"Company Coming" Potato Casserole(100 Year Old Recipe. One Of President Lincoln'S Favorites)
A hearty and nostalgic potato casserole featuring creamy mashed potatoes topped with sharp cheese and crunchy bread crumbs. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners, it combines rich flavors with a comforting texture, appealing to those who enjoy classic American comfort food with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
- 8 medium potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 8 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 2 c heavy cream ⓘ
- 1 c grated sharp cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- pepper and salt to taste ⓘ
- 2 c rinsed pinto beans ⓘ
- 2 to 3 inches water in kettle ⓘ
- 1/2 c brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 c white sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground ginger ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1 onion, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 c molasses ⓘ
- dash of catsup ⓘ
- 4 to 6 green tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 c flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Dip each tomato slice into beaten egg, then dredge in flour.
- Fry the tomato slices in butter until lightly browned on each side.
- Stack the fried tomato slices in a casserole dish, 3 to 4 slices high.
- Sprinkle each layer lightly with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar and Gruyère. You can substitute pinto beans with black beans or chickpeas if desired. If you prefer a crispier topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of fine bread crumbs. Ensure the tomatoes are at their ripest for the best taste. This recipe can also be adapted for vegetarian recipes by omitting the meat.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is best served warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a protein dish, such as grilled chicken or baked fish. It also complements American recipes like Chicken And Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will keep the topping crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Company Coming" Potato Casserole(100 Year Old Recipe. One Of President Lincoln'S Favorites) contains roughly 1156 calories, with 17g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1504mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes, you can use different varieties of tomatoes, such as heirloom or Roma tomatoes, for different flavors. However, ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during cooking. If you prefer a sweeter taste, opt for vine-ripened tomatoes, which tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare this casserole ahead of time, follow the recipe up to the baking stage, then refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This potato casserole pairs well with a variety of sides. For a hearty meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad. It also complements grilled meats or seafood. If you're looking for more ideas, consider browsing more American recipes for inspiration.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).