Bacon Cheddar Ranch Mashed Potatoes are loaded with flavor and have a secret ingredient that yields perfectly creamy potatoes every time. These potatoes are sure to be the star of weeknight dinners and holiday meals alike.
Add the bacon to a heavy pot over medium heat. Cook until browned. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Peel potatoes and cut into one-inch cubes. Add to a heavy pot with cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, approx. 10-12 minutes once boiling.
Meanwhile, add the cream, butter, and ranch dressing mix to a small saucepan set over low heat. Warm the cream until the butter is melted and whisk to incorporate the ranch mix.
When the potatoes are fork-tender, drain. Add the cream cheese to the hot pot. Using a ricer, rice the potatoes into the warm pot. The potatoes will need to be riced in batches. (The hot potatoes will soften the cream cheese).
Pour the warm cream and butter mixture over the potatoes. Stir until well-combined, being careful not to overmix. Additional cream can be added if needed. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the bacon (reserving some for topping).
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
To Serve Immediately
Spoon the mashed potatoes into a serving dish. Top with extra cheese and the reserved bacon. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese., and then garnish with the chopped scallions.
To Reheat Later
Spoon the mashed potatoes into an oven-safe casserole dish. Cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to reheat, bring the casserole dish to room temperature. Cover with foil and bake in a 350-degree oven until warmed through, approx. 35-45 minutes. Top with cheese and bacon and bake for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Top with scallions and serve.
Ranch Dressing Mix
In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk powder and seasonings. Whisk to combine. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This recipe yields approx. ⅔ - ¾ cup mix.
Notes
Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Salt the potato water to flavor the potatoes themselves.
Drain the potatoes well before ricing.
Use a potato ricer to create light and fluffy potatoes.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.
Check seasoning at the end once all of the ingredients have been incorporated. Salt if necessary. The bacon and ranch seasoning are both salty, so be sure to taste before seasoning at the end.