Description
Creamy and flavorful Bacon Ranch Mashed Potatoes featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes mixed with crispy bacon, rich butter, and a zesty ranch seasoning. This hearty side dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining smooth textures with a savory punch of ranch and bacon goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled & cut into halves)
Bacon
- 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
Dairy & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning (such as Hidden Valley)
Optional Garnish & Seasoning
- Scallions, chopped (to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare and Boil Potatoes: Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into halves. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the potatoes are easily pierced with a knife, approximately 15-20 minutes after the water starts boiling.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes are cooking, cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. Fry the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Make Ranch Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the ranch seasoning fully dissolves without lumps.
- Drain Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander, allowing them to sit and shake slightly to remove excess water. Ensuring they are dry is essential for proper texture.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the dry pot. Using a hand-held potato masher, mash the potatoes gradually while slowly adding the warm ranch butter and cream mixture. Mash until the potatoes are just creamy and smooth, taking care not to overwork them to avoid a gummy texture.
- Combine Bacon and Garnish: Gently fold the crispy bacon pieces and chopped scallions (if using) into the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind the ranch seasoning already adds saltiness.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor.
- Don’t over-mash to prevent gummy mashed potatoes; mashing until just creamy is ideal.
- Adjust salt carefully because ranch seasoning contains salt.
- Scallions add a fresh, mild onion flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use kitchen shears for easy bacon cutting.
- Warm the ranch butter mixture to ensure smooth incorporation without lumps.
