Oven Potatoes
Oven Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring grated potatoes baked to perfection with melted cheddar, margarine, and half and half. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this comforting casserole offers rich flavors and a crispy paprika topping that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the potatoes with skins on the day before, then cool.
- Peel and grate the potatoes using a cabbage grater.
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with Pam and put the grated potatoes in it.
- Heat together the margarine and half and half until warmed.
- Pour the margarine and half and half mixture over the grated potatoes.
- Cover the top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- The next day, bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half. If you're looking to reduce calories, consider using a low-fat margarine. To save time, you can use pre-grated potatoes available in the store. Always taste and adjust the seasoning, and feel free to add herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor. This dish can be customized like the popular Pineapple Picnic Salad.
Serving Suggestions
These oven potatoes make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Serve them alongside dishes like fried chicken or a hearty salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Lemon Cream Cake for dessert, making it a well-rounded menu choice for gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack, but the oven retains the crispiness better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Potatoes contains roughly 1109 calories, with 15g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and potassium (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% 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 the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to meld overnight, and you can simply bake it the next day. Make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can add cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the flavor of the dish. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. These additions can make the dish more exciting, similar to the rich flavors found in Easy Carrot Bars.
Can I freeze the oven potatoes?
Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the texture of the potatoes can become watery and mushy once thawed. However, if you have leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture may change upon reheating, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
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).