Potatoes are one of my favorite things . . . this is a great variation of plain mashed potatoes.

I'm looking for a recipe that is similar to the baked potato soup served at Chili's . . . it has to be one of my favorite meals with a salad. If anyone has the recipe, I'd really appreciate it!

Mashed Potato Casserole

Makes 10 to 12 servings

4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch chunks
8 ounces light cream cheese, cut into pieces, room temperature
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Position a rack in the center of the oven and pre-heat to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough lightly salted water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to pot.

With a hand-held electric mixer mash potatoes until chunky. Add the cream cheese, ¾ cup of the cheddar, milk, butter, and salt and pepper to taste and mix until smooth. Stir in the chives. Spread evenly in the baking dish and top with remaining ¼ cup of cheddar.

Bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve hot.

The casserole can be prepared without the cheese topping up to 1 day ahead, covered, and refrigerated. If chilled, add the cheese topping and bake until heated through, about 45 minutes.

Recipes from Art Smith's blog on Yahoo.com

Chicken and Potato Casserole

Love the combination of the chicken, potatoes and the sauce.

This recipe and photo is courtesy of Grandmother's Kitchen . . . link follows the recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 1 large onion, slices
• 1/2 cup white cheese, shredded
• 5 cups potatoes, peeled, par-boiled and sliced

Directions

Preheat over to 350 degree F. 

Peel and par-boil the potatoes. Drain the water, let the potatoes cool, then slice them into rounds.

Meanwhile, while the potatoes are cooking we will cook the chicken. 

Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the chicken pieces until they are not pink. Set aside. 

To make the creamy sauce, melt butter in large sauce pan over low heat and whisk in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. Remove from heat gradually whisk in milk. Return to heat and cook until thickened and bubbly.

Fold in chicken, onion slices,and cheese. Gently stir the mixture together. 

Place a layer of potatoes slices into the bottom of a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the creamy mixture on next. Make a top layer with the remaining potato slices. Cover with aluminum foil. 

Bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes to lightly brown the top.


Original Chicken And Potato Casserole Recipe found at Grandmother's Kitchen Recipes.

Potato Puffs

Makes: 24 large or 72 small puffs

Preparation Time: 20 min

Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¹/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 egg yolks, beaten
• 
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
    
2. Place potatoes in a soup pot and add just enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce heat to medium and cook 12 to 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain off water, mash the potatoes, and allow to cool.
    
3. In a small saucepan, saute onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender. Add sauteed onion, the cracker crumbs, salt, and pepper to mashed potatoes; mash mixture.
    
4. With your hands, roll mixture into balls and place potato balls on prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg yolk and bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden and crusty.

Source:  Mr. Food

Potato Nests

ingredients

• 1  20-oz. pkg.  refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
• 2    eggs, beaten
• 1  Tbsp.  snipped fresh chives
• 1/2  tsp.  salt
• 12    eggs
• 2/3  cup  milk
• 1/4  tsp.  salt
• 1/4  tsp.  ground black pepper
• 2  Tbsp.  butter or margarine
• 1-1/2  cups  shredded American cheese (6 ounces)
•     Fresh chives (optional)
• 
  

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet; set aside. In a large bowl, stir together potatoes, the 2 beaten eggs, chives, and the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Shape mixture into 12 mounds (about 1/3 cup each) on prepared baking sheet. Press the back of a tablespoon into each mound, making a nest. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned and set.

2. Meanwhile, beat together the 12 eggs, milk, the 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper with a rotary beater. In a 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat; pour in egg mixture. Cook over medium heat without stirring until mixture begins to set on the bottom and around edge.

3. With a spatula, lift and fold the partially cooked egg mxiture so that the uncooked portion flows underneath. Continue cooking over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until egg mixture is cooked through but is still glossy and moist. Remove from heat.

4. Spoon about 1/3 cup of egg mixture into each potato nest. Sprinkle cheese over eggs. Return to oven; bake about 2 minutes or until cheese melts. If desired, garnish with chives. Makes: 12 servings

nutrition facts

• 
  

• Calories205.3, 
• Total Fat (g)12.4, 
• Saturated Fat (g)6, 
• Cholesterol (mg)266.3, 
• Sodium (mg)487.6, 
• Carbohydrate (g)11, 
• Fiber (g).6, 
• Protein (g)12.2, 
• Vitamin C (DV%)5,
• Calcium (DV%)13, 
• Iron (DV%)6, 
• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

My variations . . . Use large muffin pan instead of baking sheet . . . substitute cheddar cheese for american cheese . . . add bacon or sausage.  What an awesome presentation!

Recipe and photo source:  Better Homes and Gardens

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Foil Pack

Talk about a loaded potato!  The possibilities are endless with these foil pack potatoes.  Add the ingredients you love.

This recipe is meant for the grill, but of course it will work nicely in the oven. Simple and convenient made wonderful!

This recipe and photo comes from Betty Crocker.com!

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb small (two-bite) Yukon gold potatoes, halved

4 teaspoons oil

2 tablespoons ranch dip mix (from 1-oz package)

1 jalapeño chile, seeded, finely chopped

4 slices cooked bacon, coarsely chopped 

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)

Directions

Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cut 2 (18x12-inch) sheets of heavy-duty foil. Spray with cooking spray.

Drizzle cut potatoes with oil and sprinkle with ranch dip mix. Add jalapeño chile; stir until evenly coated. Place equal amount of mixture on center of each sheet of foil. Evenly sprinkle with bacon.

Bring up 2 sides of foil so edges meet and seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold.  Fold again, allowing space for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal.

Place packs on grill over medium heat. Cover grill and cook 12 minutes. Rotate packs 1/2 turn and cook 12 to 14 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender. 

Remove packs from grill, cut large X across top of each pack. Carefully fold back foil, and sprinkle potatoes with cheese. If desired, garnish with sliced jalapeño chile.

To make in oven, place packets on cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees 40 to 45 minutes.

Guide to Seafood

Seafood Source Recipes, videos and tips for preparing your favorite fish and shellfish Seafood is quick and easy to prepare at home, but navigating the fish market can be a challenge. There are many decisions to make – the best species or type, farm-raised or wild, whole or filleted, fresh or frozen – plus the all-important question of how to determine freshness. Here, we guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the finest seafood possible. Finfish Tuna Tuna Steaks with Tomato and Basil Raw Sauce Grilled Tuna with White Bean Puree, Olive Tapenade and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Tuna and Artichoke Panini Buying guide and recipes for tuna Salmon Grilled Salmon Fillet with Honey-Mustard Sauce Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lemon, Basil, and Salmon Salmon with Lemon, Capers, and Rosemary Buying guide and recipes for salmon Striped Bass Easy Baked Striped Bass with Tomatoes, Rosemary and Olives Roasted Striped Bass with Chive and Sour Cream Sauce Whole Striped Bass Buying guide and recipes for striped bass Swordfish Swordfish and Spaghetti with Citrus Pesto Grilled Swordfish Skewers with Coconut, Key Lime and Green Chile Sauce Curry-rubbed Swordfish Steaks with Fresh Green Chutney Buying guide and recipes for swordfish Red Snapper Roasted Red Snapper with Rosemary Whole Grilled Red Snapper with Jicama Slaw Oven Roasted Red Snapper Fillets with Tomatoes and Onions Buying guide and recipes for red snapper Trout Trout-In-A-Pouch with Fresh Herbs and Garlic Plank Grilled Whole Trout Pan-Roasted Trout Bruschetta with Chili Vinaigrette Buying guide and recipes for trout Other Finfish Flounder Baked Stuffed Flounder Flounder Francese with Toasted Almonds, Lemon and Capers Flounder Fish Salad Buying guide and recipes for flounder Tilapia Blackened Tilapia Sandwich with Cilantro Lime Mayonnaise Tilapia with Purple Potato Crust and Chive Rosemary Oil Grilled Tilapia with Lemon Butter, Capers and Orzo Buying guide and recipes for tilapia Sea Bass Sea Bass with Lemon and Caper Sauce Ginger Sea Bass over Wilted Greens Sea Bass with Mustard Crust with Garlic-Parmesan Broccoli Buying guide and recipes for sea bass Mahi Mahi Mahi Mahi Lettuce Wraps Grilled Mahi Mahi with Jerk Spice The Ultimate Fish Tacos Buying guide and recipes for mahi mahi Monkfish Monkfish Chowder Bacon-Wrapped Monkfish with Beurre Rouge Rosemary Skewered Monkfish with Pancetta and Bread Buying guide and recipes for monkfish Cod Beer and Chipotle-Battered Fish Tacos Pecan Crusted Cod Fish Cod and Potato Cakes with Lemony Tartar Sauce Buying guide and recipes for cod Halibut Halibut with Balsamic Glaze Roasted Halibut with Grapefruit Fennel Salsa Halibut and Chickpea Salad Buying guide and recipes for halibut

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/ck_cg_seafood_guide/0,3100,FOOD_27337,00.html

Truck Stop Home Fries

In celebration of 75 years of Idaho Potatoes, 

the Famous Idaho Potato Truck will be touring the country!  

Click here to see where you can see this giant spud on wheels

One of my favorite foods is the potato and home fries is one of my
 favorite ways of preparing them since breakfast is my favorite meal. 
 I love the spin of adding bacon to the mix!

Ingredients

• 6 Idaho russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 8 bacon slices
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 
  

Instructions 

1. Fill a large saucepan 3/4 full with water; add potatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook 10 to 12 minutes, or until fork-tender; drain and set aside.
    
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble. Add onion to bacon fat and sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until it starts to brown. Add potatoes, bacon, salt, and pepper; toss gently and cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until brown, stirring occasionally.

Source:  Mr. Food

Disneyland's Loaded Baked Potato Soup

.

