Skillet-Cooked Potatoes and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 lbs red potatoes or other waxy potatoes
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 3 slices smoked bacon, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• kosher salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 8 ounces grated cantal cheese or gruyere cheese
• 8 ounces farmers' cheese (such as Friendship brand)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

Directions

1. 1

   Using a mandoline, cut potatoes into 1/16"-thick slices. (or slice them the thickness of a nickel).

2. 2

   Place potatoes in a bowl of cold water; set aside.

3. 3

   Heat oil in a 12" cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat.

4. 4

   Add bacon and cook, stirring, until its fat has rendered, about 6 minutes.

5. 5

   Drain potatoes in a colander; add to the skillet; season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. 6

   Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally and crushing potatoes into small chunks with a wooden spoon, until potatoes are tender, 20–25 minutes.

7. 7

   Add cheeses, and garlic to skillet; stir to combine.

8. 8

   Reduce heat to medium-low; cover.

9. 9

   Cook, scraping bottom of skillet with a wooden spoon, until cheese is melted and the potatoes are mashed, about 5 minutes.

10. 10

    Stir vigorously and season with salt to taste.

11. 11

    Sprinkle with chives and pepper to taste.