Southern-Style Creamy Potato Bake
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this creamy potato bake, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners. This casserole combines the smoothness of cream cheese and butter with the savory goodness of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, while the addition of green peppers and pimientos provides a delightful twist. Ideal for those looking for a comforting side dish, this recipe can be easily prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve warm, and watch it disappear from the table!
10
Servings
350
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
3 lbs (peeled & quartered)
Butter
1 cup (unsalted)
Cream Cheese
2 (3 oz) packages (softened)
Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Pimiento
1 (2 oz) jar (drained)
Green Pepper
1 small (finely chopped)
Green Onion
1 bunch (finely chopped)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Milk
1/4 cup
Salt
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and quartering the potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with boiling water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Once done, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2
Mash the drained potatoes until smooth. Add in the butter and softened cream cheese, then beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
3
Carefully mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, pimiento, finely chopped green pepper, green onions, Parmesan cheese, milk, and salt, stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Transfer the potato mixture into a lightly buttered 11x7x1 1/2 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes or until it is heated thoroughly and starts to bubble.
6
In the final 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Allow it to bake until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
7
For best results, prepare the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
30g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern-Style Creamy Potato Bake?
It is a rich and creamy potato casserole featuring cream cheese, butter, cheddar, and Parmesan, with a southern twist from pimientos and green peppers.
How many servings does this potato bake provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
How long do I need to boil the potatoes?
Boil the peeled and quartered potatoes for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 11x7x1 1/2 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this potato bake have?
There are 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
What types of cheese are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of unsalted butter.
How much cream cheese should I use?
You will need two 3-ounce packages of softened cream cheese.
What is the purpose of pimientos in this dish?
Pimientos provide a colorful twist and a subtle savory flavor to the creamy potato mixture.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, the baking dish should be lightly buttered before adding the potato mixture.
When should I add the final layer of cheddar cheese?
Add the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese during the final 5 minutes of baking.
How do I adjust the baking time for a refrigerated casserole?
Add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the total baking time if you are cooking it straight from the refrigerator.
How long does the casserole bake in total?
The casserole should bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until it is heated through and bubbling.
What is the best way to mash the potatoes?
Mash the drained potatoes until smooth, then beat in the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for a creamy texture.
How many pounds of potatoes are needed?
You will need 3 pounds of potatoes, peeled and quartered.
What kind of onions are in this recipe?
One bunch of finely chopped green onions is used in the mixture.
Is milk included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1/4 cup of milk is mixed into the potato base.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of salt.
What type of green pepper is used?
One small green pepper, finely chopped, is required.
Are the pimientos drained before use?
Yes, the 2-ounce jar of pimientos should be drained before being added to the mix.
Is the Parmesan cheese shredded or grated?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What makes this a 'Southern-Style' dish?
The combination of heavy cream elements like cream cheese and butter with traditional southern additions like pimientos and green peppers gives it its name.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include potato casserole, southern cuisine, holiday recipe, comfort food, and make ahead.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use an electric mixer?
Yes, using an electric mixer on medium speed is recommended to achieve a completely smooth and creamy consistency.