Side Dishes > Potato > Instant Potatoes

Bacon and Cheese Instant Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of instant mashed potatoes (4 servings)
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tbsp of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy. Remove from the pan and let it cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. In a saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the butter and stir until melted.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the instant mashed potatoes. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the milk to the saucepan and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon to the mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the bacon is evenly distributed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot in a serving dish.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
5. Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 310
Total fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 760mg
Total carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 11g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of bacon, you can use ham or sausage.
- Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use any other type of cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.

Variations:
- Add chopped green onions or chives for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder for a savory twist.
- Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy, as it will add a nice crunch to the mashed potatoes.
- Use a whisk or electric mixer to ensure the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the mashed potatoes in a decorative serving dish or bowl.

Garnishes:
Garnish with additional crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.

Pairings:
Serve with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the bacon and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Food history:
Instant mashed potatoes were first introduced in the 1950s as a convenient alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Flavor profiles:
The combination of bacon and cheese adds a savory and salty flavor to the mashed potatoes.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the mashed potatoes as a side dish for a family dinner or holiday meal.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Bacon, Creamy, Salty, Bacon-Y