Bacon Horseradish Smashed Potatoes

So this week we're featuring picnic favorites... which are inspired by some eats we had over July 4th weekend. These are dishes perfect for not only a picnic but potlucks or even just everyday meals during the week. Potatoes is a staple in my kitchen and something the Baron really enjoys. Potatoes to the Baron is like rice is to me and Joel - it's completes a meal. I'm always looking for new ways to prepare potatoes and was recently inspired by Rebecca of Foodie with Family. She shared a recipe for a potato salad, from which I made these Bacon Horseradish Smashed Potatoes. Buttery Yukon Gold potatoes are tossed with a little apple cider vinegar, mayo, horseradish, crisp bacon and green onions before smashing together for a flavorful side dish with a little kick...

I am a big fan of prepared horseradish and it's an ingredient I keep on hand to add some kick in various recipes or to use as an accompaniment to meat dishes. Bacon and horseradish pair really well together and when I saw the original recipe, I knew this would be a good potato salad to try. Joel prefers mashed potatoes over potato salad, which is why I prepared this as a smashed dish. But do try the potato salad version - it's delicious too! Either way, smashed or cubed, the recipe works for both.

Bacon Horseradish Smashed Potatoes
recipe adapted from Foodie with Family

2 pounds Yukon potatoes, peeled and chopped

6 green onions, green section sliced

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup prepared horseradish
salt and pepper to taste

Place potatoes in a large pot and add cold water to an inch above the potatoes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook potatoes for 15-20 minutes and test for doneness - a sharp knife should easily go through the potatoes. Drain the potatoes and transfer them into a large bowl.

Add the vinegar and cover with plastic wrap.

Remove potatoes from the refrigerator and add half of the green onion, half of the crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of horseradish. With a potato masher, mash the potatoes and additional ingredients together until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding more horseradish to your preferred taste.

Garnish with remaining green onions and bacon before serving.