This Christmas, my family renamed it ‘Holiday Hug in a Bowl’ because it’s requested at every gathering!

Instructions for Holiday Hug in a Bowl:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by boiling the potatoes until they’re soft and tender. Once cooked, drain the water and mash them until smooth. You can use a potato masher or hand mixer to achieve your desired consistency. Add the melted butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until creamy.
2. Mix in the Sour Cream and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. The cheese will melt into the potatoes, creating a rich and creamy texture.
3. Add the Ranch Seasoning and Garlic Powder: For that extra burst of flavor, add the ranch seasoning and garlic powder (if using). These ingredients bring a tangy kick that perfectly complements the potatoes. Stir everything together until the ranch seasoning is evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the creamy potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top and make it even.
5. Top with Bacon and Bake: If you’re using bacon bits, sprinkle them generously over the top for a savory, crunchy finish. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the warm, comforting hug of holiday goodness in every bite.

Tips for the Perfect ‘Holiday Hug in a Bowl’:

• Make it Ahead of Time: You can prepare this dish the day before your event. Just assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Customize the Toppings: While bacon adds a great savory crunch, feel free to get creative with toppings. You can add shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of paprika for color and extra flavor.
• Add Vegetables: If you want to add more nutrients to this dish, try mixing in some cooked vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans before baking. It’s a great way to make it even heartier and more colorful.
• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute some ingredients with healthier alternatives. Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, low-fat cheese, and swap out the butter for olive oil or a butter substitute.

Why This Dish is a Holiday Tradition:

There’s something magical about this Holiday Hug in a Bowl—the combination of mashed potatoes, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings feels like a warm embrace from the inside out. It’s the dish that brings everyone together at the table, and it’s become an essential part of our holiday celebrations. The creamy texture, the slight tang from the ranch seasoning, and the indulgent flavor make it the perfect comfort food for the cold winter months.

This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a celebration in itself. Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any family gathering, Holiday Hug in a Bowl is always a hit. So, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and will make your family ask for seconds, this one’s a winner.

So this holiday season, make sure to add Holiday Hug in a Bowl to your menu, and watch it quickly become a beloved tradition in your home too. It’s guaranteed to keep your loved ones feeling warm and full, no matter what the season brings!