Potatoes With Cream Cheese
Creamy potatoes with a rich blend of cream cheese and herbs, this comforting dish features crispy hash browns topped with a flavorful sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a cheesy, savory taste with hints of garlic, dill, and onion, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut slightly thawed hash browns into cubes and place in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix softened cream cheese and half and half in a saucepan and heat over low heat until well blended.
- Add instant minced onion, dill weed, and garlic salt to the mixture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the potatoes in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until heated through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can use full-fat cream cheese instead of reduced-fat. If you prefer a bit more flavor, consider adding freshly chopped chives or replacing dill weed with fresh dill. You can also substitute the half and half with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative for lighter options. Thaw the hash browns fully for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These creamy potatoes pair beautifully with a side of grilled chicken or beef roast and gravy for a hearty meal. They also make a fantastic side for brunch alongside scrambled eggs or an Ambrosia Salad(Kids Love It!). Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals until hot, but the oven helps maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potatoes With Cream Cheese contains roughly 168 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1388mg per serving (60% 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 fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Peel and cube about 2-3 medium potatoes, then parboil them for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the casserole dish. This ensures they cook through evenly with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for an added kick.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
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).