Potato-Stuffing Bake

1½ cups water

½ cup margarine or butter

¾ cup milk

1½ cups Instant Mashed Potato Flakes

2. cups seasoned croutons

½ cup finely chopped celery

2. tablespoons finely chopped green onions

2. drops hot pepper sauce

2. slices American cheese, cut in half diagonally

1. Preheat oven to 350°F   (176°C)
2. Grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish (or a 1-quart casserole dish)
3. In a large saucepan, heat water and margarine to boiling. Remove from heat; add milk and potato flakes, stirring until well combined.
4. Stir in celery, onions, hot pepper sauce and 1 cup of the croutons. Spoon into prepared casserole dish. Crush remaining 1 cup of the croutons and sprinkle around EDGE of potato mixture.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until light golden brown. Arrange cheese slices down center of potato mixture and return to oven and bake and additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until cheese is slightly melted. Makes about 4 to 6 servings.

NOTE: If you double the recipe, use a 2-quart casserole dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.