Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Volcanoes, crowned with a crunchy, bacon-infused topping. Crafted with elegant simplicity, this dish celebrates the art of refined indulgence, blending luscious potatoes, savory garlic, and the irresistible crunch of bacon. Prepare to embark on a sensory journey that will leave you feeling cozy, satisfied, and inspired.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Volcanoes With Crunchy Bacon Crumble Top
Elevate your snacking or appetizer game with this irresistible fusion of creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes and a decadent, bacon-infused topping. The delicate balance of flavors and textures will transport you to a realm of refined comfort, where every bite is a delightful discovery. Indulge in the satisfying warmth of the creamy mashed potatoes, complemented by the savory notes of garlic and the satisfying crunch of the bacon crumble. This dish is a true celebration of gourmet indulgence, perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sophisticated prelude to your meal.
Ingredients
Bring together a harmonious blend of premium ingredients to create this delectable dish. You’ll need russet potatoes, butter, heavy cream, garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon. Each component plays a crucial role in elevating the flavors and textures, ensuring a truly exceptional culinary experience.
- 4 lbs (1.8 kg) – Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup (115 g) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Heavy cream
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 cups (200 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Heavy Cream: Unsweetened almond or oat milk — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Cheddar Cheese: Vegan cheese alternative — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Volcanoes With Crunchy Bacon Crumble Top
Elevate your mashed potato game with this elegant and indulgent recipe. Follow these steps to create a dish that will delight your senses and impress your guests.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by peeling and cutting the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Rinse the potato cubes in cold water to remove any excess starch. In a large pot, cover the potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, heavy cream, and minced garlic. Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop the cheesy garlic mashed potatoes into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls, creating a volcano-like shape. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
While the mashed potato volcanoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces. Remove the mashed potato volcanoes from the oven and top them with the crunchy bacon crumble, ensuring that the bacon is evenly distributed.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheese Varieties: Elevate this dish further by experimenting with different cheese varieties, such as Parmesan, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Garnishes: For a touch of elegance, you can also garnish the mashed potato volcanoes with finely chopped chives or fresh parsley.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Potato Varieties: While russet potatoes work best for their light and fluffy texture, you can experiment with other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Volcanoes make a delightful appetizer or satisfying snack.
Storage: Any leftover mashed potato volcanoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potato base in advance and assemble the volcanoes just before baking.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Volcanoes with Crunchy Bacon Crumble Top provides a satisfying dose of comfort and indulgence. With the perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, this dish can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. As with any recipe, moderation is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Serving Size: 1 individual mashed potato volcano
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mashed potato volcanoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potato base in advance and assemble the volcanoes just before baking. Simply refrigerate the prepared mashed potatoes and top with the bacon crumble when ready to bake.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes work best for their light and fluffy texture, you can experiment with other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these mashed potato volcanoes vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based cheese alternative. The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes will still be incredibly delicious without the bacon topping.
How do I achieve the perfect mashed potato consistency?
The key to achieving the perfect mashed potato consistency is to avoid over-mashing. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer, and stop mixing once the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Overworking the potatoes can result in a gummy texture.
Can I freeze these mashed potato volcanoes?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled mashed potato volcanoes before baking. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the volcanoes in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Volcanoes With Crunchy Bacon Crumble Top
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potato Volcanoes topped with a crunchy bacon crumble. This elegant yet comforting appetizer is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
2 pounds russet potatoes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons chives, chopped
Instructions
1. 1. Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
2. 2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. 3. Drain and return potatoes to the pot.
4. 4. Add butter, cream, garlic, salt, and pepper; mash until smooth.
5. 5. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
6. 6. Scoop the mashed potatoes into a baking dish, creating volcano shapes.
7. 7. Top with crumbled bacon and chives.
8. 8. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Notes
For a gourmet touch, use aged cheddar and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 volcano
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg