Fancy Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Penny Panko Topping

My mom may never forgive me for exposing her, but her secret mashed potatoes hack is too good not to share. Her mashed potatoes get complimented without fail every year for their flavor and richness. Her time-saving, flavor-maximizing secret? Using store-bought mashed potatoes as a base and simply doctoring them up to add her own special take. These are super customizable, but I highly, highly recommend sprinkling the top with a mixture of Penny Panko and cheddar cheese. The results are irresistible! 

Doctored-up (store bought) mashed potatoes with Crispy Penny Panko topping 

Ingredients 

• 1 pack of store-bought mashed potatoes (We like Main St. Bistro, which you can find at Costco). Trader Joe’s Mashed Potatoes also work amazing!
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup melted butter
• Cooked and chopped bacon, if desired
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Penny Panko
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Prepare potatoes according to package directions
3. Add the mashed potatoes, sour cream, melted butter, bacon (if using), garlic powder, salt and pepper to a mixing bowl, using a spatula to fold the mixture until fully combined
4. Spoon into a lightly greased baking dish (such as a 7x11 casserole or a 2 quart round casserole), and top with Penny Panko and cheddar cheese
5. Bake in oven for about 20 minutes or until cheese melts and starts to bubble

Note: Baking times will vary based on what type of potatoes you use. Trader Joe’s will already be hot from preparing on the stove, but Main Street Bistro might take closer to 30 minutes to cook as you are cooking them from cold. 

Other ingredient to add (get creative!):

• Fold in Swiss or Fontina cheese for an extra rich and gooey texture
• A few tablespoons of Mayo or cream cheese for added tang and creaminess
• Garnish with herbs, like sage, rosemary, and thyme
• Fold in chives or scallions, or even roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or a packet of Lipton’s French Onion Dip

 Have fun with it! And as always, Stay Cheesin'!