These Smashed Potatoes with Bacon and Parsley are rich, creamy and filled with real bacon crumbles and fresh parsley! No more dry, tasteless mashed potatoes!
I have another great cookbook to share with you today! I’ve long been a fan of America’s Test Kitchen and their cookbooks, so I wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity to review their latest. And if I had, I wouldn’t be able to share these delicious smashed potatoes with bacon and parsley with you!
This recipe is just one of many that I want to try from America’s Test Kitchen 100 Recipes: The Absolute Best Ways to Make the Essentials. (Don’t miss the opportunity at a chance to win one for yourself at the bottom of this post!) A cookbook filled with recipes that everyone should know how to make!
The cookbook is broken into three sections; The Absolute Essentials, The Surprising Essentials, and The Global Essentials. And just as you would expect from America’s Test Kitchen, each recipe has an explanation as to why it’s important, the challenges in making it, and how they arrived at this fool-proof recipe. I always find these sections so helpful not only for the particular recipe that it’s referring to, but also in transferring that knowledge to other recipes.
Along with the major sections, they have broken the recipes into smaller categories such as Recipes for the Reluctant Cook, Recipes for the Anyone Bored with Chicken, Recipes that Will Change Your Mind, and my favorite for this busy time of year. . .Recipes for the Tired Cook!
While there were many recipes that I wanted to try, I thought it would be good to give one a try that could be served at upcoming holiday meals. Potatoes are must with holiday meals and these smashed potatoes with bacon and parsley definitely deserve a place at your next gathering! No dry, tasteless potatoes here!
Instead we have creamy, rich potatoes that are mashed just enough to hold together while still leaving chunks of potato. Oh, and there’s bacon. You can’t go wrong adding bacon to potatoes! I also love the freshness that the chopped parsley gives. It helps make a “heavy” dish seem not so heavy.
One of the secrets to the creaminess of these potatoes is the addition of cream cheese. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make smashed potatoes without it now! The cream cheese keeps the potatoes creamy and moist even when you reheat them.
A variation of this recipe included garlic and rosemary. Those will be next on the list to try! Along with all of the other pages I’ve already marked to try!
Want a chance to win this cookbook for yourself? Simply leave a comment below telling me one of your “essential” recipes! That’s it. Good luck!
If you can’t wait to see if you won, you can buy a copy here!
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, unpeeled
- salt and pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 slices bacon, cut lengthwise in half then crosswise into ¼ inch pieces
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with 1 inch cold water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bay leaf. Bring to boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently until paring knife can be inserted into potatoes with no resistance, 35-45 minutes.
- Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain potatoes. Return potatoes to pot, discard bay leaf, and let potatoes sit in pot, uncovered, until surfaces are dry, about 5 minutes.
- While potatoes are cooking, cook bacon in 10 inch skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon fat.
- While potatoes dry, whisk cream cheese, melted butter, and reserved bacon fat in medium bowl until smooth and fully incorporated. Add in ¼ cup of reserved water, chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon salt and stir to combine.
- Using a rubber spatula or back of a wooden spoon, smash potatoes just enough to break skins. Fold in cream cheese mixture until most of the liquid has been absorbed and chunks of potato remain. Add more cooking water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time, until potatoes are slightly looser than desired (potatoes will thicken slightly while sitting). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped bacon. Serve immediately.
This recipe is used with permission from: America’s Test Kitchen 100 Recipes: The Absolute Best Ways to Make the True Essentials. Giveaway runs from 12/02/15 – 12/16/15
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Mmm love the bacon in these smashed potatoes! I think I could eat this entire dish. Looks fantastic!
Ramona W says
These smashed potatoes would make my family very very happy! They look great you had me a t bacon! 🙂
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
I’m a huge ATK fan, that book is amazing. But these potatoes…I just can’t get over how perfect they are!
Marsha A. says
Those potatoes look great…got to try them. One of my essential recipes is a GF green bean casserole topped with carmelized onions. Thanks for the chance to win a great cook book.
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
I love America’s Test Kitchen and need to check out that book. These smashed potatoes look incredible. I can see these on my dinner menu very soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O man, essential recipe would be my smoky grilled chicken! Once or twice a week here!
Danielle from TX says
My staple recipe is my southern baked beans. I load the beans up with hamburger (or ground sausage or diced ham – depending on the menu) and sautĂ©ed onions and bell pepper.
Beth Bierman says
One of my go-to recipes is Garlic Chicken, my whole family enjoys it every time! Thank you for a chance to win this exciting new cookbook!
Danyelle H says
One of my essential recipes, especially for this time of year, would have to be crockpot enchilada chili. Easy to make and has so much flavor
Martha in KS says
One of my essential recipes is French Onion Soup.
Marye says
These potatoes look delicious! I love the parsley!
jan says
I LOVE Americas Test kitchen… their chocolate cake recipe is one of my favorite recipes when entertaining
grace says
banana bread–i can make it with my eyes closed at this point!
Melissa Falk says
Nice recipe and photo. In my world, this constitutes a main course 🙂
Meg S says
Baked sesame chicken is definitely one of those recipes for me! It’s a staple for sure in our household.
Lisa Evanoff says
Sausage and Sage stuffing!
JudyB says
Mmmm, have been making “Mexican Wedding Cake” cookies at Christmas for 50+ years. They go by different names now, i.e. Snowballs. Still the same, made with lots of butter and roasated pecans. Yum!
