Lean Creamy Potatoes
Creamy, flavorful potatoes with melted low-fat cheddar, pimientos, and onions, perfect as a comforting side dish for health-conscious meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder ⓘ
- 2 cups skim milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons reduced-calorie margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimiento, drained ⓘ
- 1 3/4 pounds medium potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet with vegetable cooking spray over medium heat.
- Cook the sliced onions until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine skim milk, dry milk powder, and all-purpose flour to make a thick sauce.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Add salt, white pepper, and drained diced pimiento to the sauce.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes and cooked onions alternately.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the layered potatoes and onions.
- Sprinkle shredded low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of low-fat sour cream and Greek yogurt in place of some of the milk. If you don't have pimiento, roasted red peppers can serve as a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, add garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce. This dish is versatile and can easily fit into American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy potato dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier dinner. Consider complementing it with Cheese Bread Hors D'Oeuvres for an impressive spread. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lean Creamy Potatoes contains roughly 1462 calories, with 31g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), calcium (84% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 regular milk instead of skim milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the calorie content, as it will be higher than using skim milk. If using whole milk, you may want to adjust the amount of margarine to keep the dish lighter.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I serve as a side dish with creamy potatoes?
Pair these creamy potatoes with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a delightful contrast. You might also enjoy it with a simple protein like grilled chicken or baked fish to complete the meal. For a festive touch, serve with Fruited Holiday Bars for dessert.
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).