LOADED MASHED POTATOES

LOADED MASHED POTATOES 4 slices bacon, or more to taste 3 pounds potatoes, or more to taste, peeled and cut into chunks 1/2 cup butter 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese 1/2 chopped fresh chives (optional) salt and ground black pepper to taste Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels. Place potatoes into a large pot of lightly salted water; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash butter into the potatoes with a potato masher or electric hand mixer until melted completely into the potatoes; add sour cream and continue to beat until combined. Crumble bacon into the potato mixture; add Cheddar cheese and chives and stir. Season potatoes with salt and pepper.