Preparing side dishes can be time consuming. Save those precious minutes to enjoy the holidays by using refrigerated, never-frozen options like mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, baked apples and even macaroni and cheese that can be heated in the microwave and ready to serve in minutes.

Like many hosts, you are likely searching for perfection in your holiday get-togethers. With an ever-expanding guest list, each year may seem more and more difficult to pull off the perfect gathering. Make things easier and still delicious by serving ready-to-eat options like refrigerated macaroni and cheese made with real milk and cheese.

Fancy Mac

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Nonstick cooking spray
1 package Bob Evans Macaroni and Cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 1/4 cups shredded Gouda cheese, divided
1 package Bob Evans Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon, cooked and broken into pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 400 F. Spray four ramekins with cooking spray.

Heat macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Once cooked, stir in spinach, 1 cup cheese, bacon, salt and pepper.

Let mixture stand 10-15 minutes to cool. Add eggs. Spoon evenly into ramekins. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake 20 minutes, or until centers are set.

Mini Hash Brown Casseroles

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 24
1 pound Bob Evans Original Roll Sausage
4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 package (20 ounces) Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup ham, cubed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In skillet, cook sausage according to package directions.

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins.

In bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add hash browns, butter, ham, black pepper and cheese; mix thoroughly. Fill muffin tins two-thirds full. Bake 27-30 minutes, or until toothpick or knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Substitution: For healthier alternative, substitute 1 cup AllWhites liquid egg whites instead of eggs.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 40
2 packages Bob Evans Thick Sliced Hardwood Smoked Bacon, slices cut in half
1 package Bob Evans White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
1 package garlic herb cheese spread
20 jalapeno peppers, halved, seeded with membranes removed
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Heat oven to 400 F. Set bacon out to thaw to room temperature so it is pliable.

In mixing bowl, use rubber spatula to combine mashed potatoes and garlic herb cheese. Stir until incorporated. Spread 1 teaspoon mashed potato mixture in each jalapeno half; level each with butter knife or spatula.

Wrap each jalapeno with bacon; use three half slices for large jalapenos or two halves for smaller sizes. Be sure bacon is wrapped sealing in mashed potato mixture tightly.

In small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Generously sprinkle over bacon and pat gently to make it stick.

Line cookie sheet with piece of parchment paper so sugar does not burn to pan. Bake until bacon reaches desired crispiness, around 25-35 minutes.

Let peppers cool slightly before serving, about 5 minutes. (Family Features & Bob Evans)