Del Mexico Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy baked potatoes with nutmeg and pepper, perfect as comfort food or a side dish for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the red potatoes until tender. Peel them when cold and grate into a buttered casserole dish.
- Heat the grated Cheddar cheese, dry mustard, whipping cream, milk, pepper, and nutmeg together until well combined.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the grated potatoes.
- Dot the top with butter.
- Cool the casserole and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Remove from refrigerator and bake at 325°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of half-and-half and whole milk instead of just milk. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique flavor. Adding a dash of hot sauce can enhance the dish's richness. If you're short on time, using pre-shredded cheese can save some preparation efforts.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as chicken or beef, and a side salad for a complete meal. It also makes for a comforting side dish at family gatherings or potlucks. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside steamed vegetables or a hearty grain salad. Explore more American recipes for additional side dish ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal, but the oven method will keep the top crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Del Mexico Potatoes contains roughly 380 calories, with 7g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes, preparing the casserole a day in advance is actually recommended. After assembling, cover it tightly and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to bake it before serving, and adjust the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While red potatoes are recommended for their waxy texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold or even russet potatoes. Keep in mind that different potatoes may alter the texture slightly, so choose according to your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish healthier?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of cheese or use reduced-fat cheese to lower the fat content. Additionally, using low-fat milk or substituting some of the cream with vegetable broth can lighten the dish while still keeping it flavorful.
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).