Loaded Red Potato Bake

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 3 -In a 6-quart stockpot, add the red potatoes and enough water to cover the red potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, and cook uncovered, until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4 -Drain the red potatoes and return them to the pot.

Step 5 -With a potato masher, mash the cooked potatoes until smooth.

Step 6 -Gradually add the milk, the butter, the black pepper, and the salt to the mashed potatoes, and continue to mash to combine.

Step 7 -Transfer the mashed potato mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 8 -Evenly sprinkle the mashed potato mixture with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the bacon.

Step 9 -Evenly spread the sour cream on top of the cheese and bacon layer.

Step 10 -Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the chives on top of the sour cream layer.

Step 11 -Bake, uncovered, until it is heated through and the cheese is melted, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 12 -Plate and serve.