Cut potatoes into evenly sized chunks (about an inch in size). You can leave the skin on or peel them first before cutting. Alex leaves the skin on.
Fill a large stockpot full of cold water. Add the cut potatoes, minced garlic and about a tbsp of sea salt. Make sure there is at least 1 inch of water above the potatoes so everything is submerged.
Over high heat, bring the potatoes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium high and continue to cook the potatoes for about another 15 minutes or until a fork can easily be inserted into the middle of a potato with no resistance. Drain potatoes.
As potatoes are boiling, heat butter, milk & 2 tsp of sea salt in a small saucepan until butter is just melted (use low heat). Once melted, stir in the leftover bacon grease. Set aside.
After draining the water, immediately put the potatoes back into the stock pot. Place back on the hot burner on low heat. Cook for about another minute or so to cook off some of the leftover steam.
Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency.
Fold in half the melted butter mixture with a wooden spoon until the liquid as been soaked up. Mix in the remaining butter mixture. Then stir in the cream cheese & shredded mozzarella cheese.
Lastly, stir in the bacon bits. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Top with chopped chives or green onions. Serve hot.
Recipe by Grey Stripes & Denim at http://www.greystripesanddenim.com/alexs-bacon-mashed-potatoes/