Herb Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Bacon Topping

Speed up those spuds with this recipe for Herbed Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Bacon Topping. Our Gremolata Infused Olive Oil enhances this classic side dish with many herbaceous flavors. Inspired by the traditional Milanese herb blend, this infused olive oil combines the delicate aromas of parsley, lemon zest, and fresh garlic. This corn flake and bacon topping add a unique textural component, made using our Bacon Infused Olive Oil for maximum bacon flavor.

Ingredients: 

2 lbs. baking potatoes, peeled and diced 

2 tablespoons Gremolata Infused Olive Oil  

1/2 tablespoon Fleur de Sel 

4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 

1/2 cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes 

1/2 cup warm half and half (plus a little extra depending on how creamy you like your mashed potatoes) 

salt and pepper to taste 

Topping: 

1 tablespoon Bacon Infused Olive Oil 

1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped 

2 cups corn flakes 

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder 

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 

chopped parsley for garnish 

Instructions: 

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with minced garlic and salt. 

Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender, remove from the oven and set aside 

While the potatoes are baking, combine topping ingredients together in a large bowl (olive oil, bacon, corn flakes, salt, onion powder and paprika), toss to coat. Place on another baking sheet and toast, in the oven, for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.  

Once the potatoes are done, transfer to a large bowl, add cream cheese and half and half, mash using a potato masher until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Spoon mashed potatoes into a serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with the corn flake-bacon topping before serving. Sprinkle with parsley for garnish.