JudyB says
Mmmm, have been making “Mexican Wedding Cake” cookies at Christmas for 50+ years. They go by different names now, i.e. Snowballs. Still the same, made with lots of butter and roasted pecans. Yum!
Leanna says
I love making maned potatoes, I always put cream cheese in them. For Thanksgiving I put a bulb of roasted garlic and used chive and onion cream cheese.
Meg Flaming says
One of our families essential recipes is white chicken chili.
libby rouse says
My go to recipe for the family if my homemade chicken casserole, it is a must have several times a month, and I make a huge pan that feeds at least 10 people!!
Margaret Mutter says
I love to make Bark or Crack candy as Christmas gifts to friends and neighbors. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book book. I watch ATK every chance I get.
Kelly says
These smashed potatoes look perfect! I love ATK recipes and can’t wait to check out the book 🙂
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
A family favorite is Cinnamon Rolls, the holidays are not complete without them!
Kristen @ Dinner for Two Blog says
I absolutely love making omelets! Such an easy breakfast and dinner!
Alison H. says
One of my essential recipes is a great lasagna!
Ashley says
Yum! These potatoes look fantastic! I love ATK recipes!
DJ says
My family always loves eggplant lasagna.
Jen says
My essential recipe is my dad’s pizza dough!
Medha @ Whiak & Shout says
These potatoes look so creamy- I love American’s Test Kitchen!
Marianela says
One of my essential recipes is good ol” Homemade Wheat Bread
Sandy Rees says
My go to recipe is my ice cream base. I change it up to complete a special dessert
Joan Kubes says
Mine is No Peeking Chicken, it’s a chicken with rice dish.
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
This cookbook sounds SO fun — I’d love to see what is in each of those categories! I love smashed potatoes and you can never go wrong adding bacon 🙂
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
I looove smashed potatoes and the bacon is such an irresistible addition!
jessica z says
I love making my low-carb pizza!
Andrea D. says
I love making Sweet Rolls. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Megan Keno says
Perfect holiday party dish!
Judith says
sweet potato casserole
Auntiepatch says
The Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Mousse is my go-to dessert.
JoeyfromSC says
these look delicious!! One of my essential recipes is twice baked potatoes!
thanks for the chance to win the cookbook!
Joey J.
libby rouse says
My essential recipe is homemade chicken noodle soup, and I am going to try the potatoes tonight!
Diana Cote says
My essential recipe is Japanese curry & rice, we love it so much it’s made at least once a week. These potatoes look gorgeous! ????
Danielle Royalegacy says
My favorite recipe to go to is the green bean casserole. It’s always a crowd pleaser.
Michelle says
Beef stroganoff my favorite go to
Jenn@eatcakefordinner says
One of my essential recipes is a basic white sauce.
Denise M says
My go to is turkey chili and i mix it up with whatever veggies or beans i have available
Em Mahr says
One of my essential recipes is potato, cheddar, beer, bacon soup – so wonderfully rich, hearty and delicious!
Heather says
Can’t really go wrong with potatoes, but there are ways to make them better than others and this looks like the best! My essential recipe is Almond Roca. I love making (and eating) it, and I enjoy varying the nut and chocolate flavors. I like adding bacon to it as well!
Lyn M says
My essential recipe is my moms Cream of carrot soup.
Stephanie says
Whaaaat? I didn’t know about this ATK cookbook! I would say a good roasted chicken would be essential because you can use it in so many recipes. Thank you – Happy Holidays!!!
Dawn L says
My grandmother’s welsh cookies. Everyone asks for them
Steph says
My essential recipe is chicken parm
Susan Broughton says
I guess Grilled Chicken Breasts
Jennai says
Spaghetti and meatballs with salad is my essential recipe
itzia says
One of my essential recipes is chicken adobo.
Dr. Maureen says
I make a pretty good tomato sauce – the key is to start by browning the onions and to strain the diced tomatoes.
Karen Baytch says
Chicken soup-my go to food when someone isn’t feeling well
Robin says
I’d say my essential recipe is chocolate chip cookies! Keeps the hubby happy!
Adina says
Fudge frosting!
Emily says
My essential recipe is sugar cookies that my basketball coach used to make. A hit every time!
Ann D. says
Our most essential holiday recipe is Pumpkin Chiffon Pie from a 1940s vintage Joy of Cooking.
Tanya says
Plain chicken is absolutely essential in my kitchen. It’s so versatile, I make chicken parm, chicken stirfry, chicken fajitas, chicken kebab, grilled chicken sammy’s, chicken piccata, chicken marsala, the list is endless…
Jon says
Bread pudding. If dinner fails to wow, this ALWAYS does.
Sandy says
Biscuits! Biscuits are a necessity for so many good meals.
Risa says
My manicotti recipe a must at the holiday
Risa says
Manicotti – a must at the holidays
Deb Weir says
I am forever using my banana bread recipe when the bananas start to brown up.
John says
My essential is the Test Kitchen’s Saute Tarragon Chicken. Great stuff!
Karen D says
My essential is basic mashed potatoes
Aaron says
The ATK Rice Pilaf is without a doubt our family essential recipe. Easy and perfect every time.
Ariel says
A good scalloped potatoes recipe because it suits everyone – even vegetarians!
Elyse says
Simple spicy grilled chicken is an easy basic go-to dish.
Jan says
Chili is an essential in my kitchen during the winter.
Carol says
Cajun shrimp and pasta