Heavenly Potato Casserole Recipe
Description: ๐ I stumbled upon this gem in the New York Daily News, and let me tell you, it lives up to its nameโthis is indeed a heavenly potato casserole! The key to perfection here is slicing the russet potatoes thinly to ensure they cook evenly and become delectably tender. Prepare for a dish that will undoubtedly become a family favorite!
Category: Potato
Keywords: Vegetable, Kosher, Oven, < 4 Hours
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup broth (vegetable or chicken)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by positioning your oven rack in the center and preheat it to a toasty 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly, achieving that perfect golden-brown top. ๐
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This step is crucial as it prevents the potatoes from sticking and adds a lovely richness to the dish. Set the buttered dish aside.
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Layer the Potatoes: Slice the russet potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Start layering the potatoes in the prepared dish by spreading one-third of the slices in an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
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Season the Layers: Sprinkle one-third of the minced garlic over the potatoes, followed by a pinch of salt, a sprinkling of fresh thyme leaves (if using), a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. ๐ฟ๐ง Repeat this layering process two more times with the remaining ingredients, ensuring you end with a final layer of cheese on top. This layering technique creates a beautiful depth of flavor and a deliciously gooey cheese crust.
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Add the Cream Mixture: In a large measuring cup, combine the heavy cream and broth. Pour this creamy mixture gently around the edges of the dish, avoiding the center to prevent disrupting the layers. This allows the liquid to soak through the potatoes, ensuring they cook to creamy perfection.
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Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender (test with a skewer or paring knife), the liquid has reduced and thickened, and the cheese on top is beautifully browned and bubbling. ๐ง๐ฅ
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Cool Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
Enjoy this rich, creamy potato casserole as a comforting side dish for any occasion, and watch it quickly become a beloved staple at your table! ๐ฝ๏ธ
