Make-a-Head Mash Potatoes Too Die For?

Good early morning all,  No this is not a murder mystery recipe. They just taste so good you feel like you've died and gone to heaven.  This is another recipe requested by the boys a lot.  It used to be they only wanted instant potatoes. Until a couple of years ago, I found this in a Taste Of Home magazine and wanted to try it. It has been altered to fit my families taste. They want these potatoes all the time now. We will not be doing our regular posting this week because of the holidays.  I'm cooking dishes in advanced and thought I would share this one today. Do you cook holiday dishes a head of the holidays.  I find it prevents stress by doing some of the cooking a head of time plus the boys do some of the cooking too.   So lets get down too it.  Conor made these last night so I only have the final picture of the completed product.  Here's what you'll need for these yummy potatoes.

3 lbs. potatoes  (about nine medium sized)

1 pkg (8 oz.)  cream cheese, softened  (I only use 4 oz.)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup butter, cubed 

1/4 cup 2 % milk

1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp pepper  (I just use a pinch)

6 bacon strips, chopped  (I used precooked chopped bacon bits found in the salad topping section of walmart)

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded  cheddar cheese   (we do not put cheese on ours)

3 green onions, chopped

Cook potatoes in a dutch oven or large pot.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes until fork comes out clean.  Drain  and add cream cheese, sour cream and butter.  Then proceed to add milk and spices.

If you choose to cook bacon in skillet.  Cook until just crisp and remove to paper towels.  Pap down to remove grease and crumble when cool to touch.  Put potato mixture in nice greased casserole dish usually 13 inches by 9 inches.  Sprinkle potatoes with onions, bacon and cheese.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.  You don't want to put a cold pan in the oven it might crack.  Set oven to 350 degrees and cook for 40-50 minutes or heated through.  Enjoy and Have A Merry Christmas

Here's other dishes we cook for the holidays:

http://lorrainesresources.blogspot.com/2013/11/heres-pumpkin-bread-with-pics.html
http://lorrainesresources.blogspot.com/2013/06/lets-continue-party.html