This post is sponsored by McCormick® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
The holidays are just around the corner, and I’m already planning my menu. There are some staple dishes that I serve at each of our gatherings, and I’m going to share a couple of them with you today. Keep on reading to grab the recipes for this delicious holiday appetizer, and a tasty spin on mashed potatoes.
I’ve had a thing for stuffed mushrooms ever since my cousin in law made some for one of my husband’s holiday family gatherings. I’ve played around with flavors and recipes, and come up with some pretty tasty ones along the way. One of my favorites, and most unique stuffed mushroom recipe is this one for Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms. The garlic and Parmesan come together nicely to create such a delicious taste with a wonderful aroma.
Most of my recipes start with McCormick® spices, because they are a brand that has been around for over a century, so they are a brand that I can trust. They have a passion for flavor, and focus on quality from source to table. This particular recipe calls for McCormick® Garlic Powder and McCormick® Parsley Flakes.
I pick up all of my McCormick® spices right in the spice aisle at Walmart. They are all conveniently located in the same area of the shelf, and there are so many to choose from. They’ve also got a great selection of extracts and gravy mixes for my baking and main dish needs. McCormick® has products to fit all of these seasonal flavor needs during the holidays.
My second recipe is one of my family’s favorite side dishes, Cheesy Bacon Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. McCormick® Garlic Powder and McCormick® Black Pepper give this dish a perfectly seasoned taste.
Delicious holiday appetizer & side dish recipes
I know that you’ve been patiently waiting for me to share these tasty recipes with you, so without further ado, I shall oblige. These recipes are so easy that you don’t even have to be a pro in the kitchen to make these for your family.
Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 8 oz package Baby Bella Mushrooms
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon McCormick® Parsley Flakes
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2. Wash mushrooms and gently remove the stems. Place into a baking pan, with the stem side up.
Step 3. Dump all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir well. You will have a paste like mixture when you are done.
Step 4. Use a teaspoon to stuff the mixture into the mushrooms, making sure to overfill them a bit.
Step 5. Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Cheesy Bacon Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Now this is one side dish that your family is going to rave over. Forget those boring mashed potatoes, everyone will enjoy this loaded mashed potato casserole loaded with bacon and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium size russet potatoes (approximately 2 lbs)
- 6 oz sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 8 oz cheddar cheese (reserve 1 oz)
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1 tablespoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Ground Black Pepper
- (optional: bacon bits for topping)
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Step 2. Chop bacon into 1/4-1/2 inch chunks and cook over medium heat in a 10 inch skillet, stirring occasionally, until done. Spoon onto paper towel lined plate to absorb the grease. Set aside.
Step 3. While bacon is cooking, peel potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch chunks. Place into a pot of boiling water and boil on high for 20 minutes or until potatoes are very tender.
Step 4. Drain water from potatoes, return to pot and add butter, milk and sour cream. Mash very well until you have a nice, smooth texture.
Step 5. Move potatoes to a large bowl. Add garlic, pepper, cheese and bacon. Stir well and pour into casserole dish. Top with remaining 1 oz of cheese and bacon bits (if desired).
Step 6. Place in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Serve hot.
Like I said, these are family favorites, and go over well each and every time that I serve them at our holiday gatherings. They are so delicious, yet very easy to make! I hope that you enjoy them as much as we do!
