Potato Pie O'Brien
Creamy potato pie with melted cheese, bell peppers, and onions offers comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring the half and half to a boil.
- Add the thawed hash browns to the boiling half and half.
- Cook until the half and half is absorbed and the mixture thickens.
- Mix in the minced onion, bell pepper, pimentos, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into an oiled pie plate.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you like a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the frozen hash browns with fresh potatoes; just grate and pre-cook them slightly before adding to the mixture. This dish works well with variations like adding cheese or herbs.
Serving Suggestions
This Potato Pie O'Brien makes a hearty main dish and pairs beautifully with a fresh Summer Garden Salad for a light side. Consider serving it alongside a dollop of sour cream or a fresh salsa for added flavor. It can also be a great addition to a brunch spread, complementing dishes like the 4 Layer Lemon Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but the pie may lose some of its crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Pie O'Brien contains roughly 595 calories, with 28g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1234mg per serving (54% 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 mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the mixture is cold from the fridge.
What type of cheese is best for topping?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for this recipe due to its sharp flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Feel free to mix in some mozzarella for a gooey texture.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for the butter?
Absolutely! You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute to keep this dish vegetarian-friendly. Both options will work well to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the pie.
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).