Recipe: Make Ahead Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

OK, let me freely admit these mashed potatoes are NOT low in calories or fat, and they certainly aren't the most frugal recipe you'll find. However, they are yummy goodness for special occassions and holidays, and I guarantee there will not be any leftovers:


3 cups water
1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons garlic salt
1/2 package cream cheese, softened and cubed
2 cups package shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3 cups milk
1 container sour cream (the 16 oz size)
1 large package instant mashed potatoes (the 1 pound or so box)


Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bring water, butter, garlic salt, and mix to a boil.


Next, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream and cream cheese until it's all melted.


Whisk in the potatoes. Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray, and fill with half of the mashed potatoes mix. Sprinkle with one cup of the shredded cheese, and cover with the rest of the mashed potatoes. Finish the final layer with the last cup of shredded cheese.


Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, (Or skip this step for a day, cover well, and bake the following day. It cuts down on one step during busy meals if you have it prepared the day before - one less thing to stand over the stove with the day of the meal, right?)