Baked, smashed, roasted, or fried -- it's hard to go wrong with potatoes. Plus, with a rainbow of rich toppings like bacon, cheese, veggies, and more, the flavor possibilities are endless. So whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner get-together or enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with friends, these delicious potato recipes meals are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Ingredients

2 - pounds red skinned or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, if desired and cut up
1/2 - teaspoon salt
1/8 - teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Milk (optional)
1/2 - cup whipping cream
1/3 - cup shredded American or cheddar cheese
Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a covered large saucepan, cook potatoes in enough boiling water to cover for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer on low speed. Season with the salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. If necessary, add a small amount of milk for desired consistency.

Grease four 10- to 12-ounce individual casseroles or custard cups or a 1- to 1-1/2-quart casserole. Spoon potato mixture into prepared casserole(s). In a chilled medium bowl, beat whipping cream with chilled beaters of an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl over); fold in cheese. Spoon cheese mixture over potatoes. Place casserole(s) on a baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until lightly browned and heated through. If desired, sprinkle with additional black pepper. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts (Cheesy Mashed Potato Pots)

Per serving: 281 kcal cal., 15 g fat (9 g sat. fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 4 g monounsatured fat), 52 mg chol., 484 mg sodium, 32 g carb., 3 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 7 g pro. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet