Gary'S Potatoes
Gary's Potatoes are creamy, cheesy baked potatoes with a crispy topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, featuring tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, and savory seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes with jackets in water with a bay leaf until tender.
- Cool, peel, and shred the potatoes into a bowl.
- Mix melted margarine or butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, chopped green onions or onion, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Add the mixture to the shredded potatoes and combine well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 2 1/2-quart casserole dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup crushed corn flakes.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you're looking for a lighter version, try using low-fat margarine or butter. When shredding potatoes, a box grater works well, or you can use a food processor for speed. To enhance the flavor, add garlic powder or fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside Spicy Barbecue Chicken for a hearty dinner that will impress guests. Garnish with additional chopped green onions for freshness. Leftover casserole makes a great side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack, but the oven gives the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gary'S Potatoes contains roughly 817 calories, with 10g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1257mg per serving (55% 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 different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute sharp Cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the dish, just keep in mind that the melting qualities might vary slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. Ensure your margarine is plant-based as well, and you'll have a delicious vegetarian casserole that everyone can enjoy.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it heats through completely.
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).