Creamy bacon-topped comfort food (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 2½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
02 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Creamy Additions

03 - ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
04 - 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
05 - ¼ cup sour cream

→ Toppings

06 - 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, freshly shredded
07 - 8 ounces bacon, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onion or chives, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them completely. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium. Season the water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a knife, then drain thoroughly.
02 - While the potatoes are cooking, combine the milk and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the butter is completely melted. Turn off the heat but keep the saucepan on the warm stovetop. Whisk in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
03 - Return the drained potatoes to the pot or transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash by hand or beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Pour in the warm milk mixture and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated and the texture is light and fluffy.
04 - In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it's crispy and golden brown. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
05 - Transfer the mashed potatoes to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading them into an even layer. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces evenly over the top, then cover completely with the shredded Colby Jack cheese.
06 - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to get golden spots.
07 - Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.

# Notes:

01 - For extra flavor, you can add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the butter and milk mixture.
02 - This dish can be assembled a day ahead - just cover and refrigerate, then add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
03 - For a lighter version, you can substitute some of the butter with additional sour cream, and use reduced-fat cheese.

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