BACON-GRUYERE SMASHED POTATOES

Bacon-Gruyere Smashed Potatoes image

Gruyere cheese, bacon, sweet onions and herbs take smashed potatoes to a whole new level of amazing. This loaded side dish is so rich and satisfying, it could almost be eaten on its own! - Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h20m

Yield 16 servings (3/4 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, divided
3 large sweet onions, halved and thinly sliced
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
3 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
3-1/2 pounds medium red potatoes, halved
1 cup 2% milk
10 slices bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded Gruyere or white cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup butter over medium-high heat. Add onions, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; cook and stir 8-10 minutes or until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 40-50 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring occasionally and stirring in thyme during last 5 minutes., Place potatoes in a 6-qt stockpot; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain; return to pan. Add milk and remaining butter, salt and pepper. Coarsely mash potatoes with a masher, leaving small chunks. Stir in bacon and onions; sprinkle with cheese. Let stand, covered, until cheese melts. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 205 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 29mg cholesterol, Sodium 427mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.