Chili’s Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you haven’t tried Chili’s loaded mashed potatoes before, get ready to add a new and different side dish to your at-home menu!

We’ll be taking creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and topping them with layers of shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon.

Adding hot sauce or chili powder during preparation gives it a spicy kick that pairs well with roasted veggies or grilled meats.

Let’s make this!

How to Make Chili’s Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 Russet Potatoes (cubed)
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
• Bacon Pieces (2-3 strips)
• Green Onions (sliced, optional)
• 1 Jalapeño (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.

Step 2:

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Step 3:

Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.

Step 4:

Add the butter, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or ricer to mash until smooth.

Step 5:

Top with or stir in the cheddar cheese, small bacon pieces, and any additional toppings like jalapeños or green onions.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Room Temperature Dairy

Having butter, milk, and sour cream at room temperature will help them blend more easily with the potatoes and create a smoother texture.

Don’t Overmix the Potatoes

To avoid a gluey texture, mix the potatoes just until they are combined with the other ingredients, rather than extensively.

Get Creative with Toppings

Try adding crispy bacon bits or even some roasted garlic for an extra burst of flavor in your mashed potatoes!

Choose the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing because they have a higher starch content and become fluffy and light when cooked.

Season Generously

Taste as you go and add more salt and pepper if needed to bring out all the delicious flavors.

What to Serve with Chili’s Mashed Potatoes

Classic Grilled Steak

When it comes to pairing with mashed potatoes, juicy grilled steak is an excellent choice.

The savory flavors of the steak complement the creamy texture of the potatoes beautifully.

Try marinating the steak with some herbs and spices for added flavor.

Roasted Vegetables

A variety of roasted vegetables can bring color and nutrition to your plate.

Think about including carrots, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.

The natural sweetness of roasted veggies balances the rich taste of the mashed potatoes.

Crispy Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders add a crunchy contrast to smooth mashed potatoes.

You can make them in the oven or air fryer for a healthier option.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an added twist.

Spicy Cornbread

Cornbread adds a bit of sweetness and can handle a little spice if you’re feeling bold.

Consider stirring in some jalapeños for a kick.

The slight crunch of cornbread pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes.

Stuffed Mushrooms

This might be a surprising choice, but stuffed mushrooms can elevate your meal.

They have an earthy flavor that matches well with potatoes.

Experiment with different fillings like cheese or herbs to find your favorite combination.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Options

You can experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavors.

CoJack and Cheddar are popular choices, but feel free to use your favorite cheese varieties.

Making It Spicy

If you want to add some heat, try mixing in hot sauce or chili powder.

These ingredients can bring a spicy twist to the traditional mashed potatoes.

Additions to Boost Flavor

Consider incorporating smoked sausage for a hearty addition.

You can slice it up and mix it in for an all-in-one meal.

Alternative Proteins

For a lighter option, swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.

This substitution can lower the dish’s calorie content without sacrificing flavor.

Vegetarian Twist

Use beans instead of meat to create a satisfying vegetarian version.

Combining beans with fire-roasted tomatoes and diced green chilies adds depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the potatoes in individual crocks for a fun presentation.

You can also layer corn between the potatoes and chili for added texture.

How to Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes

When you’ve made a big batch of mashed potatoes, you’ll want to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible.

Put any leftovers into an airtight container to keep them from picking up any fridge odors.

Get them stored away within two hours of cooking to maintain their quality.

Refrigeration Tips

In your fridge, these mashed potatoes will remain good to eat for three to four days.

It’s important to mark the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

This simple step makes meal planning smoother and prevents waste.

Freezing for Extended Storage

For longer storage, freezing is a perfect choice!

Make sure the potatoes are completely cooled before sealing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Labeling is Key

Label each bag or container with the date for easy reference.

You’ll always know which batch to use next and reduce food wastage.

Trust me, labeling can save you from a lot of guesswork later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the Wrong Potato Type

When making Chili’s loaded mashed potatoes recipe, selecting the right type of potato is crucial.

You should go for russets or Yukon golds because they have the right starch content.

These varieties mash beautifully and give you that perfect fluffy texture.

Incorrect Dairy Temperature

Avoid using cold dairy directly from the fridge, as it can cause the potatoes to seize up.

Instead, warm your milk or cream slightly and use room temperature butter for smoother incorporation.

This will yield creamier and well-blended mashed potatoes every time.

Overmixing the Potatoes

Overmixing mashed potatoes can lead to a gummy texture, which you definitely want to avoid.

Gently mash the potatoes by hand using a masher or a ricer until you reach your desired consistency.

This keeps the texture pleasant without making it gluey.