Intro

Chili’s Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe nights usually happen when I want food that feels cozy and familiar. Not trendy. Not complicated. Just real-deal comfort. These are the mashed potatoes you make when you’ve had a long day, or when you’re cooking for people you love, or when you simply need something warm and satisfying.

They’re fluffy but creamy. Rich but balanced. Loaded enough to feel indulgent, but not so heavy that you regret it. And the best part? They go with everything.

What Is Chili’s Loaded Mashed Potatoes?

Chili’s Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a classic steakhouse-style mashed potato dish taken to the next level. At Chili’s, these potatoes are served smooth and creamy, then topped (or mixed) with melted cheese, crispy bacon, butter, and green onions.

They’re not chunky. They’re not whipped into oblivion either. They’re somewhere in that perfect middle ground — soft, rich, and spoonable, with just enough texture to feel homemade.

This dish works as:

A side for steaks or chicken
A comfort-food main with extra toppings
A holiday or gathering favorite
A “why am I eating this straight from the bowl” moment

No judgment here.

Equipment List

You don’t need anything fancy, just solid basics.

Large pot
Potato masher or hand mixer
Colander
Sharp knife and cutting board
Mixing spoon
Small skillet (for bacon)

That’s all. Simple tools, big payoff.

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup heavy cream or whole milk, warmed
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Loaded Toppings

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
⅓ cup sliced green onions
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for topping)

Simple ingredients, but when treated right, they turn into something magical.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until fork-tender. Drain well.

Step 2: Mash While Hot

Return the hot potatoes to the pot. Add butter and mash gently until mostly smooth. Don’t overwork them — mashed potatoes should be fluffy, not gluey.

Step 3: Make Them Creamy

Add warm cream, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash or mix until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Add the Good Stuff

Stir in shredded cheese and most of the bacon, saving some for topping.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Spoon into a serving bowl. Top with extra cheese, bacon, green onions, and a little butter if you’re feeling extra.

Why These Mashed Potatoes Taste Like Chili’s

Chili’s Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe works because it’s unapologetically rich. Restaurants don’t hold back on butter or dairy, and neither should you (within reason).

Sour cream adds tang. Butter adds richness. Cheese brings salt and meltiness. Bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor. Everything has a role.

Texture and Flavor Breakdown

The texture is smooth and creamy with little pops of bacon and green onion. The flavor is buttery first, cheesy second, then savory and slightly smoky from the bacon.

Every bite feels complete. You don’t need gravy — though no one’s stopping you.

Best Potatoes to Use

Russet potatoes are the move here. They mash easily and absorb butter and cream beautifully.

Yukon Golds also work if you want a slightly denser, richer texture, but Chili’s-style potatoes lean more fluffy than buttery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made all of these at least once.

Overmixing the potatoes
Adding cold cream
Under-salting
Using pre-shredded cheese that doesn’t melt well
Skipping the sour cream

Mashed potatoes need seasoning and warmth to shine.

Make-Ahead Tips

Chili’s Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe is great for prep.

Make them a few hours ahead, store covered, and reheat gently with a splash of cream. Stir well and add fresh toppings before serving.

They’re perfect for gatherings and holidays.

Variations You Can Try

Want to mix things up?

Add roasted garlic
Use pepper jack cheese for heat
Add cream cheese for extra richness
Top with fried onions
Make it spicy with jalapeños

The base recipe is very forgiving.

What to Serve With Loaded Mashed Potatoes

These potatoes love bold mains.

They pair well with:

Steak or ribs
Grilled chicken
Meatloaf
Burgers
Fried chicken

Sometimes I eat them as the main dish with extra toppings. No regrets.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a little milk or cream, stirring often.

They reheat better than most people expect.

Why I Keep Making This Recipe

As a chef, I believe comfort food matters. Chili’s Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe is comforting, reliable, and always appreciated. It’s the kind of dish people scoop seconds of without asking.

It’s not trendy. It’s not trying to impress Instagram. It’s just really, really good.

Final Thoughts

Chili’s Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe is everything a side dish should be — creamy, indulgent, familiar, and deeply satisfying. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent place in your rotation.

From my kitchen to yours, don’t skimp on the butter, don’t apologize for seconds, and enjoy every bite.

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