Real Food Fast: Fully Loaded Potatoes

When the weather turns colder and you long for a fire in the fireplace, there's nothing more satisfying than creamy potatoes on a plate. And the add-ins that you can stir in are as endless as your imagination! Good-for-you ingredients like spinach can marry with salty bacon and creamy mashed potatoes for a mid-week treat. Ham and scallions are also the perfect addition to full-of-flavor loaded mashed potatoes. And with the chilly weather comes the urge to turn the oven on, so why not make au gratin potatoes chock-full of broccoli and cauliflower? It's as beautiful as it is delicious. 

So, try these easy recipes when you're in the mood for comfort food and you want to get dinner on the table in a hurry. It will free your time up to start that perfect fall fire in the fireplace.

Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Spinach

Ingredients:

1 box Betty Crocker Homestyle Creamy Butter Mashed Potatoes

1 package Green Giant Chopped Spinach

3 strips cooked bacon, chopped 

Instructions:

Cook spinach according to package directions. Let sit for 3-5 minutes to let cool. Take ½ cup of the cooked spinach and drain very well in a colander, pushing to remove as much moisture as possible. Cook mashed potatoes according to package directions either on the stove or in the microwave. Gently stir in the spinach and bacon and serve immediately.

Totally Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

1 box Betty Crocker Ultimate Loaded Mashed Potatoes

1 piece black forest ham, diced into ½-inch pieces

2 scallions (white and green parts), diced on the bias into ½-inch pieces 

Instructions:

Cook mashed potatoes according to package directions. Gently fold in ham and scallion, and serve immediately.

Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes with Broccoli and Cauliflower 

Ingredients:

1 box Betty Crocker Ultimate Au Gratin Casserole Potatoes

¼ cup Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Broccoli Cuts

¼ cup frozen cauliflower

Instructions:

Place the broccoli and cauliflower in a colander. Run under warm water until thawed, about 30 seconds. Mix together au gratin potatoes according to package directions. Gently fold in broccoli and cauliflower. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is slightly browned and golden. Serve immediately.