Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes are a staple in our home. When all else fails it is nice to know I can throw some potatoes in and have the perfect comfort food. Tonight I made some loaded mashed potatoes that were divine. I could eat them 24/7 and be the happiest camper. My waistline would complain though. That is what I love about Saturday. It is a day off for me, to not think about calories and just focus on boosting my metabolism =) ... or at least that is what I tell myself. You gotta try these potatoes. Yummy!

3 cups mashed potatoes (around 4 large baking potatoes)
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup (4 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
2 TBSP Butter
1 tbsp garlic
1 tsp parsley
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
optional: 4 slices bacon crispy cooked and crumbled (or use 1/4 cup baco's for vegetarian version)

Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Peel, quarter, and boil potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until soft. Drain potatoes and and beat with a mixer until smooth. Melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes on medium heat. Add whipping cream, cream cheese, parsley,and salt. Add potatoes and cream mixture to your kitchenaid and beat at a medium-high speed until nice and creamy.

Option 1: Add Cheese and  optional Bacon Bits and mix until fully incorporated. Spoon into a pastry bag or a ziplock bag that has a decorative end attached. Onto a parchment paper covered baking sheet that is also sprayed, decoratively pipe the potatoes. bake for 20 minutes unconvered. Carefully use a spatula to remove potatoes and place on the plate.

Option 2: Or you can just spoon it into a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top with cheese and optional baco's. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese melts. We opted for this version tonight.

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