Spanish Potatoes
Spanish Potatoes is a comforting baked dish featuring layers of sliced potatoes topped with a creamy mayonnaise and cheese mixture. Flavored with onions, green peppers, and red pimentos, it offers a rich yet fresh taste. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines hearty textures with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes until tender.
- Cool and peel the potatoes.
- Cut the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick round slices.
- Combine chopped onion, chopped green pepper, mayonnaise, cream, chopped red pimentos, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the spread.
- Butter the bottom and sides of a shallow 2-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes in the dish and spread with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of spread on top.
- Sprinkle grated yellow cheese over the top.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese topping melts.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or cream. You can also add spices like paprika or garlic powder to enhance the flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or frozen potatoes can be substituted. For a vegetarian twist, you could add fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to the spread.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Low-Fat Salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the cheese topping may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Potatoes contains roughly 390 calories, with 5g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value) and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1231mg 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This allows for even cooking and helps the cheese melt beautifully.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Medium starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are ideal as they hold their shape well after boiling and provide a creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they may not yield the same results in terms of creaminess and flavor absorption.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like peas, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times if you're using fresh vegetables to ensure they are cooked through but still retain some texture.
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).