Baked Potato Casserole A Dish So Delicious Youll Want to Make It Again and Again
If you love potatoes, you’re in for a treat! This Baked Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that combines grated potatoes, leeks, ham, and cheese to create a savory and satisfying meal. The addition of kefir and fresh dill brings a unique twist to this comforting bake. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
INGREDIENTS:
To make this delicious Baked Potato Casserole, you will need:
2 large eggs
200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) kefir
180 g (1 1/2 cups) flour
7 g (1 1/2 tsp) baking powder
2 large potatoes, grated
1 leek, finely chopped
120 g (4.2 oz) chopped ham
100 g (3.5 oz) hard mozzarella, grated
A bunch of fresh dill, chopped
Salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a rectangular baking dish or line it with baking paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and kefir together until smooth. This mixture will provide the base for the batter.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg and kefir mixture. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Prepare the Vegetables
Peel and grate the potatoes. Finely chop the leek into thin slices. In another bowl, combine the grated potatoes, sliced leek, and chopped ham. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Ingredients
Fold the potato mixture into the batter, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for a consistent texture and flavor throughout the casserole.
6. Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top to add a delicious, cheesy crust.
7. Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and crispy. The casserole should be firm to the touch and cooked through.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped dill for a burst of fresh flavor. Cut into squares and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Baked Potato Casserole
Grate the potatoes finely: For the best texture, ensure the potatoes are grated finely. This helps them cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
Use fresh dill: Fresh dill adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Storing and Serving
This casserole is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to maintain the crispness of the top layer.
Serve this casserole as a hearty breakfast, a side dish for lunch, or a main course for dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutritional Info:
This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people. The nutritional information per serving is as follows:
Calories: 250
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 300mg
Our Baked Potato Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that will have you coming back for more. With its combination of grated potatoes, leeks, ham, and cheese, this casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this wonderful bake, and make it a staple in your recipe collection.