Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Goat Cheese

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 lb

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and chopped)

1/4 cup

butter (melted, unsalted)

1/4 cup

heavy cream

2 oz

goat cheese (crumbled)

slices thin bacon or pancetta (sliced thin, cooked crisped & crumbled)

1/2 tsp

kosher salt (or more, to taste)

1/2 tsp

black pepper

1 tsp

fresh chopped chives (divided in-half)