Eisenhower Dish(A Favorite Of A President)
A comforting layered casserole featuring cracker crumbs, creamy sauce, cheese, pimentos, and eggs, perfect for family dinners or special occasions with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 8x8-inch, 2-inch deep baking dish, place a layer of rolled soda-cracker crumbs and moisten well with half of the medium white sauce.
- Add a layer of grated American cheese over the crumbs.
- Spread chopped pimentos over the cheese layer.
- Top with a layer of grated hard-cooked eggs.
- Repeat the layers: crackers, sauce, cheese, pimentos, eggs, ensuring the crumbs are well moistened.
- Finish with a layer of buttered crumbs on top.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream to the white sauce or mixing in a layer of sour cream between the cheese and pimentos. If American cheese is not available, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella can provide a similar melty consistency. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the hard-cooked eggs with sautéed mushrooms or spinach, making it a delightful option for vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served warm, directly from the oven, and can be accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with Macaroni Salad (Heritage Recipe) for a classic American picnic spread. Consider serving with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but for best results, use the oven to maintain the crispness of the buttered crumbs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eisenhower Dish(A Favorite Of A President) contains roughly 347 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), protein (16% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% 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 the layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even heating.
What can I use instead of pimentos?
If pimentos are not available, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or chopped olives for a different flavor profile. Both options add a nice touch of color and taste to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs as a substitute for soda-cracker crumbs. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the white sauce, are gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
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).