Three Cheese Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

Potatoes...cheese...bacon...creamy, comforting goodness. I know boxed mashed potatoes are a total cop-out. Sometimes life calls for a quick fix, and instant mashed potatoes were it. I needed a good side dish to go with some Easter ham. The best Easter ham. Something cheesy. These potatoes were creamy, gooey, and delicious. They were perfect for the occasion. I modified this recipe based on what I'll do next time. These were very cheesy. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Three Cheese Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

5 cups prepared instant mashed potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 slices American cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 or 2 oz bacon bits
1/2 large onion, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch garlic powder
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 pinch onion powder

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In 2-quart casserole, combine mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, American cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, bacon bits (reserving 1T for later use), onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until cheeses begin to melt.

2. Combine melted butter, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, reserved bacon bits, onion powder, and bread crumbs. Crumble mixture over the potato-cheese mixture.

3. Bake for 30 minutes, or until topping has browned.