There are days when you just need a warm hug in a bowl, or in this case, a mug! Forget the fuss of making a whole pot of mashed potatoes when a craving strikes. This Garlic Bacon Loaded Mashed Potato Cheese Mug is your personal express ticket to creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying comfort food, ready in mere minutes thanks to the magic of your microwave. It’s perfectly portioned, packed with flavor from garlic, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar, making it an ideal quick lunch, snack, or even a delightful side dish.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m all about smart, efficient cooking that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, and this recipe absolutely nails it. What I love most is how it delivers all the comforting goodness of loaded mashed potatoes without any of the extensive prep or cleanup. It’s the ultimate single-serving indulgence, perfect for those moments when you want something warm and hearty without a big production. The way the garlic infuses the potatoes while they cook, combined with the salty bacon and melted cheese, is simply irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 large potato (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
• 2 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy, depending on preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Potato: While a large potato works for one generous serving, you can adjust the size based on your mug and appetite. Russet potatoes yield a fluffier mash, while Yukon Golds are creamier.
• Bacon: Ensure your bacon is cooked to a good crisp before crumbling; it adds a crucial texture element. You can cook extra bacon ahead of time for quick assembly.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor, but 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Cheese: Cheddar is fantastic, but you could also use a sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses.
• Milk & Butter: Adjust the amounts slightly based on your desired creaminess. For a richer mash, use cream or half-and-half instead of milk.
• Optional Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions (if you have them) would be excellent additions at the end.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Prep the Potato & Garlic: Peel the large potato and chop it into small, even cubes (about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch). Smaller cubes will cook faster. Place the potato cubes into a microwave-safe mug (ensure it’s a mug large enough to hold the finished mashed potatoes). Add the minced garlic on top of the potatoes.
2. Microwave Potatoes: Pour enough water into the mug to just cover the potato cubes. Microwave on high for about 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely soft and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and potato cube size.
3. Mash & Season: Carefully drain the hot water from the mug (use oven mitts, as the mug will be hot!). Using a fork or a small potato masher directly in the mug, mash the potatoes until mostly smooth. Stir in the butter, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix vigorously until everything is well combined and the mashed potatoes are creamy.
4. Load It Up: Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes in the mug. Stir everything together gently to distribute the bacon and cheese throughout the mash.
5. Final Microwave Melt: Return the mug to the microwave. Heat on high for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the mixture is heated through.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave. Give it a final stir if desired. Serve immediately and savor your delicious, comforting Garlic Bacon Loaded Mashed Potato Cheese Mug!

Tips for Success

• Even Potato Cubes: Cutting the potato into uniform small cubes ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the microwave.
• Don’t Overfill: Use a mug that gives you enough room to mash and mix without overflowing.
• Adjust Milk/Butter: Start with slightly less milk and butter than specified, then add more until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Different potatoes absorb liquid differently.
• Salt to Taste: Bacon and cheese are salty, so taste before adding too much extra salt to the potatoes.
• Serve Hot: This mug is definitely best enjoyed straight out of the microwave while the cheese is melted and gooey.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This mashed potato mug is a satisfying snack or a perfect single-serving side. It pairs beautifully with:

• Any Meat: A simple grilled chicken breast, a pork chop, or a small steak.
• Hearty Stews: Serve alongside a bowl of chili or a stew that needs a comforting side.
• Southern Comfort Meals: It would be a delicious accompaniment to dishes like These Easy Turkey Wings are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays or This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
• One-Pan Dinners: Complement a quick and easy dinner like This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor or This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This mashed potato mug is truly designed for fresh, immediate consumption. While you could technically store assembled leftovers in the refrigerator for a day, the texture of microwaved mashed potatoes can change, and the bacon might lose its crispness. It’s best to prepare the components (cooked bacon, minced garlic) ahead of time, then assemble and cook when ready to eat for the best results.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you love the ease and comfort of this mashed potato mug, be sure to try these other simple yet satisfying recipes:

• This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip
• This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
• These Easy Turkey Wings are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays

Final Thoughts

The Garlic Bacon Loaded Mashed Potato Cheese Mug is a brilliant solution for satisfying serious comfort food cravings without the time commitment. It’s warm, creamy, savory, and incredibly easy, making it an instant favorite for anyone who loves quick, delicious meals. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by this little mug of magic!

What are your go-to microwave comfort food hacks? Share your feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and ingenious recipes!