Potato Harvest Casserole

Potato Harvest Casserole Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Follow

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Potato Harvest Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. This creamy and cheesy casserole is made with mashed potatoes, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pimento, green pepper, green onions, and parmesan cheese. It is a great side dish to serve at a family gathering or holiday meal.

History

The Potato Harvest Casserole recipe has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a classic comfort food dish that is often served during the fall and winter months when potatoes are in season. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy goodness makes this casserole a favorite among many.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) of peeled and quartered potatoes
1 cup of butter
2 (3 oz (85 g)) packages of softened cream cheese
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1 (2 oz (57 g)) jar of drained pimento
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
1 bunch of green onions, finely chopped
0.5 cup of parmesan cheese
0.25 cup of milk
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Cook the potatoes in boiling water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain and mash them.
Add butter and cream cheese to the mashed potatoes. Beat at medium speed using an electric mixer until smooth.
Stir in 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese and the next 6 ingredients. Spoon the mixture into a lightly buttered 11x7x1.5 inch baking dish.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
You can prepare the dish the night before (except for the cheese topping) and refrigerate it covered overnight.
Let the dish stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or gouda.
Mix in cooked vegetables such as broccoli or spinach.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender before mashing them.

- Be sure to let the dish stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking if you prepare it the night before.

- You can customize this recipe by adding in your favorite ingredients such as bacon, ham, or different types of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Potato Harvest Casserole as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes until tender before mashing them.

- Use an electric mixer to beat the potatoes, butter, and cream cheese until smooth.

- Bake the casserole until thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine instead of butter.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese.

- Use different types of cheese based on your preference.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Potato Harvest Casserole the night before (except for the cheese topping) and refrigerate it covered overnight. Let the dish stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Potato Harvest Casserole in a decorative baking dish and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Potato Harvest Casserole with a glass of white wine or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Potato Harvest Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Potato Harvest Casserole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Potato Harvest Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Potato Harvest Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Potato Harvest Casserole contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Potato Harvest Casserole is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Potato Harvest Casserole is a rich and creamy dish that is high in fats and carbohydrates. It is a comforting and indulgent side dish that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Potato Harvest Casserole is a delicious and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion. This creamy and cheesy casserole is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this indulgent dish with family and friends for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a crisp autumn day, the air filled with the earthy scent of potatoes being dug up from the ground. I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who lived on a small farm just outside of town. As we walked through her garden, she proudly showed me the bountiful harvest of potatoes she had grown that year.

"Would you like to try my famous Potato Harvest Casserole?" Martha asked with a twinkle in her eye. I eagerly agreed, curious to taste this dish that she had been raving about for weeks. We made our way to her cozy kitchen, where she began to peel and slice the potatoes with practiced ease.

As the casserole baked in the oven, filling the house with a tantalizing aroma, Martha regaled me with the story of how she had come to discover this recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a simple yet hearty dish, perfect for feeding a hungry family after a day of hard work in the fields.

When the casserole was finally ready, Martha placed a steaming hot dish in front of me. The golden brown potatoes were layered with creamy cheese and sprinkled with fragrant herbs. I took a bite and was instantly transported back to my own childhood, when my own grandmother used to make me similar dishes with love and care.

From that moment on, Potato Harvest Casserole became a staple in my own recipe collection. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on cozy nights at home. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Martha and her grandmother, and the bond that food had created between us.

Over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe, adapting it to suit my own tastes and those of my loved ones. Sometimes I add crispy bacon or caramelized onions, other times I sprinkle it with crunchy breadcrumbs for extra texture. But no matter how I choose to prepare it, the essence of the dish remains the same - a warm and comforting reminder of the power of food to bring people together.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Potato Harvest Casserole for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the thought of passing down this recipe to yet another generation. Just as Martha did for me, I hope to instill in them not just a love for good food, but an appreciation for the stories and memories that come with it.

And so, as I take a bite of the creamy, cheesy potatoes, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful cooks who have come before me, sharing their recipes and their love. For in the end, it is not just the food itself that nourishes us, but the stories and traditions that we pass along with it.