Old Fashioned Potatoes With Thickening
Hearty, creamy potatoes thickened with butter, milk, and cornstarch—rich comfort food perfect for family dinners or side dishes that wow guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and quarter them; new potatoes can be left whole.
- Add water, butter, salt, and pepper to a pot and bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Cook about 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with milk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes and stir well.
- Return to medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid thickens.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or small new potatoes for a creamy texture. If you're out of cornstarch, you can substitute with flour, though you may need to adjust the amount. To enhance flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme during cooking. This dish pairs well with a side of * Chilled Pea Salad * for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Old Fashioned Potatoes hot as a hearty side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. They complement dishes like meatloaf or chicken pot pie perfectly. For a complete meal, pair them with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives can also elevate the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much after refrigeration.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Potatoes With Thickening contains roughly 939 calories, with 13g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1415mg per serving (62% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of thickening the sauce. Store the cooked potatoes in the refrigerator and complete the thickening step just before serving to ensure the best texture.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This will still provide a rich flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the cooking water. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who like an extra kick.
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).