Loaded Bacon & Veggie Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mealtime with these Loaded Bacon & Veggie Mashed Potatoes, a delicious twist on the classic comfort food! This recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with savory bacon, colorful red pepper, and sweet corn, all enhanced by fresh green onions for a burst of flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight meal, these loaded mashed potatoes are not only easy to prepare using just one pan and one pot, but they also promise to be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to keep an eye on the bacon while it cooks; the right crispness makes all the difference!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes
24 ounces (Prepared according to package instructions)
Bacon
5 slices (Cut into 1-inch pieces)
Red Pepper
1/2 (Diced)
Frozen Sweet Corn
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Green Onion
1/2 bunch (Sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the crisped bacon bits and set them aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
2
In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the diced red pepper and frozen sweet corn. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and the red pepper has softened.
3
In a medium non-stick pot, prepare the Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes according to the package instructions, typically microwaving until hot and creamy.
4
Fold the prepared mashed potatoes into the sautéed red pepper and corn mixture until well combined. Gently mix in the reserved bacon bits and sliced green onions. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything together until well blended.
5
Serve warm, garnished with additional green onions or bacon if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Loaded Bacon & Veggie Mashed Potatoes?
This is a creamy mashed potato dish elevated with savory bacon, colorful red peppers, sweet corn, and fresh green onions.
How many main ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 5 main ingredients: Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes, bacon, red pepper, frozen sweet corn, and green onions.
What brand of potatoes is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 24 ounces of Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes.
How should I prepare the bacon?
Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces and cook in a large skillet for 7-10 minutes until crispy.
Do I need to drain the bacon fat?
No, you should leave the bacon fat in the pan to sauté the red pepper and sweet corn for extra flavor.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
The diced red pepper and frozen corn should be sautéed for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and heated through.
How do I prepare the mashed potatoes?
Follow the package instructions for the Simply Potatoes, which typically involves microwaving them until hot and creamy.
When do I mix the ingredients together?
Once the potatoes are hot and the vegetables are sautéed, fold the potatoes into the vegetable mixture, then add the bacon and green onions.
Is this a one-pot recipe?
It is very simple, requiring only one large skillet and one medium pot.
What seasoning is recommended?
Season the final mixture with sea salt and pepper to taste.
How much bacon is needed?
The recipe calls for 5 slices of bacon.
How much corn should I use?
You will need 1 cup of frozen sweet corn.
What is the serving suggestion?
Serve the potatoes warm, garnished with extra green onions or bacon bits if desired.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a little oil or butter to sauté the vegetables instead of bacon fat.
How much red pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a red pepper, diced.
What kind of corn is best for this recipe?
Frozen sweet corn is recommended for convenience and flavor.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need approximately 1/2 a bunch of green onions, sliced.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is creamy from the potatoes with added texture from the crispy bacon and sautéed vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight meal?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
What should I look for when cooking bacon?
Keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it reaches the right level of crispness without burning.
Do I need to thaw the corn before cooking?
No, you can add the frozen sweet corn directly to the skillet with the bacon fat.
What kind of pot is best for heating the potatoes?
A medium non-stick pot is recommended for preparing the mashed potatoes.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How long does the entire process take?
The entire recipe can be completed in approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
What are the main flavor profiles?
The dish features savory, sweet, and smoky flavors from the bacon, corn, and peppers.
Is this dish a side or a main?
It is typically served as a side dish but is hearty enough to be part of a main course.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, while red pepper adds color and sweetness, yellow or orange peppers would also work well.
Is it necessary to stir the bacon while cooking?
Yes, stir the bacon occasionally to ensure all pieces cook evenly.
How do I ensure the potatoes are well blended?
Fold the potatoes into the veggie mixture gently and mix until the bacon and onions are evenly distributed.
Is this recipe a crowd-pleaser?
Yes, the combination of classic comfort food and 'loaded' toppings makes it popular for family gatherings.