This Loaded Mashed Potato Bowl is layered with seasoned french fries, mashed potatoes, homemade cheese sauce, bacon, and chicken nuggets. If you are hungry, look no further than this hearty bowl that will fill up the hungriest of eaters! Inspired by the popular bowls sold at KFC restaurants, this has all the comforting flavors and layers you may be craving! I also have a Mashed Potato Bowl you will want to try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
French Fries: Look for seasoned french fries, cooked according to package instructions, to use as the base layer in the bowl. Seasoned fries will give you the most flavor, but you could use french fries you have on hand.
Mashed Potatoes: I love creamy mashed potatoes, but you could also use skins-on mashed potatoes for more texture. Or, for a lighter alternative, try adding cauliflower mashed.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce: You can make homemade cheddar cheese sauce (which I highly recommend) or use store-bought cheese sauce.
Bacon: Cook up 4 pieces of bacon nice and crispy, then crumble it up to add to the bowls.
Chicken Nuggets: If you don’t want to use store-bought chicken nuggets, try my air fryer chicken nuggets!
What To Serve with Mashed Potato Bowls
Yes, this is one loaded (literally) dish, but there are some sides you could pair with the bowls when serving. Here are some options to try:
- Wedge Salad
- Coleslaw
- Garlic Knots or Garlic breadsticks
- Buttermilk Biscuits
- Corn on the Cob
- Roasted Vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts
Can I Make Potato Bowls Ahead Of Time?
Yes, there are definitely parts of this recipe that can be made in advance. Once the mashed potatoes are made, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. You could also get the cheese sauce made in advance. Once made, homemade cheese sauce will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. I recommend cooking the french fries and chicken nuggets when ready to assemble the bowls; this will keep them nice and crispy!
How To Store Mashed Potato Bowls
Although best served freshly assembled, you can store leftovers. If possible, store each part of the smashed potato bowls separately. Then, heat up each part when ready to put together and serve a delicious and hearty bowl!
Loaded Mashed Potato Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups seasoned french fries, cooked according to package instructions, divided
- 4 cups (840 g) prepared mashed potatoes, homemade or store-bought, divided
- 2 cups (486 g) prepared cheddar cheese sauce, homemade or store-bought, divided
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked, crumbled, divided
- 1 bag (32 ounces) chicken nuggets, cooked according to package instructions, divided
- green onion, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Set out 4 medium-sized serving bowls.
- Prepare and heat all appropriate ingredients.
- To each bowl, add 1 cup of french fries, spreading them evenly around the bottom and sides of the bowls.
- Top each bowl of french fries with 1 cup of warmed mashed potatoes, ½ cup of warmed cheddar cheese sauce, ¼ cup of crumbled bacon, and 5-6 cooked chicken nuggets.
- Garnish each bowl with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Video
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Elizabeth
Oh, wow! Now this is an impressive bowl full of comfort foods! I would skip the bacon, but pile on everything else!
Rachael
This is a full meal all in one bite and is so good! This is a must-try for a lover of loaded mashed potatoes, as this is the next level!
Annabelle
This is delicious! It's filling, flavorful, easy to make, and will surely be a hit with everyone!
Bella
This is everything I love in one bowl! So delicious and easy to put together.
Selena
Oh, this is so so decadent and good. Carbs with carbs and then cheese and bacon. YES, PLEASE!
