Mashed Potato Souffle

     Is there one food that you love to eat when you are having a bad day?  Maybe a comfort food that makes you feel better?  For me it's mashed potatoes.  I'm not talking about made from scratch potatoes either, I'm basically talking about boxed mashed potatoes.  My mom would always make them for me when I was having a rough day which is funny because she absolutely HATES mashed potatoes.

 
   Believe it or not I still eat boxed mashed potatoes.  They are one convenience food I think I'll always love.  That doesn't mean I don't try and jazz them up when I can and I did just that with this recipe.  It's called a mashed potato souffle because it puffs up nicely and gets golden brown on the top but stays creamy and delicious inside.  It's not an actual souffle but I think you're going to love it!

     I mentioned the boxed potatoes because at the base it's simply prepared, boxed mashed potatoes.  Then you add some cheese, herbs, eggs, and yogurt to it and it really turns out wonderfully.  The best part is you can customize it with whatever herbs and cheese you prefer.  I used garlic, parsley, thyme, and Parmesan cheese.

Mashed Potato Souffle  (adapted from Cooking Light )
1 1/4 c. low fat milk
2 T. flour
2 1/2 c. water
2 1/2 c. instant potato flakes
1/3 c. plain Greek yogurt
2 T. melted butter
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 t. black pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. fresh parsley, minced
1 t. thyme
1/3 c. Parmesan cheese

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Spray a 2 quart souffle pan (or cake pan) with cooking spray.

2.   In a saucepan combine 1/4 cup of milk, the flour, and the water.   Whisk until combined.  Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.

3.  Stir in the potato flakes and remaining milk.  Mix well.

4.  Stir in the yogurt, butter, baking powder, salt, pepper, eggs, garlic, parsley, thyme, and cheese.

5.  Spoon into prepared dish and bake for 45 minutes or until fluffy and browned.  Broil for 2 minutes if desired.