Recipe: Dressed up mashed potatoes

by Julie Snyder

Are mashed potatoes a family favorite, especially at holiday meals? Would your little brother melt down faster than butter by the fireplace?

If so, you need an emergency back-up plan.

The unexpected can happen. Whether it's a smaller than remembered stash of potatoes or a larger than expected guest list, we have your solution.

Keep a box or bag of mashed potatoes on hand -- or two or three. Then, add punch to frozen or boxed mashed potatoes. Here's how you can dress up those blah packaged spuds for a festive table.

Dressed up mashed potatoes

Prep time: 5 minutes | Total time: 10 to 15 minutes | Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

• boxed or frozen mashed potatoes
• 8 ounces low-fat sour cream
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons real bacon bits
• 1 teaspoon garlic flakes
• 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Directions

Prepare the potatoes according to the package directions. When heated, add the sour cream, butter and chives.

Stir in the cheddar and bacon bits. Sprinkle the top with the fresh, finely chopped parsley and serve.

Cook's note

You can season your freshly boiled potatoes similarly. While you're whipping up the mashed potatoes with your mixer, add the sour cream and garlic. Then stir in the rest and garnish with parsley

Are you and your family getting tired of plain, boring mashed potatoes? How do you dress them up?

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto.