Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

I discovered a new "comfort food" recipe involving potatoes and cheese...always a fave around our house! The original recipe calls for butter (I only use vegan butter now so will replace with that) and milk which I will replace with skim milk. The original recipe also calls for ham which I leave out.  The recipe posted here is the one I've tweaked. It's a perfect side dish for a cold winter evening.  However, because there is a lot of prep before popping it into the oven, I only make this for an evening when we don't have to rush out the door for any activities.  It makes a nice Sunday dinner side with a chicken from the deli counter and an added side of cooked carrots or steamed peas.

LOADED BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

(I use red potatoes and leave skins on)

1 large onion, halved and sliced

(I use a sweet onion)

1/4 c. water

1/4 c. vegan butter

(I use Earth's Balance)

1/3 c. flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground mustard

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 c. skim milk

3 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided

3 c. fresh broccoli florets

2 Tbsp minced fresh chives or scallions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place potatoes, onion and water in a microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave, covered, on high until potatoes are almost tender (about 8 minutes); drain.
• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and stir in the flour and seasonings; cook and stir until lightly browned (about 2 minutes).
• Slowly whisk in the milk.
• Boil the mixture, stirring constantly; cook and stir until it's thick (about 2 min)
• Stir in 2 c. of the cheese until melted.  Remove from heat.
• Payer the potato mixture, and broccoli (and ham if you are using ham) in a greased 13x9 inch baking pan.
• Top with the sauce and the remaining 1 c. cheese.
• Bake, covered for 45 min.
• Uncover, bake until potatoes are tender, about another 25 min.
• Sprinkle with chives and let stand for a few minutes.

MENU IDEAS

This goes well with a rotisserie chicken from your local deli counter or with grilled steak tips.

I like to add steamed peas or green beans or sometimes cooked carrots.

Sometimes this is our main meal with a plate of sliced, fresh tomatoes or a tossed salad.

ENJOY!!

as with all the posts under the "faithfixes" label, you do have permission to copy and print this recipe.