Cooper'S Awesome Potatoes
Cooper's Awesome Potatoes is a hearty, cheesy casserole combining mashed potatoes, ham, salami, and cheeses, perfect for a comforting family meal or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender and mash them.
- Do not add milk or salt to the mashed potatoes.
- Cut cheese, ham, and salami into small pieces.
- Mix the chopped cheese, ham, and salami into the mashed potatoes.
- Add eggs, half a stick of butter, pepper, and Parmesan cheese to the mixture and combine well.
- Put the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Cut the rest of the butter into small pieces and place on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or garlic powder in the potato mixture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the salami with turkey bacon or omit it entirely. Experiment with different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or Gruyère, for a unique twist. This dish is similar in heartiness to Cajun Country Red Beans And Rice, making it great for family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Good Baked Squash, enhancing the comfort food experience. For a more filling spread, consider serving it with crusty bread or as part of a potluck alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cooper's Awesome Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until warmed through, approximately 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cooper'S Awesome Potatoes contains roughly 1538 calories, with 38g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), potassium (102% of the Daily Value), and protein (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 662mg per serving (29% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cooper's Awesome Potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture when mashed. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they do not mash well and may result in a different consistency in the final dish.
Can I freeze Cooper's Awesome Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. After baking and cooling completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking it again at 350°F until heated through.
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).