Ham and Taters (Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Baked Ham Base)

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Recipe Intro From cook_at_home_dad

These creamy mashed potatoes, flavored with Better Than Bouillon Baked Ham Base and crispy pancetta, are the perfect side dish for your next holiday gathering. With a savory twist that’s sure to become a family favorite, this recipe will make your dinner table shine. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or serving a crowd, these mashed potatoes are packed with flavor and guaranteed to please.

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  • Recipe Card
Prep time 30mins
Cook time 5hrs
Serves or Makes: 8-10 servings

Recipe Card

For the Baked Ham Base:

ingredients

For the Potatoes:

ingredients

  • 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 ounces pancetta, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

  • Step 1

    Bring the water to a rolling boil. Stir in the Better Than Bouillon Baked Ham Base, ensuring it dissolves completely. Let it boil for a few minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.

  • Step 2

    In a medium skillet, heat the pancetta over medium-high heat. Cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat, and transfer to a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

  • Step 3

    Grease your crockpot with butter and add the cubed potatoes, onion, garlic, pancetta, and ham base liquid (except for the heavy cream). Set the crockpot to high and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

  • Step 4

    Turn off the crockpot, and drain the excess liquid (leave about 1 cup of liquid in the crockpot). Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the room-temperature heavy whipping cream and mix thoroughly.

  • Step 5

    Add a square of butter in the center of the mashed potatoes, then garnish with fresh parsley. For extra flavor, these mashed potatoes taste amazing with your favorite gravy. Enjoy!