This recipe comes from Disneyland's Carnation Cafe . . . a park favorite that is perfect for those chilly days of winter.  

I can't wait to try out this version of one of my favorite soups!

Ingredients

1 pound bacon, roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
3/4 cup diced celery
4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 medium red potatoes, diced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 cups heavy whipping cream
Optional garnishes: chopped chives, bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese

1. In a 6- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp.
2. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving half for garnish. In bacon fat, cook onions, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent. Add potatoes and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Whisk in flour and stir constantly over low heat until the flour is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken stock and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Over medium-high heat, bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Mash some of the potatoes for thicker, creamier texture. Add whipping cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Adjust thickness by adding water or stock. Soup should have a creamy consistency.
6. Season to taste, and garnish with toppings.

Cooks’ notes: Soak diced potatoes in cold water until ready to use to keep them from turning brown. To make bacon easier to chop, lightly freeze.

Source:  http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

Oven Fried Potato Wedges

3 large baking potatoes
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cornbread dressing mix

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Wash the potatoes and cut each into 6 thick wedges. Mix the mayonnaise with the hot sauce, onion salt, House Seasoning and pepper. Coat the potato wedges with the mayonnaise mixture and roll them in the dressing mix. Place in a greased baking dish and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Serve with your favorite dip.

House Seasoning:

1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Recipe from Paula Deen, The Food Network

Potato Casserole by Trisha Yearwood

Trisha describes this side dish as a mashed potato casserole.

Doesn't it look delicious?

Sometimes the simplest of meals are the best.

I'd never heard of mayonnaise and sour cream together for mashed potatoes, but why not?

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Level: Easy

Total Time: 45 min

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min



Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
• 6 large russet potatoes
• Pinch salt
• 8 ounces sliced bacon
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• Pinch garlic salt
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups grated Cheddar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place the potatoes and salt in a pressure cooker with water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes until very tender, about 5 minutes. (If you do not have a pressure cooker, boil the potatoes in a pot of water with a pinch of salt until tender, about 20 minutes.)

While the potatoes boil, cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels and, when cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

Add the milk, mayonnaise, sour cream, butter, garlic salt, pepper and 1 cup of the cheese to a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Whip the mixture until thoroughly combined. Drain the potatoes and add to the mixer. Mix again to combine and the potatoes are whipped smooth.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and remaining 1 cup cheese over the top and bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through, about 20 minutes.


Adapted from "Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood" by Trisha Yearwood © Clarkson Potter 2010. Provided courtesy of Trisha Yearwood. All rights reserved.

Source:  Food Network

Buffalo Chicken Potato Bake

 

I could live on this type of comfort food!

Don't forget the biscuits . . .

Source: https://www.creolecontessa.com/2015/12/13/buffalo-chicken-ranch-potato-casserole-with-hidden-valley-ranch/

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup Hidden Valley® Ranch
• 4–5 large russet potatoes, peeled, diced 1/2 inch chunks
• 1/2 cup hot wing sauce
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 stick butter, unsalted, melted
• 4 cups roasted chicken, skinless, pulled or chopped
• 3 cups cheddar and jack cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning or seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• toppings: green onions

---

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Peel and boil potatoes for 20 minutes are until tender, drain, set aside.
3. Mix chicken and hot sauce together and set aside.
4. Remove skin from chicken and shred or chop chicken.
5. Add potatoes to a mixer or use hand mixer add 1 1/2 cups of cheese, Hidden Valley® Ranch, and remaining ingredients. Mix well and fold in chicken and hot sauce mixture.
6. Place potatoes in a 9×9 greased casserole dish.
7. Top with remaining cheese, bake for 15 minutes.
8. Garnish with green onions.
9. Top with extra Hidden Valley® Ranch and enjoy!

Ore-Ida Loaded Potato Soup

Winner: Ore-Ida Employee Recipe Contest
Ore-Ida Loaded Potato Soup

Cooking time: 15 minutes
No. of Servings: 4-6



Ingredients:

1 24 oz. bag Ore-Ida® Steam n' Mash Garlic Seasoned Potatoes
2 cups broccoli florets, frozen
1 jar Classico Creamy Alfredo sauce
2 cups milk
1/4lb bacon
1 cup cheddar cheese
¼ cup green onions, chopped


Directions:

Prepare Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash Garlic Seasoned Potatoes in the microwave, as directed on package.

While the potatoes are cooking, cut bacon into mall strips, chop green onions and shred cheddar cheese. Fry bacon in a sauce pan over med-high heat, set aside.

Turn heat down to medium-low and Pour Classico® Creamy Alfredo into sauce pan.

Add milk and broccoli florets, and stir soup occasionally.

Pour one cup of cooked potatoes into small bowl, mash.

Blend mashed potatoes into soup.

Pour 1 cup of cooked potatoes into individual serving bowls. Ladle soup over
the potatoes.

Top with cheese, bacon and green onions.