Upper Crust Potatoes

Upper Crust Potatoes Recipe - Italian Dish with Creamy Idaho Potatoes and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Upper Crust Potatoes is a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. This creamy and cheesy potato casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Upper Crust Potatoes are not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a comforting and hearty side dish. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a classic favorite for many.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) idaho potatoes (about 6)
1.5 cup heavy or whipping cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
0.25 cup finely chopped shallots
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 bay leaves
1.5 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
0.75 cup cream cheese, room temperature
0.5 cup milk
0.5 tbsp paprika
salt
pepper to taste
0.75 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup dried bread crumbs
2 tbsp chopped fresh italian parsley (flat leaf)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Oil the bottom of a shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish.
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
Put the sliced potatoes in a mixing bowl and add 0.75 cup of cream.
Toss to mix well and set aside.
Melt the butter in a skillet.
Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes without browning.
Add the bay leaves and rosemary to the skillet.
Whisk in the cream cheese, milk, and the remaining 0.75 cup of cream.
Simmer, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the paprika, salt, and pepper.
Discard the bay leaves and pour the mixture over the potatoes.
Toss gently to coat the potatoes.
Arrange the potato mixture in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the dish first with Parmesan cheese and then with bread crumbs.
Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly, which should take about 1 hour.
Cover the dish with foil after 30 minutes of baking.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Make ahead tip: Assemble the dish (except for the topping) in the baking dish earlier in the day.
Cover and refrigerate.
Add the cheese and bread crumbs just before baking.
Once cooked, the dish will keep warm for 15 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Mix in cooked vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
Use different herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Mixing the potatoes with cream before baking helps to keep them moist and creamy.

- Covering the dish with foil halfway through baking helps to prevent the top from burning.

- For a crispy top, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Upper Crust Potatoes can be served as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a main dish with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Slicing the potatoes thinly ensures even cooking.

- Mixing the potatoes with cream before baking helps to keep them moist.

- Covering the dish with foil halfway through baking prevents the top from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes instead of Idaho potatoes.

- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.

- Use dried herbs instead of fresh if fresh herbs are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the dish (except for the topping) in the baking dish earlier in the day. Cover and refrigerate. Add the cheese and bread crumbs just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Upper Crust Potatoes in a decorative baking dish and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Upper Crust Potatoes pair well with roasted meats like beef, pork, or lamb. A side salad or steamed vegetables can also complement the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Upper Crust Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Upper Crust Potatoes contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Upper Crust Potatoes contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Upper Crust Potatoes contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Upper Crust Potatoes contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Upper Crust Potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream, butter, cream cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese) and gluten (bread crumbs).

Summary

Upper Crust Potatoes are a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fats and carbohydrates. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Upper Crust Potatoes is a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. This creamy and cheesy potato casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed with age and the binding was starting to fall apart, but the recipes inside were a treasure trove of culinary delights.

As I turned the page, a recipe for Upper Crust Potatoes caught my eye. The description read, "Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, and a golden breadcrumb topping come together to create a dish that is both hearty and comforting." My mouth watered just reading the words, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I decided to make the dish for Sunday dinner, inviting my family over to taste my latest culinary creation. As I gathered the ingredients and started to peel the potatoes, memories flooded back to me of all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother. She had been the one to teach me the art of cooking, passing down her recipes and knowledge with love and patience.

I could still hear her voice in my head as I sliced the onions, her gentle guidance urging me to take my time and savor the process. She had always believed that cooking was more than just following a recipe – it was a way to show love and care for those you were feeding.

As the potatoes bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with a warm, savory scent, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. This was where I belonged, surrounded by the sights and smells of a kitchen in full swing, creating something delicious to share with the people I loved.

When the dish was finally ready, I pulled it out of the oven and set it on the table with a flourish. My family oohed and aahed at the sight of the golden crust topping, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at their reactions.

As we dug into the dish, the flavors mingling on our tongues, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire. It was a dish that spoke to my soul, reminding me of all the love and care that had gone into creating it.

Over the years, I have made Upper Crust Potatoes countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experimented with new ingredients and techniques. But no matter how many variations I try, the core of the recipe remains the same – layers of potatoes, onions, and breadcrumbs, baked to perfection in a hot oven.

And as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same joy and satisfaction that I have found in the kitchen. Because cooking isn't just about following a set of instructions – it's about creating something that nourishes both body and soul, a way to connect with those we love and carry on the traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I urge you to give Upper Crust Potatoes a chance. Let the flavors and aromas transport you to a place of warmth and comfort, where the simple act of cooking becomes a labor of love. And who knows – you just might create a new family favorite in the process.