Caramelized Onion and Bacon Mashed Potatoes

Have you ever tasted mashed potatoes that make you close your eyes and savor every bite? If not, you’re in for a treat with caramelized onion and bacon mashed potatoes. This dish takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level, blending the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized onions and crispy bacon. Imagine the creamy texture of perfectly mashed potatoes infused with these delicious ingredients. Sounds amazing, right?

When selecting your ingredients, opt for fresh potatoes with no blemishes or sprouts. Choose thick-cut bacon for a more robust flavor, and if possible, get your hands on some organic onions.

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly. Slice the onion thinly to promote even caramelization.

Cooking the Bacon

Place the bacon slices in a cold pan and heat over medium. Cooking bacon slowly renders out the fat, making it crispier. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Caramelizing the Onions

In the same pan, leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease and add the sliced onions. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a deep golden brown. This process can take about 20-30 minutes but is well worth the effort for the rich, sweet flavor it imparts.

Making the Mashed Potatoes

Boiling the Potatoes

Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.

Mashing Techniques

Return the potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add the butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth, using a potato masher or a ricer for the best texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Ingredients

Mixing the Caramelized Onions and Bacon

Chop the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces. Gently fold the caramelized onions and bacon into the mashed potatoes, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.

Seasoning the Dish

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a bit more salt or a dash of pepper. For an extra kick, consider a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Pairings

Caramelized onion and bacon mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roast meats, grilled chicken, or a hearty stew. They can also be a star side dish for your holiday dinners.

Presentation Tips

Scoop the mashed potatoes into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot and watch your guests dive in!

Health Considerations

Nutritional Information

This dish, while indulgent, provides a good balance of carbs, fats, and protein. Potatoes are a great source of potassium and vitamin C, while onions offer antioxidants. Bacon adds flavor but also increases the fat content, so enjoy in moderation.

Tips for a Healthier Version

To make a lighter version, use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon and substitute milk with a low-fat option. You can also reduce the amount of butter used.

Flavor Variations

Adding Cheese

For an extra layer of decadence, stir in some shredded cheese. Cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan work well.

Using Different Types of Bacon

Experiment with different kinds of bacon, like smoked or maple-flavored, to add unique twists to your dish.

Tips for Perfect Caramelization

Best Practices

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution. Be patient and avoid turning the heat too high, as slow cooking brings out the natural sweetness of the onions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t rush the process by turning up the heat, which can result in burnt onions. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the onions to steam rather than caramelize.

Tips for Crispy Bacon

Ensuring Bacon Stays Crispy

Cook bacon on medium heat and let it drain thoroughly on paper towels. If you’re preparing bacon in advance, reheat it in the oven to retain its crispiness.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Consider baking bacon in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes for evenly cooked, crispy strips.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days.

Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Flavor

Reheat in the microwave, covered, for a minute or until hot. For larger batches, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to caramelize onions?

It usually takes about 20-30 minutes to caramelize onions properly, depending on the heat and the quantity.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make caramelized onion and bacon mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are the best choices for this recipe due to their creamy texture when mashed.

Can you use turkey bacon instead?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative and works just as well in this recipe.

How to prevent mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?

Avoid over-mixing and use a potato masher or ricer instead of a blender or food processor.

Conclusion

Caramelized onion and bacon mashed potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors of caramelized onions and crispy bacon meld beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a family dinner or as part of a festive holiday spread, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your household!

FAQs

1. How long does it take to caramelize onions?
   • It typically takes about 20-30 minutes to achieve properly caramelized onions.
2. Can you make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.
3. What type of potatoes work best?
   • Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture.
4. Can you use turkey bacon instead?
   • Yes, turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe.
5. How to prevent mashed potatoes from becoming gummy?
   • Avoid over-mixing and use a potato masher or ricer instead of a blender or food processor.
     Yield: 6

     Caramelized Onion and Bacon Mashed Potatoes

     

     Print

     Have you ever tasted mashed potatoes that make you close your eyes and savor every bite? If not, you're in for a treat with caramelized onion and bacon mashed potatoes. This dish takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level, blending the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized onions and crispy bacon. Imagine the creamy texture of perfectly mashed potatoes infused with these delicious ingredients. Sounds amazing, right?

     Prep Time 5 minutes

     Cook Time 1 hour

     Ingredients

     • BACON-ONION JAM
     • 4 strips thick-cut bacon diced
     • 1 red onion peeled and thinly sliced
     • 2 shallots peeled and thinly sliced
     • 1/2 cup dry red wine
     • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
     • Kosher salt to taste
     • Freshly cracked pepper to taste
     • MASHED POTATOES
     • 2 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes peeled or unpeeled, cut into quarters
     • 1 cup heavy cream
     • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter diced
     • 1/3 cup sour cream
     • salt and pepper to taste
     • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

     Instructions

     • To make the caramelized onion and bacon jam: add the diced bacon to a large, wide skillet. Turn heat on to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is starting to get crispy and the fat has rendered (about 15 minutes or so). Add the sliced onions and shallots to the pan and stir to coat the onions in the bacon fat. Sprinkle the onions with a tiny bit of salt, increase the heat just slightly and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and darker in color, around 25 minutes. Increase heat to medium-low and add the red wine and brown sugar. Simmer until all the wine is cooked off and the onions are very soft and caramelized. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. The onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

     • To make the potatoes: In a small saucepan, gently warm the cream and butter until the butter is melted. Add the caramelized onions to this mixture if you made them in advance. Keep warm.

     • Place the cubed potatoes in a medium pot with 1 teaspoon of salt and cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes in a colander and return the potatoes to the pot they were boiled in. Using a potato masher or hand mixer (I use a hand mixer), gently mash the potatoes. Add the warmed cream and butter mixture and sour cream to the potatoes and mash until smooth. Add the bacon caramelized onions, fresh thyme leaves, and salt and pepper to taste and stir until smooth. Serve immediately.