Quick Cheese Potatoes Recipe π§π₯
Overview:
Quick Cheese Potatoes are a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. With a creamy cheese sauce generously poured over frozen hash browns and baked to golden perfection, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The prep time is only 15 minutes, followed by an hour of baking, resulting in a total preparation time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each serving is packed with flavor and satisfaction, making it an ideal side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 package frozen southern style hash brown potatoes
- Bacon bits (optional)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan. |
| 2 | Arrange the frozen hash browns evenly in the greased baking pan. |
| 3 | In a saucepan, combine the half-and-half, margarine, diced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and cubed Velveeta cheese. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. |
| 4 | Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the frozen hash browns, ensuring even coverage. |
| 5 | Allow the dish to stand at room temperature for 1 hour. This step allows the flavors to meld and the hash browns to partially thaw. |
| 6 | Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. |
| 7 | Garnish with bacon bits, if desired, before serving. |
| 8 | Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy delight, especially alongside ham or your favorite main dish. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 261
- Total Fat: 18.9g
- Saturated Fat: 8.3g
- Cholesterol: 34.8mg
- Sodium: 239.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.1g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugars: 0.5g
- Protein: 7.6g
Tips:
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some bacon bits into the cheese sauce before pouring it over the potatoes.
- Customize the dish by incorporating your favorite cheese varieties or adding herbs and spices such as garlic powder or paprika.
- Make sure to grease the baking pan well to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the standing time before baking, but allowing the dish to rest enhances the flavors.
Conclusion:
With its creamy cheese sauce and comforting potato base, Quick Cheese Potatoes are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or attending a potluck, this easy-to-make dish will impress everyone with its delicious flavor and simplicity. Give it a try and watch it disappear within minutes!
