Garden Potatoes
A hearty, low-fat casserole featuring tender red potatoes, colorful peppers, crispy Canadian bacon, and melted Cheddar, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Boil potatoes with skins for about 20 to 25 minutes or until tender.
- Drain and cool.
- Dice potatoes with skins into bite-sized pieces.
- Spoon potatoes into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Moisten the potatoes with skim milk.
- Combine diced green pepper, red pepper, onion, parsley, cooked Canadian bacon, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Spread the pepper mixture over the top of the potatoes.
- Drizzle with melted margarine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute the skim milk with half-and-half or sour cream. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the Canadian bacon with sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the flavor profile. Be cautious with salt, especially if your Canadian bacon is already salty.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, such as Sue'S Sensational Salad, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or pork. It also makes a great brunch dish when served with eggs or as a side for a weekend breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot, but the oven method helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Potatoes contains roughly 574 calories, with 35g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (197% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1605mg per serving (70% 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
What can I substitute for low-fat Cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, you can use a different variety such as Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a sharper flavor, consider using aged Cheddar. Just be mindful of the melting properties, as some cheeses may behave differently when baked.
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).