Potatoes are one of the most popular foods in the world. Its versatility and economic price tag make it a staple food in every family’s kitchen. Boiled, baked, fried or mashed, everyone loves potatoes, but it’s so easy for something as common as the potato to become so routine that it loses its excitement.
Instant mashed potatoes are the simple and fool-proof alternative to peeling, boiling and mashing your own. They take a fraction of the time to prepare, their nutrition is nearly identical to fresh, and they’re almost impossible to make gluey or lumpy, common complaints against fresh potatoes. And while it’s always best to use fresh vegetables over dried, canned or frozen, for busy families, it is a healthy and convenient option when time is limited.
Here are a few recipes that will spice up your dinner time – or just provide a delicious mid-day snack. All of these recipes can also be applied to fresh mashed potatoes as well, but for fast and easy potatoes, use instant.
Rich and Creamy Potatoes
For making rich, creamy potatoes out of a box, only a little help is needed to make them delicious. Margarine works okay with potatoes, but use fresh sweet cream butter for an extra treat.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 2c. prepared instant mashed potatoes
- 2 tbsp. butter or cream cheese
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1-2 tsp. salt (to taste)
- Parsley (optional)
Stir all ingredients together, or whip with an electric mixer.
Potatoes Aux Gratin
For creamy, cheesy potatoes, try adding a handful of shredded cheddar or Mozzarella to the pot. For an extra boost of flavor shake in some simulated bacon bits, powdered or fresh chicken stock, or onion powder.
Loaded Baked Potato
- 2c. instant mashed potato flakes
- 1/2c. shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp. simulated bacon bits
- 1/4c. chopped green onion or parsley (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Stir together all dry ingredients and shredded cheese. Pour in boiling water (according to package directions) and stir until creamy. Adjust water for desired consistency and serve alone, as a snack, or as a side dish with fish or chicken. Sprinkle with onion or parsley if desired.
Homestyle Potatoes Aux Gratin
- 2c. instant mashed potato flakes
- 1/2c. mozzarella or cream cheese
- 1 tbsp. powdered chicken stock
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. parsley
Stir together all dry ingredients and shredded cheese. Pour in boiling water (according to package directions) and stir until creamy. If using cream cheese, stir together dry ingredients first and then drop the cheese on top of the potatoes just before adding the boiling water.
As an alternative to using instant chicken stock, use real pan drippings (if diner includes baked or fried chicken) and mix in with the boiling water before adding to the potatoes.
Mashed Potato Chips
Everyone loves potato chips, but not the amount of fat and salt included in every bag. This way you can have your chips and eat them too, the only thing missing is the crunch.
Mashed Ketchup Chips
- 2c. prepared instant mashed potatoes
- 1/3c. ketchup
- 1 tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 tsp. sugar
- Salt to taste
Mix together until the ketchup is well blended, serve hot or cold.
Mashed Dill Pickle Chips
- 2c. prepared instant mashed potatoes
- 1 tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 tbsp. dill weed (dried)
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1-2 tsp. salt (to taste)
Mix together to evenly distribute ingredients. Try not to eat it all in one sitting!
Endless Combinations
Potatoes have the potential to carry any flavor you give to them. Try coming up with your own special recipes or adapting these ones to your individual tastes. Dinner and snack time can be exciting again with just simple changes to an old favorite – potatoes.
Melissa Cannell - I am a part-time Library and Information Technician working in the library resource center of a busy Canadian college. I've been writing ...
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