Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

3 lbs. Country Crock Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
1 cup sour cream divided into 1/2 cups
2 tsp. Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing mix
About 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend (mild cheddar & Monterey Jack)
About 1/3 cup Hormel Real Bacon Pieces
About 1/3 cup finely sliced green onion including some green.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325° if serving immediately.

Prepare mashed potatoes according to package directions.

Mix 1/2 cup sour cream with ranch dressing mix.

Distribute cooked potatoes evenly in 9 1/4 x 7 inch pan or the equivalent. If too full remove 1/4 to 1/2 cup of potatoes.

Poke holes in potatoes every one to two inches and spread sour cream mix over top and into holes.

Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.

If making ahead, refrigerate now.  To serve later bake cold potatoes at 325° for 20 to 30 minutes and add remaining ingredients as directed.

If serving immediately, bake until cheese melts slightly.  (Or try the microwave to melt the cheese.  Please let me know how well it works.)

Sprinkle evenly with bacon pieces and green onions.

Put remaining sour cream in a Zip lock bag. Cut a tiny hole in one corner.  Squeeze/pipe sour cream dollops all over the top.

Serves 10 for a meal or 20 for a potluck.

ENJOY!