Loaded Mashed Potatoes in the Microwave

Loaded mashed potatoes are a quick and easy weeknight side dish that’s made in the microwave for those nights when you have a hungry crowd and need potatoes in ten minutes. Bacon and crispy French’s fried onions give this dish all the flavor you could ask for.

A bowl of loaded mashed potatoes with a small bowl of crispy onions.

Don’t have time for yukon gold mashed potatoes, (the best mashed potatoes ever) then loaded mashed potatoes in the microwave are going to be your best friend. A chunkier version of mashed potatoes with bacon and all the fixins.

The flavors are those of classic loaded potato skins that are served with sour cream, green onions and bacon. However, this mashed potato recipe is creamier than potato skins and chunkier then mashed potatoes. The best of both worlds.

While this recipe for loaded mashed potatoes is awesome by itself, the best part might be the crispy French’s fried onions that you’ll add to the the top right before serving. I’m not sure how they make these, but they are kind of magical.

A spoon full of mashed potatoes with a bowl behind it.

Of course, if you have time, then there is nothing better than homemade crispy onions, but you’ll need to plan for about 30 minutes. Totally worth it and you can make them in advance like I do when I’m making a green bean casserole. Whichever you choose, don’t leave them off, you’ll love the crispy combined with the creamy new potatoes.

Unlike my traditional mashed potato recipe that uses Yukon gold potatoes, or twice baked potato casserole that uses russet potatoes, this potato side dish uses new potatoes or red potatoes due to their thin skins and sweetness. They will cook quickly in the microwave which is what you need for a weeknight dinner, or last minute side dish.

While they might not look as elegant as some potato casseroles, microwave mashed potatoes will be a big hit as a Thanksgiving side dish and will not tie up the stove or oven. I have even more ideas for what to serve with mashed potatoes.

Why should you make them

You don’t have to peel the potatoes
You don’t have to boil water, cook the potatoes in the microwave instead
They have bacon mixed in along with butter and sour cream
You can make them start to finish in 15 minutes
They taste AWESOME

What you’ll need

Ingredients for loaded potatoes in the microwave.

New potatoes – I use medium sized red new potatoes, but any new potato will work.
Bacon – crisp this up in a skillet in advance. I love the flavor that pepper bacon adds.
Green onions – add a great flavor.
Butter and sour cream – this gives them that loaded potato taste.
French’s Fried onions – for the perfect crispy topping

How do you make this incredibly QUICK and EASY loaded mashed potato recipe

Step 1:

Fry the bacon in a skillet and drain on a paper towel.

Step 2:

Microwave new potatoes, skin and all and mash with a potato masher.

A glass bowl of cooked new potatoes with butter and a potato masher.

Step 3:

While mashing the potatoes, add butter and sour cream, to that add green onions and crispy bacon.

A bowl of mashed potatoes with bacon, sour cream and green onions on top.

Step 4:

Top with French’s fried onions right before serving.

A serving spoon in a bowl of microwaved mashed potatoes.

If you want to make this in advance, wait to add the bacon and fried onions until right before serving. To re-heat it, cover with plastic wrap and microwave, stirring occasionally until it is heated through.

You can store this in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. You can freeze it, but the butter and sour cream may separate when it is thawed.

Microwave mashed potato FAQs

Do you have to make these mashed potatoes with red potatoes?

Red potatoes have thin skins and are the perfect size for the microwave. Larger potatoes are not going to cook evenly.

Can you use a mixer to make mashed potatoes?

Using a mixer, will keep them from being soft and fluffy. If you don’t have a potato masher you can use the back of a large spoon.

Do you need to peel the potatoes?

Since the skins are so thin, you will hardly even notice them once they’ve been mashed.

What can you SERVE with Smashed Potatoes

They are great if you’re having burgers or hot dogs
Whip up a batch while you’re making chicken with shallots
Great with chicken drumsticks with a peach glaze
The perfect compliment to slow cooker ribs

Looking for MORE potato side dish recipes

You can never have enough potato casseroles, whether it’s rich au gratin potatoes or scalloped potatoes. For a savory appetizer try potato bites wrapped in bacon or grilled potato wedges. If you like your potatoes crispy, they you can’t beat super crunchy roasted potatoes. The Best Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes or New potatoes with crispy onions are always a hit and go with any main dish as well as roasted new potatoes or roasted potato salad.

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.