour cream, and stir until combined and smooth. Add the chives, 2 cups cheddar cheese, half the bacon, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Transfer to a buttered 3-quart baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Bake until top is slightly golden and potatoes are heated through, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven; Sprinkle with paprika. garnish with remaining bacon. Serve immediately.